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NORTON CJUULA- IMTP

High-Performance
Norton Chemical Process
Products Corporation
Random Packing
An Overview of Intalox® High-Performance Systems

At Norton Chemical Process Products Intalox High-Performance Other Norton mass transfer products
Corporation, an Intalox® High- Structured Packing Hy-Contact Fractionation Trays
Performance System is an entire « Provides maximum predictable
packed tower — a tower which • Valve, sieve and bubblecap trays
fractionation efficiencies
contains well-matched components • Standard or cartridge assembly
• Combines high capacity and low
for optimal distillation, absorption or
pressure drop per theoretical stage Ceramic and Metal Random Packings
stripping performance. We call our
• Saddles, pall rings and
high-performance systems INTALOX • Features a unique double-
Raschig rings
because this well-respected trade- corrugated sheet construction
mark represents the predictable and • Associated tower internals
• Patented sheet surface texturing
reliable performance of thousands of improves separation efficiency Grid-Type Packing
Norton-packed towers in service • Provides great structured strength
worldwide. Intalox® Snowflake® High-Performance
Plastic Packing and fouling resistance
In every Intalox High-Performance
System, you will find a superior • Optimizes absorption and stripping Liquid/Liquid Extraction Tower Internals
Norton tower packing and a carefully towers • Feed pipes and dispersion plates to
selected liquid and/or vapor distribu- • Combines high capacity with high accompany various packings
tor, engineered to assure specific efficiency in one packing size Denstone Catalyst Bed Support Media
distribution levels.
• Provides lower pressure drop than • Available in a variety of sizes and
90 mm (3.5 in.) plastic packings ceramic materials
• Exhibits greater efficiency than other Plastic Tower Packing,
38 mm (1.5 in.) plastic packings Internals and Trays
IMTP® High-Performance • Products available in a variety
Intalox® Liquid and Vapor Distributors
Random Packing of thermoplastic and fiberglass
• Each design is based on Norton's
• Provides greater capacity and rating system for quantifying distrib- materials
efficiency than fractionation trays ution uniformity
and other random packings
• With Intalox distributors, packing
• Exhibits approximately 40% lower performance is independent of
pressure drop than equal-sized tower diameter and bed depth
pall rings
• Intalox distributors are essential in
• Minimizes liquid residence time towers requiring many stages with
through low liquid hold-up low HETP
• Quickly installed; requires minimal • Intalox distributors are available in
changes in existing vessels; struc- pan-type, deck-type and trough-
tural strength allows packing depths type construction
up to 15 m (50 ft) or more
IMTP Packing Performance

IMTP packing is applicable in as To provide insight into the high-

broad a range of services as any performance operating characteristics
mass transfer device. If is heavily used of IMTP packing, consider the pack-
in distillation towers — from deep ing performance curve.
vacuum towers, where its low pres- In a distillation system, uniform
sure drop is crucial, to high-pressure liquid and vapor distribution causes
towers, where its capacity easily sur- the HETP to be nearly independent of
passes that of trays. Many absorption liquid and vapor rates. At high vapor
and stripping towers, especially those rates, however, the packing exhibits a
aiming for high capacity or many region of improved efficiency (low
stages, rely on IMTP packing. The low HETP) where high vapor turbulence
pressure drop of IMTP packing con- influences the liquid surfaces and
tributes to its success in heat transfer improves the mass transfer.
towers, such as olefin plant quench Norton defines two packing proper-
columns. ties from a performance curve:
IMTP Packing Performance Under 1 The System Base HETP of a pack-
Uniform Liquid and Vapor Distribution ing, which is the flat HETP value
produced by uniform distribution.
2.The Efficient Capacity of a packing,
which is the greatest vapor rate at
which the packing still maintains the
System Base HETP.
Since Efficient Capacity is not the
same as the hydraulic capacity or
flood point, Norton rates packings by
percent of Efficient Capacity rather
than by percent of flood.
The System Base HETP concept
raises important questions:
• What is the System Base HETP of a
packing in a given system?
(See page 6)
• How much does liquid distribution
Materials of Construction quality affect HETP? (See page 11)
IMTP packing can be fabricated • Which liquid distributors should be
from almost any metal. Examples chosen to make a tower perform
of available metals are: near its System Base HETP?
Carbon steel (Consult the Packed Tower Internals
Guide)
Stainless steel
High-alloy steels
Duplex steels
IMTP Packing Sizes Available
Nickel and nickel alloys IMTP packing is available in six sizes. From smallest to largest,
Copper the sizes are numbered 15, 25, 40, 50, 60 and 70. The small
sizes exhibit the best efficiency, whereas the large sizes exhibit
Aluminum
the greatest capacity and lowest pressure drop.
Titanium
Zirconium
IMTP Packing Capacity

