Three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics study of liquid flow characteristics and flooding behaviors in corrugated packing

Abstract Fluid flow behavior in packed columns is complex, with notable differences between the constant liquid hold‐up region and the flooding region. This study numerically investigates the gas–liquid flow behavior for various contact angle (CA) and liquid load ( L ) conditions in both regions, using the volume of fluid‐continuum surface force model. In the constant liquid hold‐up region, CA and L significantly affect the liquid flow pattern, liquid hold‐up, wetting rate, interfacial area ratio, pressure drop, and axial and radial distributions of liquid. In the flooding region, the dynamics of flooding evolution, critical conditions, and triggering mechanisms are analyzed under different CAs, considering the packing geometry, liquid hold‐up, pressure drop, and interfacial area ratio. The results show that liquid accumulation at the bottom of the packing, caused by edge effects, is a key factor triggering flooding.