How Does the Pore Structure of Structured Packing Influence Separation?

structured packing, a critical tower internal in chemical separation processes, relies heavily on its pore structure to achieve efficient mass transfer. As key parameters, porosity, pore size distribution (PSD), and packing arrangement directly shape separation outcomes. Porosity determines liquid hold-up and gas/liquid distribution; higher porosity allows better fluid flow but may reduce mass transfer driving force. PSD, which affects传质阻力, dictates separation precision—smaller pores enhance surface area for interactions, improving efficiency but increasing pressure drop. Packing arrangement, such as plate spacing and stacking angle, influences flow regime; ordered structures promote stable countercurrent flow, lowering HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) and boosting separation speed. By optimizing these pore features, engineers balance efficiency, capacity, and energy consumption, making structured packing a cornerstone in modern distillation and absorption systems.