142 PROCESS PLANT DESIGN and higher operating costs for a column with a higher pressure drop. The normal maximum of 90 per cent flooding is only achieved with careful control of the pressure drop across the column, and a more usual range of 0.2-0.4 in. water/{t [16.7-33.3 mmm] is employed in scrubbing operations, while vacuum applications may cover the whole range of pressure drop. 4P [mm/m] —= 1204060100 0.15 T oor 0. 40.06 = (L/6K9,/2,) 1 S 8 o 2 ° 2 Io'@Fyp?*/p, Pg] {0.006 (6? Fyn? /p. A 9) 0.004 -jo,002 0.002! po po On 15 10 AP (instt)—> Figure 5-6, Alternative presentation of the generalized pressure drop correlation'**) ‘The generalized pressure drop correlation of Figure 5-5 has been re- plotted ina form which may be more convenient for certain applications. ») ‘This plot is presented in Figure 5-6 and a nomograph to enable a quick estimation of the flooding velocity to be made is presented in Figure 5-7. 5.4 Pressure Drop In calculating the pressure drop through a given packing, a variety of methods may be used. (i) For conditions below or near the loading point, the following equation is applicable: AP = a- 10" g5/pc (5-1) where AP = pressure drop (in. water/ft of packing), 1, gy = liquid and gas flow rates (Ib/s ft”), sas density (lb/ft), ‘onstants obtained from Table 5-1.