Operation of a spray column with a dense packing of drops

Operation of a spray column with a dense packing of drops and high holdups is desirable for commercial application of spray columns for extraction and heat transfer. The best shape of column for obtaining and maintaining a stable dense packing of drops is a constant diameter column with a conical extension at the top, in which the upper interface is maintained. The average drop size is in the same range for dense and dispersed packings of drops. The local holdup decreases up the column at high flow rates of either phase when the continuous phase is introduced at the top and center of the column proper. For kerosine drops, 3 to 4 mm. in diameter, the velocity of the kerosine at the coalescence interface is 0.7 cm. per second. The range of superficial velocities, for which a constant holdup dense packing can be obtained, is given.