Improving design and scale-up of columns with structured packings by means of CFD

Structured packings in distillation columns present an opportunity for process optimization. Therefore, current design processes for columns with structured packings are evaluated with respect to their industrial applicability, and a power law equation is proposed for transferring HETP values of a reference system to a test system. A design process that includes CFD simulations is presented, and the CFD simulation setup is introduced. The validity of the simulation setup is examined with regard to the following mixtures: nitrogen/oxygen, chlorobenzene/ethylbenzene, and cyclohexane/n-heptane. Diffusion coefficients are varied in the simulation, and their influence on the HETP value is evaluated. The simulated HETP values are then compared with established mass transfer models and demonstrate a high level of agreement.