Sulzer Chemtech

Internals
for packed columns

0699 2501
Table of contents

Page

Introduction 2

Column types 3

Liquid distributors 4

Selection of liquid distributors 4

Splash-plate distributor VEP 5

Channel-type distributors VKG and VKR 67

Collector / distributor VS 8

Distributors for corrosive media 9 10

Distributors for further applications 11 13

Distributor hole size 14

Liquid collectors 15 16

Support and locating systems 17

Gas / Liquid inlet systems 18 19

Introduction
This brochure provides an overview of Sulzer Chemtech Column In-
ternals, which have be developed in Sulzer Chemtechs extensive test
facility and used in commercial applications for many years. The fol-
lowing pages will provide you with detailed information on our inter-
nals for structured and random packings.

At Sulzer Chemtech, decades of design, construction and manufac-

turing experience are combined with on-going development and sta-
te-of-the-art production methods to guarantee you products of the
highest possible quality.

In order to comply with your specific requirements, our sales engi-

neers and specialists will always be ready to discuss detail inquiries
with you personally.

We look forward to working with you to develop a customized

packed tower solution that will exceed your expectations.

2
Internals for packed columns

Column type
When preparing column internals
specifications, you must know
whether you will be using a flanged
column or a welded vessel. If your
column is a welded vessel, then you
must know the inside diameter of
the manhole.

Prior to beginning engineering of

your column and internals, Sulzer
Chemtech will verify with you the
overall column height, and the man-
hole inside diameter.

0600 2508-2 0600 2508-4

Flanged columns Welded vessel columns

Packings and internals are instal- Packing and segmental internals

led through the column flange. are installed through manholes.

3
Liquid distributors

Selection of liquid distributors

For every process application, Sul- experience and well-founded ex- The following chart shows a choice
zer Chemtech can offer you a so- pertise make your distributor selec- of Sulzer Chemtech distributors to
lution fitted to your own particular tion decisions easy. match your own particular liquid
needs. loading and column size. Sulzer
Peak performance of your column Chemtech specialists will help you
When selecting the optimal dis- is achievable only if you precise- select just the right liquid distributor
tributor, professional advice from ly match your column internals to for your process application.
Sulzer Chemtechs specialists is both your packings and their spe-
always valuable. Our decades of cific process application.

200

Collector/distributor, VS

0600 2512-3

100

Channel-type distributor, VKG

50 High-liquid
load distributor, VKH/VEH
Specific liquid load (m3/m2h)

20

0600 2507-6

0600 2503-3

Channel-type distributor
VKG1) VKR1) Splash-plate distributor, VEP
1.0

Splash-plate distributor, VEPW

0.5 0600 2507-2

Low-liquid load distributor,

VKRPW1) Midget load distributor VEPK
fi
0.25 0.8 4.0 8.0
Column diameter (m)
1)
Can be supplied in a flanged version, also for diameters > 0,8 m

These distributors are suitable for most applications. For very difficult applications, Sulzer Chemtech can provide
customdesigned distributors that will fit your specific requirements.
4
Liquid distributors

Splash-plate distributor VEP

The splash-plate distributor VEP
is Sulzer Chemtechs most widely
used distributor.

Its patented discharge system has

several advantages:

Fewer lateral holes, due to the sprea-

ding effect of the splash-plate.

Larger hole diameters than conven-

tional discharge systems.

Anti-plugging, due to large holes

and the lateral discharge of liquid.

The feed liquid is pre-distributed at 0600 2503-3

a precisely controlled rate from a

main channel (mounted above) into
the individual arm channels.

Splash-plate distributor VEPW

For low liquid flow rates, the special
splash-plate distributor VEPW is
used to accommodate liquid loads
as low as 0.1 m3/m2h.

Low pressure drop and no entrain-

ment up to F 4.5 Pa0.5
0600 2514

Discharge system VEP

Specifications

Diameter > 0.8 m

Liquid load 0.5 to 30 m3/m2h VEPW: 0.1 to 1.0 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Can be levelled by a device supported on the packing
Special note If required, this distributor can be constructed as a self-supporting unit
(e.g. for use with random packings)

5
Liquid distributors

Channel-type distributor with

bottom holes VKG
The channel-type distributor VKG
has been successfullly used for
many years in columns up to 2 m
diameter.

It is one piece distributor with in-

tegral channels attached, suitable
for installation through a remo-
vable head of a vessel. A segmental
version can be installed through a
manhole in larger vessels.

