What is the best liquid distributor for a packed tower?
There are many options available, each of which possesses particular advantages. These are: a) Orifice style. Orifice style distributors are gravity flow devices where the liquid flows through small orifices in the tray floor. Orifice style distributors are usually preferred for small diameter towers (less than 4′-0″), clean liquids and where high turndown is not required. b) Notched trough. This style distributor is also a gravity flow device, but the liquid flows through notches in the side of rectangular troughs. It is generally used in towers 4′-0″ in diameter and greater. The notches are particularly suited to high liquid rates, high turndown and liquids that foul or carry solids. c) Pipe. Two basic distributors are used: 1) Pipe orifice and 2) MuItiple spray nozzle. These styles may be selected if the liquid feed is clean and under slight pressure. Turndown for these distributors can be limited by mist generation and splashing. Spray distributors are best suited to large diameter
