Column Internals:
Gas Distributor

The Gas Distributor is a crucial component in packed columns, ensuring uniform gas flow at the inlet, which is vital for the efficiency of distillation columns and tower reactors. Effective gas flow distribution is influenced by the gas feed method and the packing’s internal configuration. The maldistribution factor indicates that gas flow may not be uniformly distributed across the column’s cross-section, potentially impacting efficiency.

Support plates enhance gas distribution by providing a maximum open area, ideally greater than 70% to minimize pressure drop. The design and selection of the gas distributor rely on the designer’s expertise, while circular inlets promote uniform gas flow before it enters the packing layer.