1

Chemical Process Design: Principles – EHCPB 3B

SickTest 2
Date: 30 October 2009 Marks: 70
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1.1 Look at the data given for an available plate separating stage and answer the question
below:
Table 1: Liquid and Vapour data
Vapour Liquid
Flow rate (kg/s) 3.35 2.22
Density (kg/m3) 2.69 987
Surface tension (N/m) 0.02

Table 2: Column nomenclature and dimensions

Column Nomenclature Dimensions Units

Column diameter, DC 1.36 m

Tray spacing, lt 0.30 m
Down-comer area, Ad 9% AC m2
Hole area. Ah 10% Aa m2
Hole diameter, dh 4 mm
Hole pitch, pt 11.9 mm
Tray thickness 4 mm
Weir height, hw 50 mm
Weir length, lw 75% DC m
Height under the down-comer apron hap 45 mm

1.1.1 Will entrainment be a problem in this system? Evaluate you answers

(13)
1.1.2 If a turndown ratio of 68% is assumed, calculate the minimum weeping velocityheck the
weeping rate. Evaluate you answers
(12)
1.1.3 Calculate the time available for separation of vapour and liquid in the down-comer
(13)

Do NOT spend more than 75 minutes on the calculation; else you will not finish the theory

1.2 Explain the terms flooding and weeping as they apply to the operation of a plate contacting
stage and the influence column diameter has on these two parameters.
(13)

1.3 Cross-flow plates are the most common type of plate contactor used in distillation and
absorption columns. Explain how they work, the function of the down-comer and the weir,
the principle types of cross-flow trays and their classification (a) according to the method
used to contact the vapour and liquid and (b) according to the liquid flow pattern. Which tray
type is used most, because it is inexpensive and satisfactory for most applications? When
will you use the other two tray types?
(13)

1.4 In packed columns the first step of the design procedure requires selecting the type and size
of the packing. What are the requirements for packing in a column? Describe the two broad
classes of packing developed to satisfy these requirements. Which group is preferred when
distillation needs to be done at high vacuum?
(11)
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Chemical Process Design: Principles – EHCPB 3B
MEMO SickTest 2
Date: 30 October 2009 Marks: 70
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 Look at the data given for an available plate separating stage and answer the question
below:

Table 1: Liquid and Vapour data

Vapour Liquid
Flow rate (kg/s) 3.35 2.22
Density (kg/m3) 2.69 987
Surface tension (N/m) 0.02

Table 2: Column nomenclature and dimensions

Column Nomenclature Dimensions Units

Column diameter, DC 1.36 m

Tray spacing, lt 0.30 m
Down-comer area, Ad 9% AC m2
Hole area. Ah 10% Aa m2
Hole diameter, dh 4 mm
Hole pitch, pt 11.9 mm
Tray thickness 4 mm
Weir height, hw 50 mm
Weir length, lw 75% DC m
Height under the down-comer apron hap 45 mm

1.5.1 Will entrainment be a problem in this system? Evaluate you answers

(13)
1.5.2 If a turndown ratio of 68% is assumed, check the weeping rate. Evaluate you answers
(12)
1.5.3 Calculate the time available for separation of vapour and liquid in the down-comer
(13)

Do NOT spend more than 75 minutes on the calculation; else you will not finish the theory

1.6 Explain the terms flooding and weeping as they apply to the operation of a plate contacting stage and the
influence column diameter has on these two parameters.
(13)
• Flooding – when there is a liquid build-up on the plate and finally in the column
- This causes a sharp drop in plate efficiency and 
- Increase in the pressure drop over the plate and column 
- Flooding can be caused by excessive entrainment ; this is when liquid is carried to the
plates higher up in the column, with the vapour stream. 
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- Flooding is also caused by liquid backing-up in the down comer , the liquid does not
flow back to the bottom plates fast enough 
- The upper limit to vapour flow and liquid flow is set by the condition of flooding 
- Increase column diameter, hole size, down-comer area, plate spacing & weir height ()
• Weeping – when vapour flow is insufficient to maintain the level of liquid on the plate. 
- Liquid starts to run back down the holes in the plate 
- This reduces plate efficiency 
- The lower limit of vapour flow is set by the condition of weeping 
- Decrease hole size & column diameter()

1.7 Cross-flow plates are the most common type of plate contactor used in distillation and absorption columns.
Explain how they work, the function of the down-comer and the weir, the principle types of cross-flow trays and
their classification (a) according to the method used to contact the vapour and liquid and (b) according to the
liquid flow pattern. Which tray type is used most, because it is inexpensive and satisfactory for most
applications? When will you use the other two tray types?
(13)
In a cross-flow plate the liquid flows across the plate and the vapour up through the plate
.
The flowing liquid is transferred from plate to plate through vertical channels called down-
comers .
.
A pool of liquid is retained on the plate by an outlet weir

Classified according to the method used to contact the vapour and liquid
Sieve plate (perforated plate) 
Bubble-cap plates
Valve plates

Classified according to the number of liquid passes on the plate

Single pass

Reverse flow

Double pass

Sieve plates


Bubble caps – very low vapour rates and positive liquid seal is essential

Valve plates – when the specified turndown ration cannot be met 

1.8 In packed columns the first step of the design procedure requires selecting the type and size of the packing.
What are the requirements for packing in a column? Describe the two broad classes of packing developed to
satisfy these requirements. Which group is preferred when distillation needs to be done at high vacuum?
(11)
Provide a large surface