(78d) The Effect of Open Area on Sieve Tray Performance

The studies described in this paper were made to understand the effect of open area on sieve tray mass transfer and hydraulic performance. Tests were conducted in the 1.22 m diameter sections of Fractionation Research, Inc. (FRI) experimental distillation unit. The sieve trays were tested over a wide range of open areas from 5 to 20 percent. Three different hydrocarbon systems, cyclo-hexane/n-heptane, iso-butane/n-butane, and o/p-xylene, were used at pressures of 20 mm Hg to 11.38 bar. Experimental results, including tray capacity, efficiency, pressure drop, and entrainment, are presented and discussed. The performance of sieve trays with different open area was determined and compared. Explanations of the test results are given based on the fundamental analysis.