What is Structured Packing and How Is It Used in Process Plants?

Structured packing is a range of materials that are specially designed for use in distillation and absorption columns, as well as chemical reactors. They usually consist of thin corrugated metal plates or gauze, designed to force fluids on complicated paths throughout the column. The design is intended to ultimately produce a large surface area for contact between different phases.

Structured packing is made from a variety of materials including corrugated sheets of perforated embossed metal, plastic, or wire gauze. The resulting product is an open honeycomb with inclined flow channels producing a high surface area coupled with a low gas flow resistance. Enhancements are often chosen to maximize liquid spreading which are ideal for applications with low pressure and irrigation rates.

How Structured Packing is Used in Process Plants?

The uniformed arrangement of structured packing offers many advantages compared to other types of packing or trays. They are useful in many applications, such as those where precise liquid spreading is needed, such as offshore applications that are subject to permanent tilt and motion. There are several types of structured packing that can be used in process plants.

Gauze – It is the preferred packing for deep vacuum and low liquid rate applications. It has the lowest pressure drop per theoretical stage, making it the ideal choice for processing specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and materials that are sensitive to temperature.

Knitted – Knitted packing can be rolled into one-piece layers to fit small diameter columns. It can also be wrapped back and forth to create rectangular bricks to be used in column main-ways. The multi-strand wires offer high surface area and high mass transfer efficiency at a higher-pressure drop than woven gauze.

Sheet Metal – This packing can handle a much wider range of vapor and liquid rates, as well as process services. Process applications range from low-pressure drop vacuum and atmospheric distillation services to medium high-pressure absorb. Sheet metal packing can even handle a modest amount of fouling with adequate liquid loading to keep the packing wetted.

Grid – Grid packing can provide extended operation in fouling services. Corrugated sheet metal and stamped blades are considered grid packing. Both types are highly durable with large open areas to facilitate highly fouling process streams. Corrugated grid packing has a smooth surface to minimize fouling and is constructed of much thicker material than the normal sheet metal packing.

Structured Packing Versus Random Packing

Random Packing’s advantage is that they are more cost efficient than structured packing and are less sensitive to misdistribution. However, Structure packings usually offer less pressure drop and have higher efficiency than random packings

. Structured packing also has a higher capacity and reduced liquid hold up compared to random packing and trays.

Feel free to call or e-mail us with your requirements to get a quick response and unsurpassed service.