How Does the Wettability of Structured Packing Affect Separation?

structured packing, a vital tower internal in chemical separation, relies heavily on wettability to function effectively. Wettability, defined by contact angle and surface energy, determines how liquid spreads across packing surfaces. A low contact angle (≤90°) indicates good wettability, allowing uniform liquid film formation, while a high angle (＞90°) leads to poor wetting and dry spots. This directly impacts separation efficiency. For instance, in distillation, better wettability ensures complete wetting of packing, maximizing the gas-liquid contact area—essential for mass transfer. Without sufficient wetting, liquid may channel through the packing, reducing interaction with vapor and lowering separation performance. Additionally, wettability influences liquid distribution. Hydrophilic packing promotes even liquid spreading, preventing maldistribution that causes uneven mass transfer. Conversely, hydrophobic packing can trap air bubbles, disrupting flow and leading to液泛 (flooding) or poor separation. Studies show that modifying packing surfaces (e.g., coating with nanomaterials) to adjust wettability can enhance传质 (mass transfer) rates by 20-30%, reducing energy consumption. In conclusion, optimizing structured packing wettability is key to improving separation efficiency, making it a focus in tower internal design and operation.