Strong Acid System - Acid Distributors

Introduction

The primary function of an acid distributor is to uniformly distribute acid across the packing.  Failure to do this will affect the performance of the tower.  The characteristics of a good acid distributor are:

• Uniform acid distribution (> 21.5 points/m² or > 2 points/ft²)
• Low tendency to plug or foul
• Minimal splashing or droplet formation
• Does not constrict the flow of gas at the top of the tower
• Ease of installation and removal
• Corrosion resistant

There are many different designs of distributors that have been used over the years and by different plant designers.  All distributors generally fall into two categories:

• Trough Type Distributors
• Pipe Type Distributors

Pan type distributors have been used in the past for smaller towers but are never used in new installations.