The liquid is fed into a large center 0600 2507-6

channel, then distributed through
holes in the individual channel bot-
tom onto the packing. The VKG dis-
tributor is not recommended at low
liquid loads when suspended solids
are present.

0600 2507-7

Discharge system VKG

Specifications

Diameter 0.25 to 2.0 m; flanged design above 0.8 m

Liquid load 1 to 100 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination At low liquid loads
Construction details Can be levelled by means of locating or suspension device
Special note In addition, a pre-distribution system is used at high liquid loads and
larger column diameters

6
Liquid distributors

Channel-type distributor with

lateral tubes VKR
The channel-type distributor VKR
resembles the distributor VKG ex-
cept that it uses tubes at the side
of the channels rather than holes in
the channel bottom to distribute the
liquid onto the packing. This fea-
ture makes the distributor VKR less
susceptible to plugging.

The multiple-stage version is able to

handle broad liquid loading ranges,
up to 10:1. The range of liquid loa-
ding must be carefully considered
when designing a distributor VKR.

0601 2503

Low-liquid load distributor

VKRPW
For extremely low-liquid loads, the
special channel distributor VKR-
PW is used to accommodate liquid
loads as low as 0.05 m3/m2h. Its has
a supplemental liquid distribution
system beneath each tube to dis-
0601 2501 0600 2507-10
tribute extremely low liquid volume
evenly to the packing.

VKR Discharge system VKRPW

Specifications
Diameter > 0.25 m
Liquid load 1 to 20 m3/m2h for VKR; 0.05 to 1 m3/m2h for VKRPW
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.; multiple-stage distributor, 10:1
Gas load F-factor up to 5 Pa1/2 for VKR; up to 3.5 for Pa1/2 for VKRPW
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Can be levelled by means of locating or suspension device
Special note The low-liquid load distributor is constructed in diameters up to 4 m

7
Liquid distributors

Collector / distributor VS
The collector/distributor VS is used
whenever collection and redistribu-
tion of liquid is required at very high
liquid loads. It resembles a chimney
tray; however the chimney arrange-
ment is custom designed for your
applications liquid distribution and
pressure drop requirements.

For moderate liquid loads applica-

tions, where liquid mixing is impor-
tant, a separate accumulator tray
must collect the liquid and feed it to
a liquid distributor located below it.
0600 2512-3

Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 8.0 m
Liquid load >30 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 160 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 3 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Tray construction, bolted and supported on ring with chimney types
corresponding to hydraulic requirements
Special note Truss supports are used in large column diameters

8
Liquid distributors for corrosive media

Plastic distributor
The bottom-hole distributor VEG
and the channel-type distributor
VKR are available in PP, PVDF, PVC,
and other plastic materials.

The maximum operating tempera-

ture is 60 to 100 oC depending on
plastic material.

0600 2503-7

Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 6 m
Liquid load 1 - 20 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 80 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.; multiple-stage, 10:1
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight for VKR
Construction details Supported on the packing

Graphite distributor VSTG

The one-piece distributor VSTG is
constructed of graphite for use in
highly corrosive environments. It
uses tubes with lateral outlets to
distribute the liquid onto the pa-
cking. It is installed in flanged co-
lumn only.

Graphite distributors VSTG can be

used to collect and redistribute li-
quids between packed sections.
0600 2512-1

Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 1.6 m
Liquid load 1 to 20 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 160 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max., multiple-stage, 10:1
Gas load F-factor up to 3 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination Slight
Construction details Supported on the packing

9
Liquid distributors for corrosive media

Glass distributor VRGG

The distributor VRGG is made of glass
for use in small columns. The paten-
ted closed tube discharge system
has special outlets on the under-
side of the distribution tubes to dis-
tribute the liquid onto the packing.

It is a one-piece distributor that can

be installed through a column flange
by following the prescribed installa-
tion procedures. 0600 2511-3

Specifications
Diameter 0.25 - 1.2 m
Liquid load 1 to 20 m3/m2h
Drip-point density 40 to 200 drip points per m2
Turndown ratio 3:1 max.
Gas load F-factor up to 4.5 Pa1/2
Sensitivity to contamination High
Construction details Supported on the packing

10
Liquid distributors for further applications

Spray nozzle distributor VRD

The spray nozzle distributor VRD is
specially designed for and used in
refinery and scrubber columns. Pro-
per spray nozzle selection is crucial
to the operation of your columns.

