Oscillating behavior on distillation trays

The objective of this work was to study the undesirable oscillating behavior which can develop on distillation trays. This takes the form of violent lateral movements of the gas/liquid mixture, causing premature flooding and reduced efficiency. It has been demonstrated that entrainment is significantly increased by the presence of oscillations. A simple predictive method by which a designer may evaluate the likelihood of oscillations occurring is proposed. It is concluded that columns of greater than about 1.0 m diam. operating at atmospheric pressure or above are unlikely to oscillate. However, reduced pressure columns of greater diameter may oscillate. A very simple mesh baffle system which completely prevents oscillations developing is described.