Process columns, also sometimes called separation columns or fractionation columns, are vertical vessels used in various industries to perform separation processes based on the physical or chemical properties of mixtures.
Function:
Separation Powerhouse: Process columns are workhorses for separating mixtures into their component parts. This separation can be based on factors like boiling point, volatility, solubility, or size.
Diverse Applications: They are used in a wide range of industries for tasks like
Distillation: Separating liquids with different boiling points (e.g., separating crude oil into gasoline, diesel, etc.).
Absorption:Removing unwanted gases from a mixture using a liquid absorbent.
Stripping:Recovering a desired component from a liquid mixture using a gas.
Adsorption: Separating components in a gas stream using a solid adsorbent
Design:
Vertical Giants: Process columns are typically tall, cylindrical vessels with internal components that aid in the separation process.
Internal Components: The specific internals vary depending on the application, but can include:
Trays: Horizontal perforated plates that increase contact between the rising vapor and the downflowing liquid in distillation processes.
Packing:: Randomly placed shapes or objects within the column that enhance surface area for contact between phases.
Materials: Process columns are typically constructed from high-strength materials like steel or stainless steel to withstand the pressures and potential corrosive environments they operate in
Function:
Separation Powerhouse: Process columns are workhorses for separating mixtures into their component parts. This separation can be based on factors like boiling point, volatility, solubility, or size.
Diverse Applications: They are used in a wide range of industries for tasks like
Distillation: Separating liquids with different boiling points (e.g., separating crude oil into gasoline, diesel, etc.).
Absorption:Removing unwanted gases from a mixture using a liquid absorbent.
Stripping:Recovering a desired component from a liquid mixture using a gas.
Adsorption: Separating components in a gas stream using a solid adsorbent
Design:
Vertical Giants: Process columns are typically tall, cylindrical vessels with internal components that aid in the separation process.
Internal Components: The specific internals vary depending on the application, but can include:
Trays: Horizontal perforated plates that increase contact between the rising vapor and the downflowing liquid in distillation processes.
Packing:: Randomly placed shapes or objects within the column that enhance surface area for contact between phases.
Materials: Process columns are typically constructed from high-strength materials like steel or stainless steel to withstand the pressures and potential corrosive environments they operate in