(140c) RMXR-Ring, RVT Process Equipment´s 4th Generation Random Packing Development and Performance

The development of RVT´s 4^th generation metal random packing family, RMXR-Ring, will be presented using the standard 2-inch nominal size RMXR#2 as an example. Initially used development steps included 3D printing and filling tests of prototypes as well as simulations of randomly bulked packing beds based on discrete element method (DEM). These results were used in a next step to estimate the packing pressure drop and capacity level via CFD simulation. The derived finally developed geometry of the RMXR #2-Ring was later implemented in a cut/bending production tool for its mass production and its hydraulic performance and mass transfer efficiency characterized with pilot plant columns and common standard test systems [1]. The results of these performance studies will be presented and compared to common 2^nd and 3^rd generation metal rings.

The results demonstrate that the developed RMXR geometry significantly surpasses the hydraulic capacity of standard 3^rd generation rings by achieving a significantly lower pressure drop while delivering an outstanding mass transfer efficiency level both for absorption and distillation applications.