The measured bulk density data of 350Y structured packing is a critical parameter in chemical engineering, representing the mass per unit volume of the packing material under standard conditions. This data directly influences tower design, process efficiency, and operational costs, making it a key consideration for engineers and operators in distillation, absorption, and extraction systems. It serves as a bridge between material properties and industrial performance, determining how effectively the packing can facilitate mass and heat transfer in separation processes.
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Key Parameters and Measurement Standards for 350Y Packing Bulk Density
Bulk density, defined as the mass of the packing divided by its total volume (including interstices), varies significantly for 350Y structured packing based on material and structural design. Typically, metal 350Y packing (e.g., stainless steel 316L) has a bulk density range of 450–500 kg/m³, while plastic variants (e.g., polypropylene, PTFE) generally fall between 200–300 kg/m³. Measurement accuracy is ensured through standardized methods like gas displacement or sieving-weighting techniques, aligned with ISO 9022 standards. Critical influencing factors include wire diameter (thicker wires increase density), mesh count (350Y refers to 350 waves per meter, affecting porosity), and packing height. For example, a 350Y packing with a smaller wire diameter (0.15 mm vs. 0.2 mm) may have a lower bulk density of ~430 kg/m³, enhancing fluid distribution but slightly reducing structural rigidity.
350Y structured packing, a high-efficiency separation component, features uniform corrugated geometry that maximizes specific surface area (typically 350 m²/m³) and minimizes channeling. Its bulk density data directly impacts tower hydraulics: higher density (metal) offers better stability for high-pressure systems, while lower density (plastic) reduces weight and installation costs, making it suitable for large-scale towers. In practical applications, this data guides optimal packing selection—for instance, 316L 350Y packing (480 kg/m³) is preferred in petrochemical distillation for its balance of efficiency and durability, while PP 350Y (250 kg/m³) excels in corrosive environments like acid gas absorption due to its lightweight and chemical resistance.
Practical Applications: How Bulk Density Data Drives Process Optimization
The measured bulk density of the 350Y packing directly influences process outcomes. In a methanol distillation tower, using 316L 350Y packing (480 kg/m³) achieved a separation efficiency of 99.5% with a pressure drop of 120 Pa/m, meeting strict purity requirements. For a smaller absorption column treating H₂S in natural gas, a plastic 350Y packing (250 kg/m³) reduced tower height by 18% and operational energy use by 12% compared to traditional random packings, all thanks to its measured bulk density balancing flow resistance and mass transfer. This versatility—paired with precise bulk density data—positions 350Y packing as a cornerstone in chemical plants, environmental protection systems, and pharmaceutical purification processes.
Q&A Section
1. What is the typical bulk density range for 350Y structured packing?
Metal 350Y packing: 450–500 kg/m³; plastic 350Y packing: 200–300 kg/m³.
2. How does material affect 350Y packing bulk density?
Metals have higher density due to inherent material density and thicker wire diameters, while plastics, with lower material density and thinner structures, yield lower bulk density.
3. Why is bulk density data crucial for 350Y packing design?
It determines tower sizing, pressure drop, and separation efficiency, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness in industrial processes.

