Effect of internal distributors in a packed column on the steam stripping of hexane from soybean oil

Internal distributors were designed and installed in a 6‐in. diameter column with an 8‐ft bed of 1/2‐in. berl saddles. The distribution pattern of a liquid (water) flowing down the column was first determined. The distributors picked up the water from the wall of the column and redistributed it towards the center producing definitely better distribution across the column than obtained without them. Steam stripping of hexane from soybean oil was next carried out in the column both with and without the distributors. The residual hexane in the oil varied exponentially with the steam‐oil ratio. Under the experimental conditions 18% less steam was required for comparable stripping with the distributors in the column than without them.