We’re running a 3”+ (82 mm) column packed with a mix of 8 mm ss pall rings an home made SPP. I noticed that when the reflux coil was emerged in water an lifted up again, the dripping came from the outer coil and at the places wher we had wind i piece of copper wire to keep the coil from laying against the column wall.
Malldistribution of liquid reflux in industrial scale columns is quite great problem and besides using special liquid distributors, a praxis is to lengthen the column by up to 50%. Now as I’ve understood it, the problem in these columns is that liquid tends to the center of the column while in micro scale columns as most of us use, the liquid tends to the walls - I’m I right?
As I’ve understood it, centring rings are now out of fashion, so I was thinking about to counter this use a perforated plate benieth the reflux coil, in particular one from a presso coffe can.
Now finaly to the questions:
1) Is this a good idea?
2) How much free area (area of the holes) is nedded not to block vapour and liquid?
3) Is there a need for space between the plate and packing (and between the coil and the plate) and in that case how much?
Will see if I can post a picture of the plate when I’m back home.
Thanx in advance!
/L
Edit: The power is about 3kW