Theory of Column Packing

Column packing is the process of creating hollow structures filled with packing materials to aid in the process of mixing liquids with gasses in the same container. The purpose of using packing materials inside the columns is to improve contact between the different phases of the chemical processes happening inside.

In packed columns, the liquid-gas interaction happens as a continuous process rather than in stages. The liquid flows downwards over the packing surface while the gas flows in the opposite direction. A similar principle of column packing is followed in the construction of different types of interactions in towers as discussed below.

Types of Packing Columns

Packing columns may be broadly divided into two categories – random and structured. When column packing is done without any order, it is termed as random, whereas structured packing refers to the ordered placement of the packing materials. Regarding material, the following types of packing are in use currently in various industrial applications.

Pro-Pak

This type of packing contains around 1000 tiny perforations every square inch of the metal packing pieces. As liquid pushes through them, thousands of projections are formed on the opposite sides of the metal. These, along with the holes help to keep the packing perpetually wet, increasing the efficiency of the system.

Heli-Pak

The packing material of this type consists of metal wire wound around a rectangular rod. There is a large amount of free space in Heli-Pak type of packing. Stainless steel is the most common material used in this type, but other metals like nickel or bronze are also used.

Ceramic Saddles

This type of column packing is inert in nature. It is used in the distillation of corrosive compounds which react to other metals. The process is slow, but useful in working with reactive compounds.

Apart from the above, Raschig Rings, Teflon balls, Wire Mesh or customized packing structures are also used for specialized chemical operations.

What Is Vessel Fabrication

Fabrication is the process of skillful management of raw materials to make structures and machinery. All the manufacturing units are bound to have close ties with fabrication shops or have an in-house one. Vessel fabrication is a process where closed containers are designed that is capable of holding liquids or gasses. Fabrication is not only building a structure from the provided raw materials; it is the working part of an entire system.

Process for Vessel Fabrication

The process of fabrication includes three steps namely cutting, bending and assembling.

·         Cutting – This process is done by shearing, chiseling or sawing. Torching is done with the help of hand-held torches and also by way of numerical control cutters such as lasers, water jets or mill bits.

·         Bending- This process is done by hammering. Press brakes or similar tools are used at times too. Hard stops are used by CNC- controlled back gauges that help to position the parts so as to place the bend lines at accurate positions.

·         Assembling –The process of assembling is done by binding with the help of threaded fasteners, adhesive or by welding. Automation and human labor are both used.

Role of the Engineers Involved in the Process

The process of vessel fabrication involves the expertise of engineers. Engineers involved in the process of fabrication are involved with the manufacturing organization as well. The manufacturers are a part of this process too, as it’s essential for them to have an intimate understanding of the inner workings. It is essential as it is the responsibility of the employees of the manufacturing unit so as the new structure functions well.

The services provided by the fabricators are needed not only during the building stage, but also during the process of improvement, production, and malfunctions. The whole process of fabrication that includes of cutting, bending and assembling must be done is done with accurate precision so as to get end products that would be helpful.