Sulzer Chemtech specialists will

help you chose from a variety of full-
cone, axial, and tangential nozzles
to customize your spray patterns to
your specific applications require-
ments.

0600 2511-6

Midget load distributor VEPK

This distributor is applied for very
low liquid loads < 100 l/m2h

The orifices are placed in sidewalls

to allow catching of sinking dirt.

0609 2500-3

High-liquid load
distributor VKH/VEH
The distributor VKH is used for
high liquid loads, e.g. greater than
20 m3/m2h. This is an excellent non-
plugging distributor. The liquid is
discharged laterally from rectangu-
lar channels onto the packing.

0609 2500-5

11
Liquid distributors for further applications

Bottom-hole distributor VEG

The distributor VEG resembles the
widely used splash-plate distribu-
tor VEP. The difference is that the
liquid is discharged through holes
in the channel bottoms rather than
laterally against a vertical baffle. It
is not recommended for liquids con-
taining solids.

0600 2503-6

Lateral distributor VER

The liquid is discharged laterally
and guided by conducting elements
to the packing surface.

The distributor allows high vapor

loads F > 5 Pa1/2.

0609 2500-3

Tube distributor VRG

The distributor is non sensitive on
moving conditions like columns
operated off shore or on vessels. Li-
quid is discharged from the under-
side of the tubes. This distributor is
not suited for liquids containing so-
lids or contamination.

0600 2511-5

12
Liquid distributors for further applications

Extraction distributor VRX

The distributor VRX is a two-stage
distributor for use in packed liquid-
liquid extraction columns. Its spe-
cial design, specific for continuous
and dispersed phase, prevents emul-
sions from occurring, even when
surface tensions are low.

0600 2511-1

Radial distributor VFS

The distributor VFS was developed
and especially designed for emul-
sions and liquids with high solids
contents. It uses open, radial chan-
nels with deflector plates to direct
the liquid onto the packing.

The distributor is a cost efficient so-

lution for applications where some-
what increased liquid maldis-tributi-
on can be tolerated.

0600 2502-1

Slotted distributor VES

The distributor VES is used to distri-
bute liquids containing catalyst re-
sidues. It uses open channels with
lateral slots and deflector plates to
distribute the liquid.

0600 2503-8

13
Liquid distributors

Outlet hole sizes in distributor channels

The following table enables the de-
termination of approximate distri-
butor channel hole sizes at normal
liquid loadings.
The hole size can be roughly deter-
mined in relation to the liquid load
and the required drip-point densi-
ty. The choice of drip-point density
must be made in accordance with
the specific surface area of the pa-
cking used. Exact hole sizes will be
determined by Sulzer Chemtechs
specialists after all necessary para-
meters have been defined. In this
way your distributor will be con-fi-
gured to match your application
and achieve optimal hydraulic con-
ditions.

VEP splash-plate 0
Drip point density (VD) figures con- 2
hole size (mm)

sider the distribution effect of the 4

splash-plate.
6
8
10
12
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
L (m3/m2h)
VD 80 VD 160 VD 200 VD 330

0
Hole sizes in other distributors
4
hole size (mm)

12

16

20
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
L (m3/m2h)

Distributor test rig

All Sulzer Chemtech liquid distribu-
tor configurations are routinely perfor-
mance tested in Sulzer Chemtechs 0600 2511-3
liquid distributor test rig prior to de-
livery. Minimum and maximum flow
rates measurements are always
performed. Surface area measure-
ments are possible, with the detec-
tion of standard deviations.

Distributor test rig 0600 2566-1

14
Liquid collectors

Vane collector SL
The collector SL is used as a sepa-
rate unit to accumulate liquids from
packed sections within a column.
This collector requires a ring chan-
nel welded to the column wall.

The pressure drop of this collector

is negligible.

0600 2509-2

Collector support grid SLT

The collector SLT combines a pa-
cking support grid with a vane coll-
ector. As a packing support, it can
support the direct load of packings
with surface areas up to 350 m2/m3.
For finer packings, additional drip
plates are used.

This non-welded collector SLT is

often used in applications where 0600 2509-4

space between packed beds is cri-

tical. This collector requires a sup-
port ring inside the column.

Collector SLF
The collector SLF is designed to be
installed between the column flanges
in smaller flanged columns.

0600 2509-1

15
Liquid collectors

Chimney tray collector SK

The collector SK is an established
and versatile accumulator tray de-
sign, available either as bolted or
sealwelded construction. It is gene-
rally used in large diameter columns
with high liquid loads.

