Requirements for Wire Mesh Structured Packing and Regular Packing

Wire mesh structured packing and regular packing are critical tower internals in chemical processing, significantly enhancing mass transfer efficiency. Wire mesh structured packing, typically made of metal (e.g., 316L stainless steel) or plastic, features a high specific surface area (150-500 m²/m³) with uniform, ordered channels. These channels, formed by interwoven wire meshes (mesh size 250-1000 A), ensure smooth fluid flow and maximize contact between phases, ideal for precise separations like distillation and absorption. Regular packing, such as pall rings or ladder networks, offers balanced flow distribution and mechanical strength, making it suitable for high-flow, high-pressure applications. Key requirements include material corrosion resistance to handle aggressive media, structural stability under high temperatures (up to 500°C), and low pressure drop to reduce energy consumption. For wire mesh packing, the packing height and mesh density directly impact separation efficiency, while regular packing design must ensure uniform liquid distribution to avoid channeling. Proper selection depends on process conditions: feed composition, separation factor, and throughput, ensuring optimal performance and extended service life. These tower internals are indispensable in refining, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries, driving process optimization and cost reduction.