Irregular packings have been successfully used as an efficient and cost-effective means of improving column performance and efficiency for several decades.
- Advantages of Irregular Packing:
- Reduces pressure drop throughout the column.
- Minimizes liquid holdup in the column.
- Increases capacity.
Irregular packings are available in multiple sizes for most industrial applications. They range in size from 6 mm to 90 mm and larger. When determining the size of the packing, the requirements for capacity and efficiency should be considered. The nominal size of the packing generally should not exceed one-tenth of the column diameter. Irregular packings are typically selected from the least expensive material that meets temperature and corrosion requirements. Some of the most commonly used materials, from the lowest to the highest cost, include:
- Polypropylene - primarily used in water systems up to 100 degrees Celsius.
- Carbon steel - used in non-aggressive hydrocarbon systems.
- Ceramics - used in nitric acid and sulfuric acid absorbers.
- Stainless steels - used in most hydrocarbon systems.
- PFA and PVDF - applied in aggressive water systems up to 150 degrees Celsius.
- C-PVC and PVC - used in aggressive water systems up to 90 degrees Celsius.
- Some applications may require the use of other materials such as aluminum, titanium, carbon, and Monel.