Modeling the hydrodynamics of last-generation catalytic structured packings

Modern catalytic structured packings offer a uniform catalyst support where catalyst particles can be embedded thus combining its features with the well-known advantages of a structured packing (high capacity and high mass-transfer efficiency). In this work, the hydrodynamic properties of a novel family of catalytic structured packings (KATAPAK®-SP) have been modeled using a modified version of a hydraulic model originally proposed by Hoffmann et al.¹ for MULTIPAK®. Modifications to the model included: (1) the adaptation of a more suitable liquid holdup correlation for the open channels, and (2) the use of a different split factor for the liquid flowing through the catalyst bags and the open channels.