Equipment Design Data

Typical tray efficiencies, packing characteristics, and heat transfer coefficients for process equipment.

Typical Tray Efficiencies

ServiceTray TypeEfficiency (%)Comments
DemethanizerValve30-40Low temp, high pressure
DeethanizerValve60-70Moderate conditions
DepropanizerValve70-80Good conditions
DebutanizerValve75-85Near atmospheric
Amine AbsorberValve/Bubble25-35Mass transfer limited
Amine RegeneratorValve60-70Steam stripping
TEG ContactorBubble Cap25-35High viscosity
StabilizerValve70-80Moderate pressure

Packing Characteristics

TypeSizeHETP (ft)Pressure Drop (in H₂O/ft)Surface Area (ft²/ft³)
Pall Rings1"1.5-2.00.15-0.2563
Pall Rings2"2.0-2.50.10-0.2031
Saddles1"1.8-2.30.20-0.3076
Saddles2"2.3-2.80.15-0.2538
StructuredMellapak 250Y1.0-1.50.08-0.15250
StructuredFlexipac 2Y1.2-1.80.10-0.18223
Raschig Rings1"2.0-2.50.25-0.3558

Heat Transfer Coefficients

ServiceU (Btu/hr-ft²-°F)Comments
Gas-Gas5-35Low, extended surface often used
Gas-Liquid10-60Gas side controls
Gas Cooling (water)50-150Finned tubes common
Condensing (water cooled)100-300Depends on gas composition
Liquid-Liquid50-200Viscosity dependent
Reboilers (steam)150-400Natural circulation
Reboilers (hot oil)50-150Lower ΔT available
Air Coolers5-15Based on bare tube area

Separator K-Factors

Separator TypeDemister TypeK-Factor (ft/s)Comments
VerticalWire Mesh0.15-0.35Standard design
VerticalVane Pack0.40-0.60Higher capacity
HorizontalWire Mesh0.40-0.50L/D = 3-5
HorizontalNone0.10-0.15Gravity only
SphericalWire Mesh0.20-0.35Compact design
Filter SeparatorCartridge + Mesh0.10-0.20High efficiency
Slug CatcherNone0.05-0.10Large volume