6 12 18 24 36

Tray in.

Equation (1) or (2) can be used as an empirical guide for estimating the
maximum vapor velocities in plate columns. The constant is a major
function of the plate spacing and also varies to a lesser extent with depth of
liquid on the tray, ratio of liquid flow rate to gas flow rate, surface tension of the
liquid, density of the gas and liquid, and physical arrangement of the tray
components.
While it is always best to obtain values for the constant based on data
obtained with fluids, equipment, and operating pressures and temperatures
similar to those involved in the particular design, a rough approximation of
can be obtained from Fig. This figure gives values of as a function of
tray spacing only and should not be relied on for better than percent for
maximum allowable velocities.
An alternate approach for estimating maximum allowable velocities has
been presented by Fair (see reference given in footnote for preceding para-
graph) which is based on data obtained with sieve-tray and other types of
finite-stage columns and takes into account the effect of surface tension of the
liquid in the column, the ratio of the liquid flow rate to the gas flow rate, gas
and liquid densities, and dimensions and arrangement of the In this
method, the basic equation for the maximum allowable vapor velocity,