Abstract
Providing of good initial radial distribution of gas phase is of significant importance for efficiency of column apparatuses. The aim of the present work is to analyze and evaluate gas flow maldistribution in different types of gas distributing devices (GDD) and respectively their efficiency, based on experimental data for the output velocity profile. The experimental data capture measuring of velocity profile for two construction types GDD – with circular and local tube gas feed. For both several additional modifications are also investigated – with adding the redistribution grids and gauzes, the empty section after the GDD, in the presence of water mirror under the GDD, etc. By the help of MATHCAD, six types of quantitative estimations of GDD maldistribution are determined and then their sensibility toward several factors such as the type of GDD, the initial gas flow velocity, the number and dimension of measuring cells on the column cross-section, the measurement error and so on, are investigated. It is found that only two of the quantitative maldistribution estimations take into account the formation of maldistribution clusters, which deteriorated the efficiency of the processes in the column. A novel method for quantitative determination of these clusters as well as for identification of the zones at column cross-section, in which they appeared, has been developed. It is established that the measurement error and the dimension of measuring cell deeply influence as on the number, the area and spatial distribution of these zones on the cross-section, as well as on the values of maldistribution estimates. It is shown that with adding of supplementary redistribution devices like grids and gauzes, the GDD’s maldistribution can be reduced about 3 times, without significant increasing of pressure drop.
