(55d) FRI Test Data and Performance Modeling of Montzpak B1-250MN

Results are presented of the total reflux distillation experiments carried out with Montzpak B1-250MN at FRI, in a 1.22 m ID column using o/p xylene at 0.1 bar and cyclohexane/n-heptane (CH/n-H) system at 0.31 and 1.62 bar, respectively. All experiments were performed using a Montz high turndown liquid distributor, which performed accordingly over a very wide range of specific liquid loads.    

As observed, B1-250MN, the flagship of the newest generation of Montz high performance corrugated sheet structured packings, utilizing perforated sheets with characteristic shallow embossed texture in combination with a reduced corrugation inclination angle and a proprietary smooth bend on lower end of corrugations, exhibits a stable and highly efficient performance over the whole range of operating conditions as encountered in FRI total reflux distillation tests.  Interesting to mention is that efficiency curve measured with close boiling, o/p-xylene system matches perfectly that measured under same operating pressure at Bayer TS (BTS) using chlorobenzene/ethylbenzene in a 0.59 m ID column. In both cases the same maximum useful capacity was reached, while the pressure drop observed in FRI test was significantly lower than that measured at BTS. With CH/n-H system slightly lower efficiencies were measured, compared to close boiling system. Practically same efficiencies were obtained at vacuum and above atmospheric pressure, with the pressure drop and maximum useful capacity distributed accordingly. In all cases a strikingly good performance (HETP = 0.25 m at pressure drop below 1 mbar/m) was observed at lowest column loads, and a sudden departure in efficiency was observed upon reaching the point of onset of flooding.

Delft model, with full utilisation of the original correlation tor turbulent vapour flow mass transfer coefficient and a physically founded enhancement of the flow direction change related pressure drop proved to be capable of approaching closely measured efficiency and pressure drop both qualitatively and quantitatively.