The Efficient Capacity of IMTP

packing in a non-foaming system
can be estimated as:
<r 10.16 Г LL 1-o.
[ 20 I I 02 I

Capacity Correlation No. 70

No. 60 —j
No. 15 No. 25 No. 40 No. 50 —7

1.00

0.80
0.70
0.20

0°

0.20

0.10 0.03
0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.80 1.00

Flow Parameter, X

Nomenclature and Definitions

L - Liquid mass rate
G - Gas mass rate
PL - Liquid density
5 < a < 73
PG - Gas density
V - Superficial gas velocity, m/s or ft/s
0.07 <(ju< 1.1
Flow parameter

Norton routinely designs towers up to

m/s or ft/s 90% of Efficient Capacity. This limit
leaves an estimated 11 % turn-up
a - Surface tension, dyne/cm before the packing loses its design
fj. - Liquid viscosity, cp efficiency.
v - Liquid kinematic viscosity, cs
IMTP Packing Pressure Drop

The pressure drop of IMTP packing

in non-foaming systems can be
estimated by the following
Generalized Pressure Drop
Correlation.

Generalized Pressure Drop Correlation

Values of Pressure Drop

Parameter of curves is pres-
sure drop in inches of water
per foot. Figures shown in
parentheses are mm of water
per meter of packed height.

0.01
0.001 0.01 0.1 10.0
Flow Parameter, X

= 1.87 mm Hg/ft
= 6.15 mm Hg/m
= 817 Pa/m
Value of Packing Factor F
(Average Values) No. 60 No. 70 Norton's Packed Tower Design
No. 15 No. 25 No. 40 No. 50
Program employs different values of
549 441 258 194 172 129
Packing Factor F for different liquid
51 41 24 18 16 12 rates. Average values shown should
not be used above the liquid rate limit.
For liquid rates above the limit, use the
34 73 122 122 122 122 rating program or contact Norton for
14 30 50 50 50 50 an appropriate F value.
6
IMTP Packing Efficiency

The efficiency of packing in most Non-uniform liquid and vapor With Norton Intalox liquid
distillation towers is expressed as distribution will cause actual HETP distributors, the HETP of IMTP
HETP, or height equivalent to a values to be substantially greater than packing is independent of tower
theoretical plate. the System Base HETP value. diameter and packing depth.
The mass transfer efficiency of However, commercial towers with
all mass transfer devices is system proper liquid and vapor distribution
properties dependent. System consistently approach the System
properties that affect the efficiency are Base HETP within 13%. For this rea-
liquid viscosity and surface tension. son, Norton designs often use HETP
The efficiency of a packed system values 13% above the System
also depends on the uniformity of Base HETP.
liquid and vapor distribution. What represents proper liquid
The concept of System Base HETP distribution for a commercial tower? In
assumes that a specific separation towers requiring few theoretical
receives uniform liquid and vapor stages, traditional distributors can
distribution. This concept is useful approach the System Base HETP
because it isolates the system's effect value. Conversely, in towers requiring
on HETP away from the distribution many theoretical stages Norton Intalox
considerations. distributors are required to approach
As a first approach in projecting the System Base HETP value.
HETP values, Norton has developed
a correlation for estimating HETP from
the system properties. It is desirable
to confirm the projected HETP values Values of A and В
with test data in columns having No. 15 No. 25 No. 40 No. 50 No. 60 No. 70
uniform vapor and liquid distribution in
272 330 401 526 616 758
the same system or a system having
very similar properties. Norton has an 10.7 13.0 20.7 24.2 29.9
extensive bank of operating data from 296 366 439 579 678 827
a wide variety of systems and can 11.7 14.4 17.3 22.8 26.7 32.6
provide reference data to confirm final
HETP values upon request.
The efficiency correlation applies to
systems which (a) are non-aqueous,
(b) are non-reacting and non-ionizing,
and (c) have low relative volatility
(less than three). Relative Volatility < 3
In these systems, the System Base lf(j>27, use 0- = 27
HETP of IMTP packing for distillation
and reboiled stripping services can
be estimated by:
Г о-1-0.16
System Base HETP = A
N
(1.78) for /л < 0.4 cp
2.0 <(j< 26.6
or 0.06 < (A < 0.83
a 1-0.19 0.21
System Base HETP = В for ju, > 0.4 cp
20 J 0.2

