Pulsed, Packed – Random & Structured, and Sieve Tray LLE Columns

Pulsed Column Characteristics

• Reasonable capacity: 20-30 M3/M2-hr
• Best suited for nuclear applications due to lack of seal
• Suited for corrosive applications when constructed out of non-metals
• Limited stages due to backmixing
• Limited diameter/height due to pulse energy required

Packed – Random

• High capacity: 20-30 M3/M2
• Poor efficiency due to backmixing and wetting
• Limited turndown flexibility
• Affected by changes in wetting characteristics
• Limited as to which phase can be dispersed

Packed – Structured

• High capacity: 40-80 M3/M2-hr
• Poor efficiency due to backmixing and wetting
• Limited turndown flexibility
• Affected by changes in wetting characteristics
• Limited as to which phase can be dispersed

Sieve Tray Characteristics

• High capacity: 30-50 M3/M2-hr
• Good efficiency due to minimum backmixing
• Multiple interfaces can be a problem
• Limited turndown flexibility
• Affected by changes in wetting characteristics
• Limited as to which phase can be dispersed