0600 2506-1

Pressure drop is a function of the

type and configuration of the chim-
neys. Sulzer Chemtech specialists
can design your collector SK to
your process specifications. Whe-
ther you need a total draw-off, a
flash tray, a gas distribution device,
or a unique chimney configuration,
the collector SK can be custom de-
signed to meet your specific appli-
cation needs. 0600 2506-3 0600 2506-2

16
Support and locating systems

Support grids TEB / TSB

TEB and TSB are used with struc-
tured packings. Both require sup-
port rings to be welded to the co-
lumn wall. TEBs are grids for flan-
ged columns. The segmental grids
of the TSB pass through manholes
and are clamped together for con-
venient installation. The grid is a
non welded construction.
TEB and TSB support grids are ide-
al for applications requiring expen-
sive alloys.
Certain high performance packings
0600 2513-4
require additional drip plates.

Support grids TE / TS
TE and TS are intended for struc-
tured packings with surface area
over 350m2/m3 packing volume.
They are designed with drip plates
to prevent premature flooding of the
packing.
These support grids rest on support
rings or gussets welded to the co-
lumn shell. For columns over 3 m
ID, additional supports and major
beams may be required. 0600 2513-2

Random packing support grid

GIS / EMS
GIS and EMS are used with random
packings and serve as gas injection
trays to distribute the gas to bottom
layers of the packing. Both grids
have an open cross sectional area
of 0%, GIS and EMS differ only in
their overall height.
EMS is used in small column up to
1.2 m diameter. GIS is used in larger
diameter columns.
0600 2513-6

Retaining grid for random

packings RPB
Retaining grids, consisting of wire
mesh welded to the underside of
grid frames, are required above
random packing beds. Such grids
may be either suspended from a li-
quid distributor above it or bolted to
a support ring welded to the column
wall.

0600 2513-5

17
Gas inlet systems

When preparing column specifica-
tions, the method of feeding the
column, drawing off liquids, and re-
moving gases must not be over-loo-
ked. They are as important as se-
lecting of the optimum packing and
matching it to the proper internals
to get peak performance from your
packed column.
Owing to years of experience and
continuous development at Sulzer
Chemtech, we are always in a posi-
tion to offer you both standard gas
inlet systems and specialty tailored
solutions based on CFD studies.

Gas inlet systems

0600 2505-1
GITV 0600 2505-3

Cyclon inlet

GD
Open inlet

CFD-simulations to analyse and

improve vapour distribution

0600 2505-4
0600 2505-2
GIG
Tube inlet

GDP
Splash plate inlet

GIV
0600 2505-5
Vane inlet

18
Liquid inlet systems

Liquid inlet systems

LRR inlet
LV inlet
Super-heated liquid feeds
100% liquid feeds to small diameter
columns

0600 2504-2

0600 2504-4

0600 2504-1 0600 2504-3

LV (2) inlet LRP inlet
100% liquid feeds to larger diameter Liquid feeds containing gases
columns

19
 www.sulzer.com
Please check for your local contact
Sulzer Chemtech Ltd, a member of the Sulzer Corporation, with headquar-
ters in Winterthur, Switzerland, is active in the field of process engineering
and employs some 4000 persons worldwide.
Sulzer Chemtech is represented in all important industrial countries and
sets standards in the field of mass transfer and static mixing with its ad-
vanced and economical solutions.
Legal Notice: The information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not to be construed as implying any
22.51.06.40 - V.13 - 20 - Printed in Switzerland warranty or guarantee of performance. Sulzer Chemtech waives any liability and indemnity for effects resulting from its application.
The activity program comprises:
Process components such as fractionation trays, structured and ran-
dom packings, liquid and gas distributors, gas-liquid separators, and
internals for separation columns
Engineering services for separation and reaction technology such as
conceptual process design, feasibilities studies, plant optimizations in-
cluding process validation in the test center
Recovery of virtually any solvents used by the pharmaceutical and
chemical industry, or difficult separations requiring the combination of
special technologies, such as thin film/short-path evaporation, distilla-
tion under high vacuum, liquid-liquid extraction, membrane technology
or crystallization.
Complete separation process plants, in particular modular plants
(skids)
Advanced polymerization technology for the production of PLA and
EPS
Tower field services performing tray and packing installation, tower
maintenance, welding, and plant turnaround projects
Mixing and reaction technology with static mixers
Cartridge-based metering, mixing and dispensing systems, and dis-
posable mixers for reactive multi-component material
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