Mathematical modeling of gas distribution in packed columns

A dispersion model is proposed for the description of gas distribution in a packed column in the absence of liquid flow. The radial gas velocity profile is simulated for three different packing heights and compared with appropriate experimental data, obtained in a column with ‘honey-comb’ structured packing and gas distribution device (GDD). By separating the effect of the distributor from that of the packing layer, the additivity of packing redistribution capability and GDD is proved. The model parameters (distribution ability) are identified by means of non-linear optimization, minimizing the residual variance between the experimental and theoretical gas velocity. The model and experiment adequacy is checked. An analytical formula for the maldistribution factor is proposed, based on the model distribution parameter and initial condition only, and compared with the measured experimental maldistribution factor. Considering the studied packing, gas distribution coefficient is found based on the additivity of the obtained model parameters.