(220b) What Exactly Is Flooding Anyway?

Abstract

Flooding is commonly understood to determine the maximum capacity of a distillation column. However, most experts will be challenged if they are asked to provide a universal definition for flood. FRI has practiced the measurement and prediction of flood for various distillation scenarios for over 60 years. This study will debate the theory and phenomena encountered as a column approaches flood under different flow regimes. FRI’s experience in control at or near operational flood will also be examined.

Key Words: Distillation, research, hydraulics, mass transfer, flood, operations

*Corresponding author. E-mail: Ken.McCarley@fri.org , Phone: 1-405-385-0354, Fax: 1-405-385-0357