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Absorption towers are vital in industrial processes such as gas purification, chemical synthesis, and environmental protection, relying on efficient gas-liquid contact. As key tower internals, metal packing enhances mass transfer efficiency due to high mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal stability. This article introduces main metal packing types in absorption towers, their characteristics, and applications.
pall rings, a common type, have a ring structure with wall windows, increasing void fraction and reducing pressure drop while maintaining high surface area. Widely used in general absorption, they balance efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Intalox saddles, designed to improve Pall rings, feature a saddle shape with a notched top, offering better fluid distribution and higher throughput, suitable for large-scale towers.
Mesh packing, made of metal wire mesh, has helical or stacked layers, providing large specific surface area (200-500 m²/m³) and excellent mass transfer, ideal for precision separation like distillation and high-purity gas absorption. Corrugated metal packing, with regular waves, ensures uniform liquid distribution and gas flow, achieving superior efficiency in high-theoretical-stage processes like petrochemical refining.
Other types include raschig rings (simple, durable, lower efficiency) and metal spiral packing (high surface area, good fluid dynamics for specific uses). Selection depends on separation needs, operating conditions, and fluid properties, ensuring optimal performance and long service life in absorption towers.
