In unit operations or gas cleaning applications, mass transfer refers to the net movement of a chemical from one phase to another. Typically, this involves the transfer of a gaseous component into a liquid
component but can be from liquid to gaseous. Some of the processes where mass transfer is performed include absorption, scrubbing, stripping and distillation. Tower packing is typically used to provide an improved environment for the contact between the two phases and improve the mass transfer.
The most common form of tower packing is referred to as “dumped” or “Random” packing. These packings are a mass of inert solid shapes dumped in a cylindrical column for providing a greater surface area for the gas and liquid in a wet scrubber to make contact. Structured tower packing is another type of packing thought of in much the same manner, a series of stages are installed in a vertical tower to provide a maximum surface area for the gas and liquid to make contact.
Kimre’s KON-TANE® Scrubber and Tower Packing is a structured, interlaced monofilament material. It is designed to facilitate breakup of the liquid phase, creating a maximum surface area for mass transfer with the vapor phase. KON-TANE® packing produces a low-pressure drop, prevents liquid holdup on and within the packing and curtails excessive energy use.
The ladder-like arrangement of KON-TANE® filaments or cylinders forms V-type double systems that intersect each other at right angles. A droplet falling from one of the cylinders will almost immediately hit the next. This makes renewed liquid surface available for mass transfer.
Due to its inherent rigidity and strength, KON-TANE® can be installed in layered pads numerous feet (meters) deep using relatively simple supports. The material is also flexible enough that the individual layers can be inserted through a manhole. Because of the uniform cross section of the material, edge-to-edge, channeling at the wall of the vessel and throughout the material is minimized.
KON-TANE® Packings are highly effective and widely used in crossflow or semi-cross flow wet scrubbers. These scrubbers typically combine spray and packed bed sections followed by a mist eliminator in a horizontal vessel for maximum separation of soluble gases, particulate matter, and mist particles. These scrubbers are usually classified as medium energy scrubbers and have a pressure drop of 100-200 mm water gauge depending on the system requirements.
Unlike conventional packing, KON-TANE® packing can be easily built into cassettes so that in case of pluggage, for example by salt crystals, they can be easily removed for cleaning. Strong, flexible KON-TANE® can be cleaned through pressure washing, the use of solvents, or even crushing of the media to remove scale. Shutdowns are very short and can often be completely avoided.
