Heat,mass and momentum transfer in packed bed distillation columns

This contribution presents the basic equations for heat, mass and momentum transfer in multicomponent packed bed distillation processes. In some situations, the use of strongly simplified models is justified, but when approaching more difficult and, at the same time, economically more interesting regions of operation where non-linear effects are significant, these models are likely to fail. Consequently, a more rigorous vapour-liquid equilibrium model should be employed since the pressure drop in the column will not be negligible in those regions. Furthermore, neither constant parameter hold-ups nor heat and mass transfer coefficients are assumed. Simulations demonstrate some interesting process properties. The impact of the surroundings on the process is discussed and a three-dimensional model extension is outlined.