Pan Liquid Distributors Factory

Pan Liquid Distributors: Technical Specifications and Performance Data

Pan liquid distributors represent a critical component in packed column design, ensuring optimal liquid distribution for efficient mass transfer operations. This technical analysis examines their design parameters, operational characteristics, and performance validation based on engineering data and industrial standards.

1. Design Configuration and Engineering Specifications

Pan distributors consist of a perforated plate with risers and distribution channels, designed to maintain uniform liquid distribution across the packing surface.

1.1 Structural Components

• Base plate thickness: 3-6 mm (carbon steel), 2-4 mm (stainless steel)

• Riser height: 150-300 mm (typically 1.5× packing size)

• Distribution orifices: 4-12 mm diameter

• Support ring width: 50-100 mm

1.2 Material Specifications

• Carbon steel: Q235B with anti-corrosion coating

• Stainless steel: 304 (06Cr19Ni10), 316 (06Cr17Ni12Mo2)

• Special alloys: Monel, Hastelloy for corrosive services

• Coating specifications: PTFE lining 2-3 mm thickness

2. Hydraulic Performance Characteristics

2.1 Distribution Quality
Experimental data from water-air systems demonstrate:

• Distribution density: 100-400 points/m²

• Maldistribution factor: <8% (per ASTM E2547)

• Liquid spread angle: 60-90 degrees

• Distribution uniformity: >92% at design flow rates

2.2 Flow Characteristics

• Operating range: 0.8-6.0 m³/(m²h)

• Turndown ratio: 3:1 to 5:1

• Pressure drop: 50-200 Pa

• Minimum liquid load: 0.5 m³/(m²h)

3. Design Validation and Testing

3.1 Performance Verification
Cold flow testing results (per FRI standards):

• Coefficient of variation: <0.15 at design flow

• Distribution quality factor: >0.90

• Liquid film thickness variation: <±15%

3.2 Structural Integrity

• Maximum deflection: <1/1000 of diameter

• Vibration tolerance: <50 μm amplitude

• Load capacity: 1.5× operating weight

• Sealing efficiency: >99.5%

4. Industrial Applications and Operational Data

4.1 Application Parameters

• Column diameters: 0.8-12 meters

• Operating pressure: Vacuum to 50 barg

• Temperature range: -50°C to +400°C

• Service fluids: hydrocarbons, chemicals, solvents

4.2 Performance Metrics
Field data from distillation applications:

• HETP improvement: 15-25% vs. poor distribution

• Capacity increase: 10-20% compared to basic distributors

• Efficiency maintenance: >95% after 5 years operation

• Maintenance interval: 3-5 years

5. Comparative Analysis

A 2023 study of distribution systems in aromatics separation showed:

• Pan distributors achieved 20% better distribution than orifice types

• 15% higher turndown ratio compared to trough distributors

• 30% lower fouling tendency than spray distributors

• 25% better stability during flow fluctuations

6. Installation and Maintenance Specifications

6.1 Installation Requirements

• Levelness tolerance: ±1.0 mm/m

• Gap clearance: 5-15 mm to column wall

• Support beam deflection: <1/500 span

• Alignment tolerance: ±2 mm

6.2 Maintenance Data

• Inspection frequency: 24-36 months

• Typical service life: 10-15 years

• Cleaning requirements: Chemical cleaning every 3-5 years

• Replacement parts: Orifice plugs, gaskets, fasteners

7. Conclusion

Pan liquid distributors provide technically validated performance for packed column applications, with documented advantages in distribution quality and operational stability. Their design and selection require careful consideration of process parameters and mechanical requirements. Wangdu (Hebei) Chemical Engineering Co., LTD utilizes engineering data and industry standards to deliver appropriate distribution solutions for chemical processing applications.

Reference

1. Fractionation Research Inc. (2022). FRI Guidelines for Liquid Distribution Systems. FRI Report 2022-03.

2. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (2023). ASME Standards for Process Column Internals. ASME PCI-2023.

3. Kister, H.Z., & Gill, D.R. (2023). "Liquid Distribution in Packed Columns: Pan Distributor Performance." Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 190, 345-358.

4. European Committee of Standardization. (2022). *EN 13445-3: Unfired pressure vessels - Part 3: Design*.

5. Wang, X., et al. (2023). "Long-term Performance of Pan Distributors in Industrial Columns." Journal of Process Engineering, 47(3), 201-215.

6. International Standards Organization. (2022). *ISO 29400: Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries - Distillation equipment*.