Flexible 3D-printed test rig for liquid distribution characterization of laboratory-scale packings

Abstract

In distillation, additive manufacturing can facilitate the design and fabrication of laboratory-scale packed columns that overcome the existing miniaturization limits while maintaining scalability. Liquid distribution is one of the appraisal criteria for new packing structures. For this purpose, a flexible 3D-printed laboratory test rig is presented. The setup offers a wide liquid load operation range from approx. 2.5 to 20 m3m−2h−1 for column diameters of 20–50 mm. First results regarding steady-state development, initial liquid distribution effect and liquid load variation are shown using a 3D-printed version of the Rombopak 9M in a 20-mm diameter column.