Functions

1. Disperse concentrated incoming feed and uniformly distribute liquid over packing top surface to reduce localised liquid streaming.stop channeling.

Maldistribution and wall flow (liquid running down tower inner wall). sufficient contact between liquid feed and upward rising gas stream, mass transfer, reaction and separation efficiency.

Maximise effective utilisation of total packing bed area and raise overall production line throughput. Principle Liquid feed enters distributor main body via feed header.

Is divided through main passages to multiple branch pipes/distribution troughs. Liquid flows out through bottom orifices.

Overflow weirs or spray nozzles from hundreds of distribution points and falls evenly onto lower packing bed under gravity.

Dedicated gas riser channels are reserved to guarantee unobstructed upward gas flow without pressure build up inside tower.

Types

1. Pipe type liquid feed distributor: Consists of main header plus multiple parallel branch pipes with bottom drip orifices.

Simple construction and low cost; for small and medium size towers and clean particle free feed streams. Two stage trough type liquid feed distributor: Primary main trough → secondary distribution trough → overflow liquid distribution.

Superior distribution uniformity and wide operating turndown; widely used for medium to large diameter towers. Trough and tray gas liquid distributor: with gas riser pipes.

Liquid discharges via base orifices while gas passes through risers. feed distribution and liquid collection simultaneously.

Preferred for structured packing towers.

Limitation: small orifices are prone to clogging, not for particle containing feed. Nozzle spray type distributor: Relies on pressure for feed atomisation & spraying.

For spray washing and cooling process duties.