The packing efficiency in other a - Surface tension, dyne/cm

services or other systems must be /л - Liquid viscosity, cp
estimated by other methods.
7
Comparison of IMTP Packing to Other Mass Transfer Devices

The performance of a mass transfer throughput capacity for a given level IMTP packing has greater capacity
device is typically measured by com- of efficiency. In vacuum service, the and efficiency than trays, as illus-
paring its capacity and efficiency. An pressure drop of the device is also a trated by the following charts.
effective device will allow a high measure of its performance.

Comparison at Flow Parameter X = 0.028

100 mm Hg Hydrocarbon Distillation
18
25
16 rt- 0
II
MO
14
NO. 40
12 CD СЯ

10 Comparison at Flow Parameter X = 0.69

14.7 bar (210 PSIA) FCC Deethanizing Stripper

0.03 0.06 0.09 0.12

0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40
Capacity Cs

IMTP packing out performs other

random dumped packings, as 0.030 0.045 0.060 0.075 m/s
0.10 0.15 0.20 0.25 ft/s
shown below.
Capacity Cs
25 mm (1 in.) Packings 50 mm (2 in.) Packings
Typical Pressure Typical Capacity Typical Pressure Typic alCap >acity
CIS = Ceramic Drop Relationship Re ations hip
Drop Relationship Relationship
Intalox Saddle 1.47
1.39
MPR = Metal
1.14 1.10
Pall Ring 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0
0.85 0.82
0.61 0.58

0 0 £ I I
-o "О 0 13 О
сл 3D
^ 1 55 л 1 СЛ л -o CO
TJ
л TJ
^ ^
8
Design Example

Statement of Problem:
A deep bed of No. 50 IMTP packing Liquid Rate - 244,940 kg/hr Vapor Rate - 76,200 kg/hr
is to be used in a 2438 mm (96 in.) ID (540,000 Ib/hr) (168,000 Ib/hr)
11.0 bar ga (160 psig) hydrocarbon Liquid Density - 544.6 kg/m3 Vapor Density - 22.4 kg/m3
stripper. Rate the packing capacity (34.0 Ib/ft3) (1.40 Ib/ft3)
and estimate its pressure drop Liquid Viscosity - 0.25 cp Surface Tension - 10.5 dyne/cm
under the following hydraulic loadings.

The sequence of calculation is: Metric English

1 . Tower Cross-Sectional Area

D
H"] - A = (0.7854)(2.438)2
= 4.668 m2
A = (0.7854)(8.0)2
= 50.27 ft2

2. Superficial Vapor Velocity 76200 v 168000

G (22.4)(4.668)(3600) (1 .40)(50. 27)(3600)
V
Pc'A = 0.2024 m/s = 0.6631 ft/s

Г 22 4 I05 1 40
3. Capacity Factor, Cs г* о 9П9/1 сs оее-чГ ' T5
° S 4
[544.6-22.4] ° °'CC 1 [34.0-1. 40 J
(see pg. 4)
= 0.0419 m/s = 0.1 374 ft/s

244940 Г 22.4 I05 540000 Г 1.40 105

4. Flow Parameter, X
76200 [ 544.6 J 168000 |_34.0J
(see pg. 4)
= 0.652 = 0.652
/Г544.61 024 /Г 3 4 ' 0 !
5. Kinematic Viscosity 0 25
- /Llooo"J °^/[б2.4]
v= fji/(pL, g/cm3) = 0.46 cs = 0.46 cs

Capacity Rating:
From the capacity chart on page 4, C0 = 0.061 m/s (0.20 ft/s) for No. 50 IMTP packing at X = 0.65.

