Fluid dynamics and mass transfer in the total capacity range of packed columns up to the flood point

Up to now, the only equations that were known for calculating mass transfer during two-phase countercurrent flow in packed columns were those that apply to the range extending up to the loading point. The gas and liquid streams flow separately through the column below but not above this point. Above it, the shear stress in the gas stream supports an increasing quantity of liquid in the column, with the result that the liquid holdup greatly increases. Finally, at the flood point, the liquid accumulates to such an extent that column instability occurs. Mass transfer in this upper loading range can be described if these fluid dynamic relationships are taken into consideration. The algorithm that is presented here for its prediction is based on theoretical and experimental studies.