Liquid distributors

Liquid distributors ensure an even distribution of liquid over the entire cross-section of the packed bed.

A packed column requires a well-designed liquid distributor system in order to achieve an even distribution of liquid across the packed bed, thus optimising mass transfer across the entire operating range. Other important characteristics of liquid distributors include low gas-side pressure drop, low sensitivity to fouling and low overall height.

LC Hansa Engineering AB
Linda Caporicci Column internals, Droplet separation, Spray nozzles & systems, Other products
I look forward to providing product advice and solutions! Let's meet via a video call or a site visit. You can also phone or email us, of course.
AB Hansa Engineering AB
Alexander Bergman Droppavskiljning, Kolonninredning, Dysor & spraysystem, Tankrengöring, Tryckluftsprodukter
I look forward to providing product advice and solutions! Let's meet via a video call or a site visit. You can also phone or email us, of course.
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Ensure optimal liquid distribution in the column

Factors taken into account when designing a liquid distributor for a specific process are:

  • liquid load
  • operating range
  • liquid properties
  • risk of fouling or foaming
  • allowable liquid entrainment

The number of drip points generally ranges between 60-150/m², depending on the particular application.

To ensure an efficient process, the following criteria need to be met:

  • even distribution of liquid
  • low pressure drop in the gas phase
  • low risk of clogging due to contaminants or solid particles in the fluid
  • wide flow range
  • minimise the amount of droplets entrained in the gas flow
  • ensure even gas distribution
  • prevent liquid-flow channelling in the bed or along the column wall

Different types of liquid distributors

Pan-type

Deck type

Trough type

Ladder type

Spray-nozzle type

Trough-type with integrated parting box

Listed below are RVT's different types of liquid distributors, liquid load, and recommended column diameter.

Model and Material
Design type Liquid load m3/m2h Recommended column Ø in mm Metal Plastic Ceramic
Pan-type 0,3 - 200 100 - 1600 M 150 T P150 T K 150 T
Deck type 5 - 200 >200 M 150 B P 150 B -
Trough type 0,3 - 50 >600 M 150 KK P 150 KK K 150 KK
Ladder type 4 - 100 all sizes M 150 RR P150 RR -
Spray-nozzle type 3 - 200 all sizes M 150 SR P 150 SR K 150 SR
Trough-type with integrated parting box - - M 150 KQ P 150 KQ -

Other types or special designs on request.

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Checklist important parameters

In order to offer an efficient and sustainable solution, we list here a number of parameters that are important to consider when selecting and sizing liquid distributors.

Sometimes it is difficult or even impossible to obtain information and data regarding the specific process. Together with our suppliers, we have extensive experience and we can make sound assumptions as a basis for designing the best solution for the process.

Operating data
Liquid Unit
Volume flow - min m3/h
Volume flow - mom m3/h
Volume flow - max m3/h
Liquid density kg/m3
Dynamic viscosity of liquid mPass
Surface tension mN/m
Operating data
Gas Unit
Volume flow - max kg/h
Gas density (operating conditions) kg/m3
Geometrical data
Data Info/unit
Column diameter mm
Opening for installation - Manhole Yes/No
Opening for installation - Vessel flange Yes/No
Packing - Random Yes/No
Packing - Structured Yes/No
Packing type Please state if known
Number of drip points per m2
Material Please state
Optional material Please state
Preferred type of distributor Please state
Additional information
Data Info/unit
Fouling Yes/No
Foaming Yes/No
Type of feed pipe Please specify
Other requirements/additional information Please specify

Optimised performance in mass and heat transfer processes

For optimised performance in a mass or heat transfer process it is important to understand the underlying principles and parameters that are important to consider when designing a column for flue gas cleaning, flue gas condensation or stripping.

Founded in 1976, RVT Process Equipment is a leading supplier and manufacturer of droplet separators, packings, column internals and other products for mass and heat transfer processes.

RVT Process Equipment offers advanced engineering and technical support and has extensive experience in various processes and applications in the chemical and petrochemical industry, refineries, power plants, and pulp and paper. The R&D department houses fully equipped test units, available to carry out customer-specific tests when needed.

RVT Process Equipment has subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities in Knoxville, USA and in Kunchan, China.