10 5 1в 0 25 1 5 1в 25 1
6. Efficient Capacity, Csc г тпр-пГ - Т Г - ~Г гGSC - (°-0)[
(п"оЛ°-JТ [ Г°-
o.2 JГ
(see pg. 4) c sc - (0.001)^ 2Q
j ^Q2j 20

= 0.0537 m/s = 0.1 760 ft/s

7. Capacity Rating
Г0.04191 rnmritv
Г 0.1 3741 :..
cs [ 0.0537 J- 7 u u C a p a C ' t y [0.1760J
von/ c

c
sc
Pressure Drop Estimation:

8. Ordinate Value
(see pg. 5) Y = (194)(0.0419)2 (0.46)01 = 0.315 Y = (18)(0.1374)2 (0.46)° 1 = 0.314

9. Pressure Drop
AP= 14 mm H2O/m AP=0.17in. H2O/ft
(see pg. 5)
Case Study

Question: Operating Data

A gas plant deethanizer contains
Rectifying Stripping
three beds of IMTP packing and
Intalox distributors. Five sets of 4140 7087 & 7772
operating data were analyzed to 137" 23'3"&25'6"
obtain measured HETP values as No. 25 No. 50
tabulated below. Is the deethanizer
2.5-3.5 1.2-4.0
packing performing as it should?
0.06 - 0.07 0.05 - 0.08
19.6
481 758
Analysis: 19.0 29.8
The average surface tension value in
the rectifying section is 3.0 dyne/cm,
and the average viscosity is 0.065 cp.
By the correlation on page 6, the
System Base HETP of No. 25 IMTP
packing in the rectifying section is:

System Base HETP = 330 Г—j°'16(1.78)0065 = 464 mm

or
System Base HETP = 13.0 Г—1 '" (1.78)0065 = 18.3 in.

Similarly, the System Base HETP of

No. 50 IMTP packing in the stripping
section is:

0065
System Base HETP = 526 ГЦ-Т " (1.78) = 757 mm

or
System Base HETP = 20.7 \~ '" (1.78)0065 = 29.8 in.

Data Summary

Conclusion:
Measured HETP values should be
equal to, or slightly above, the System
Base HETP values estimated by the
correlation. Because the deethanizer
HETP values are very close to the
correlation values, we conclude
that the deethanizer's packing is
achieving the best efficiency that
can be expected.
 10
Liquid Distribution for Intalox Systems

Liquid Distribution Quality How can distribution uniformity or Norton has developed a distributor
Many researchers in the distillation distribution quality be analyzed to rating system* for quantifying distribu-
field have proven that uniform liquid quantify the degree of uniformity? tion uniformity. We rate distribution
distribution over tower packing is quality as a percentage, where 100%
imperative for developing the full effi- quality indicates ideal uniform distribu-
ciency of the packing. This concept, What degree of uniformity is required tion and 0% indicates a significant
however, poses questions concerning for a commercial packed tower to portion of packing is receiving no
liquid distribution devices: perform satisfactorily? liquid at all.
The significance of Norton's
distribution quality rating system is
that the rating correlates to tower
performance.
Norton has found that towers with
deep beds of high-efficiency packing
are sensitive to liquid distribution qual-
Typical Packed Tower Layout
ity. Conversely, towers with shallow
beds of traditional packing are less
sensitive to distribution quality.

'Norton's distributor rating system was

presented in the paper, "Liquid and Gas
Distribution in Commercial Packed
Towers," at the 36th Canadian Chemical
Engineering Conference in October, 1986.
The paper was also published in CPP
Edition Europe, August, 1987.
 11
When is distribution quality important?

