A new principle for creation of packings operating at extremely low liquid superficial velocity

The lack of packings able to operate at extremely low liquid superficial velocities does not allow to carry out mass transfer processes at full countercurrent flow at too low concentrations of the component to be absorbed. For this reason, the full countercurrent flow in many important processes is replaced by division of the packing into layers and re-circulation of the absorbent in each of them. The latter increases the expenses for the construction of the apparatus with parallel decreasing the process driving force. A method for creation of packings with effective surface equal to their total surface even at liquid superficial velocities that tend towards zero is described. The construction of such effective packing is given. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient when the mass transfer is controlled by the gas-side boundary layer has been received from the results of the absorption of sulfur dioxide into a solution of sodium hydroxide. Data for the pressure drop and liquid hold-up of the packing are also presented. The comparison of the new packing with other types of highly efficient packings shows its great advantages.