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The Metal Trough Liquid Distributor is a primary column internal designed to evenly distribute incoming liquid across the full cross-section of a packed bed. It consists of a network of parallel troughs suspended above the packing or catalyst bed. Liquid enters via a main feed pipe, fills the troughs, then overflows through precisely machined V-notches or circular perforations along the trough walls. The droplets or streams fall uniformly onto the packing surface, ensuring that every area of the bed receives an equal liquid load. This is critical for achieving high mass transfer efficiency, as maldistribution can reduce column performance by 30% or more. Constructed from stainless steel or specialty alloys, metal trough distributors are robust, reliable, and suitable for a wide range of clean and moderately fouling services.
Precision-engineered V‑notches or perforations ensure even liquid flow across the full column cross‑section, eliminating dry spots, channeling, and efficiency loss.
The open trough channel and V‑notch overflow design are naturally resistant to solids build‑up, making them suitable for moderate fouling services.
Capable of maintaining distribution quality across a broad range of liquid flow rates, accommodating plant turndown without compromising column efficiency.
Trough spacing, notch density, and trough dimensions are fully tailored to specific column diameter, packing type, and liquid load for optimal performance.
Fabricated from 304/316L stainless steel, carbon steel, or high‑performance alloys, withstanding temperatures up to 450°C and corrosive environments.
Modular trough panels can be individually removed for cleaning or replacement, and leveling adjustments are straightforward during installation.
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range |
|---|---|
| Column Diameter | 300–8000 mm |
| Trough Spacing | 200 / 250 / 300 / 400 / 500 mm |
| V‑Notch Spacing | 25 / 40 / 50 / 75 / 100 mm |
| Liquid Load Range | 0.2–80 m³/m²·h |
| Turndown Ratio | Up to 3:1 |
| Trough Material Thickness | 2–4 mm (SS304/316L) |
| Max Operating Temp | ≤450°C (SS304/316L) |
| Typical Distribution Quality | <5% variation |
Its primary role is to evenly distribute incoming liquid across the full cross-section of the packed bed. Proper initial distribution prevents dry spots, eliminates channeling, and ensures optimal contact between gas and liquid phases.
The open trough structure and V-notch overflow mechanism permit liquid to flow continuously over the notch edges rather than through narrow closed orifices, significantly reducing particle accumulation and making it suitable for moderate fouling environments.
The metal trough distributor can accommodate column diameters from 300 mm up to 8000 mm, operating effectively across a liquid load range of 0.2 to 80 m³/m²·h with a turndown ratio of up to 3:1.
Liquid maldistribution can degrade column efficiency by 30% or more. High-precision distribution with less than 5% variation ensures that every region of the packing receives an equal liquid load, maximizing mass transfer efficiency.
Distributors are constructed from 304 and 316L stainless steel, carbon steel, or specialized corrosion-resistant alloys, allowing reliable performance at operating temperatures up to 450°C.
Yes, the trough spacing (such as 200, 250, 300, 400, or 500 mm), notch intervals, and modular panel configurations are engineered and tailored to match specific process requirements, packing geometries, and column internal structures.
