Experimental and modeling study of ceramic structured packing hydraulics

Process design involving packed columns requires accurate prediction of column hydraulics. Although ceramic structured column packings are a viable option for processes involving highly corrosive environments, little data exists on their pressure drop and liquid holdup. This study examines six ceramic structured packings with surface area between 125 and 450 m 2 /m 3 and packing angles of 45°and 60°. 11 correlations for packed column pressure drop and 7 correlations for packed column liquid holdup are applied to ceramic structured packings and model predictions are assessed. Packing-specific parameters of the reviewed models are provided and recommendations are made as to which models are best suited for modeling ceramic structured packing hydraulics. • Pressure drop and liquid holdup of six ceramic structured packings are measured. • 11 correlations for pressure drop and 7 correlations for liquid holdup are assessed and compared. • We give recommendations regarding the examined packed column modeling approaches. • This study is expected to contribute to further development of packed column models.