PRESSURE-DROP IN CERAMIC STRUCTURED PACKINGS

Three correlations to predict irrigated pressure drop in ceramic structured packings are proposed and compared. These are based on the open-channel model. First dry pressure drop is correlated, and then the pressure drop increment due to the liquid is taken into account. Data reported for air/water in one commercial structured ceramic packing (Flexeramic) of three sizes, plus experimental data developed in this project for the system cyclohexane saturated vapor/cyclohexane saturated liquid were used for the development of the correlations. The average deviations for the three methods range between 25 and 31%.