From Norton's quantitative distributor

rating system, Norton defines two cat-
egories of liquid distributors:

Norton Intalox Distributors 90-100% quality

Traditional Distributors generally 30-85% quality

Norton Intalox distributors are The effect of liquid distribution quality on tower
engineered for performance is shown by this correlation:
• High purity product distillation 20
services
• Distillation services operating 18
close to minimum reflux
• Heat transfer services with 16
20
close temperature approach Stage з per E led wi h Sys em Base HETP/
о 14
• Services with high stage count
per bed Ч*.
16
Norton traditional distributors are Iсо 1 2
designed for towers where fewer
ф 10
stages are required, or where о.
achieving the System Base HETP i
of the packing is not critical. In fсо 8
these towers, a small amount of
extra packing permits the use 16
о
of a less expensive traditional ч
distributor.

Norton Packed Tower Internals Guide

presents a complete discussion of
liquid distribution as well as a
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
complete summary of available liquid
Distribution Quality, Percent
and vapor distribution equipment.
 12

Norton Services

In addition to its high-quality Pilot Plant Distributor Test Stands

products, Norton offers a range of Norton's pilot plant distillation In its U.S. and European manufactur-
services and technical expertise to its columns located in Ohio are available ing locations, Norton provides flow
customers. for testing with customer-supplied demonstrations of finished liquid
test systems. These towers provide distributors up to 10 m (33 ft) in
Software Available
information on packing efficiency, diameter. Distributors are tested with
Norton's Packed Tower Design
capacity and pressure drop in the circulating water with flow rates up to
Program helps customers size their
tower and select the right packing for customer's specific system. Norton's 910 mVh (4,000 gpm). Individual dis-
387 mm (15.25 in.) ID column can tribution points or sets of distribution
optimal performance. The program
hold up to 6 m (20 ft) of random points can be metered to assure all
calculates critical design parameters
packing, structured packing or car- points or areas are flowing within
including pressure drop, liquid hold-
tridge trays. This tower is constructed specification. Whenever possible, the
up, capacity and HETP values for
of 316L stainless steel and is rated for tests employ the finished liquid feed
towers using Norton random or struc-
full vacuum to 400 psia. Norton also pipe as well as the distributor. These
tured packings. Updated in 1998, the
offers the use of its 762 mm (30 in.) tests provide final assurance that cus-
revised program has the graphic
atmospheric absorber/stripper tower tomer needs and Norton claims of
capabilities to display calculated data
of 304 stainless steel. distribution quality have been met in
points on pressure drop and capacity
the finished product.
correlation curves.
The updated program also includes
data on Norton's recently introduced
packing sizes, #60 IMTP random
packing and Intalox high-performance
structured packing HS-10, as well as
Intalox grid packing, carbon Raschig
rings and Norton's unique high-
strength pall rings.
The program allows users to select :
IL —i ! |
the output device and to change font

LI 1
"
type and size on printouts for
improved readability. The program •II
runs on Windows NT, Windows 3.x or
Windows 95 operating systems.

Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of

Microsoft Corporation.
13

Installation Services Scanning Services

Norton provides field consultants to Norton Tower Solutions3" Scanning
assist customers with the installation Analysis provides gamma scans of
of Norton trays and packings any- operating towers and interpretation of
where in the world. Many customers the results. A Tower Solutions scan
have averted major problems and can diagnose problems that cannot
saved significant time by requesting be seen when the tower is not
on-site supervision of their projects. operating. A scan is an effective tool
Norton Field Services, Inc., a wholly- to diagnose problems and prepare
owned subsidiary of Norton Chemical solutions in advance of a shutdown
Process Products Corporation, offers for repairs or modification.
full-service contracting for tower
modifications and internal
equipment installation.
 14

