(297b) De-Entrainment Characterization of a Mist Elimination Device Using Phase Doppler Interferometry

The use of liquid distribution devices in the presence of a counter flowing gas can result in droplet entrainment.  In industrial processes, a loss of equipment operating efficiency, damage to downstream gas handling equipment, and corrosion/fouling can result from liquid entrainment. Mist elimination devices serve as an effective way to remove entrained liquid and negate these effects.  These devices are commonly composed of a wire mesh pad placed just above the liquid distribution device and use droplet momentum to divert entrained liquid to the column wall.  The design and effectiveness of de-entrainment devices to remove liquid droplets is dependent on the entrained droplet size, velocity, and physical properties. In this study, Phase Doppler Interferometry (PDI) is utilized to characterize the effectiveness of a de-entrainment device to remove droplets in an air-water system. PDI measurements are reported from both above and below the de-entrainment device.  A spray nozzle is used for liquid distribution in an 8 inch I.D. absorption column, where gas is introduced in a counter current flow relative to the liquid.  A variety of nozzle sizes are used to produce small (10 µm) and large (100 µm) droplets under various liquid and gas flow rates.