Quality Policy Statement

We at Norton Chemical Process The processes of Continuous We will develop and sustain our
Products Corporation have a mission Improvement and Total Quality quality system emphasizing total
to achieve and sustain a market Management are essential to our employee involvement, teamwork,
leadership position in our core success. Our philosophy is to collaboration, break-through thinking,
businesses: Mass Transfer and implement management systems judicious resource allocation, creative
Catalytic Products. We believe our which provide value and satisfaction problem solving, constancy of
long term success depends on our to our customers. Our focus is purpose, and the determination
ability to deliver excellence in both directed toward achieving and to succeed.
perceived and realized value of our exceeding customer expectations.
products and services to our We will provide products and services
customers. Further, it is our obligation that are clearly of a higher quality than
to provide a safe work environment those of our competitors.
for our employees through appropri- We recognize that quality is a
ate training and an ongoing safety never-ending process of improvement
program supported throughout the aiming at complete customer
organization. In our culture "Quality in satisfaction and conformance to
everything we do" is the only their changing requirements. We will
acceptable behavior. maintain open communications with
our customers to assure that their
present and long term requirements
are our primary consideration.

Norton Chemical Process

Products Corporation, worldwide
headquarters, sales offices and
manufacturing facilities are
certified for ISO 9001:1994.

Norton's European operation is

approved and certified through
BSIto 1809001:1994.
15
Worldwide Office Locations

Worldwide Headquarters Sales Offices United States

Norton Chemical Process Products Australia Norton Chemical Process Products
Corporation Carborundum Australia Pty. Ltd. Corporation
P.O. Box 350 Unit 8, No. 7, Packard Avenue P.O. Box 350
Akron, OH 44309-0350 Castle Hill NSW2154 Akron, OH 44309-0350
Telephone: 330-673-5860 Telephone: (61) 2-9894-6599 Telephone: 330-673-5860
U.S. Toll Free: 1-888-NORTON-1 Fax: (61)2-9894-6622 Fax: 330-677-7245
Fax: 330-677-7245
www.nortoncppc.com France Norton Chemical Process Products
Norton Chemical Process Products Corporation
Main Office Europe BPNo. 148 4501 East La Palma Avenue
Norton Chemical Process Products Rue de L'Ambassadeur Suite 250
European Operations F-78702 Conflans St. Honorine, Anaheim, CA 92807-1904
King Street France Telephone: 714-970-3000
Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent Telephone: (33) 1 -3490-4000 Fax: 714-970-3001
ST4 2LT England Fax: (33) 1 -3490-0788
Telephone: (44) 1782-744561 Norton Chemical Process Products
Fax: (44) 1782-744330 Holland Corporation
Norton Chemical Process Products 4137 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
Main Office Japan Dadelgaarde 71 Suite 220
Norton KK 2723 BJ Zoetermeer Baton Rouge, LA 70816-4337
Norton Chemical Process Netherlands Telephone: 225-292-1895
Products Division Telephone: (31) 79 342 89 55 Fax: 225-292-1519
Ichiban-cho NN Building Fax: (31)79341 0237
15-5 Ichiban-cho Norton Chemical Process Products
Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo Japan 102-0096 Russia Corporation
Telephone: (81) 3-3263-0096 Norton Russia 5120 Woodway, Suite 9000
Fax: (81)3-3263-0097 Office 440 Houston, TX 77056-1724
1 Gagarina Avenue Telephone: 713-627-7667
Saint Petersburg 196105 Russia Fax: 713-627-7567
Telephone: (7) 812-294-8530
Fax: (7)812-294-8572
 NORTON
Norton Chemical Process The information presented herein is believed to be
accurate and reliable, but is presented without guarantee or
Products Corporation warranty on the part of Norton Chemical Process Products
P.O. Box 350 Corporation. Further, nothing contained herein shall be
Akron, OH 44309-0350 taken as an inducement or recommendation to
Telephone: 330-673-5860 manufacture or use any of the herein described
materials or processes in violation of existing
U.S. Toll Free: 1-888-NORTON-1 or future patents.
Fax: 330-677-7245
www.nortoncppc.com

A Saint-Gobain Company

© 1996 Norton Chemical Process Products Corporation 8/98 IHPRP-1