How to Select Suitable Tower Packing Based on Material Properties and Operating Conditions

When selecting packing based on operating conditions, factors such as temperature, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, cost, and special performance requirements must be comprehensively considered. Below is a comparison of the advantages, disadvantages, and application scenarios of ceramic, plastic, and metal packings:

1. Ceramic packing

Ceramic packing features strong corrosion resistance and high mechanical strength. It is suitable for corrosive environments such as strong acids and strong alkalis (except hydrofluoric acid), and is also suitable for high-temperature reactions or drying processes. The working temperature can reach 1200-1600℃. Ceramic packing has excellent wear resistance, a relatively smooth surface, and is not prone to deformation or dirt accumulation over long-term use.

However, ceramic packing also have disadvantages such as high brittleness, heavy weight and high cost. Ceramic packing is more suitable for high-temperature reactors, sulfuric acid drying towers, corrosive gas absorption towers and other high-temperature or strongly corrosive environments.

2. Plastic packing

Plastic packing are light in weight, low in cost, low in density, and convenient for transportation and installation, making them suitable for scenarios with low-cost demands. Plastic packing has good corrosion resistance and can withstand common acids, alkalis and organic solvents (such as PP, PVC and other materials). It is flexible in design and can be processed into various shapes (such as plastic Pall rings, plastic step rings, etc.) to optimize fluid distribution.

Plastic packing have poor high-temperature resistance. Generally, their working temperature is below 100-150℃, and they tend to soften and deform when used in high-temperature environments. Moreover, it has relatively low strength and is prone to creep under long-term pressure, making it unsuitable for high-intensity impact or high-pressure environments.

Plastic packing is suitable for water treatment towers, low-temperature chemical reactions, cable insulation materials and other light-load and moderately corrosive working conditions.

3. Metal packing

Metal packing have excellent compressive and impact resistance, making them suitable for high-pressure and high-speed flow environments. Stainless steel or alloy materials can withstand high temperatures ranging from 400 to 600℃. Structured packing materials (such as corrugated plates) can optimize the gas-liquid distribution and enhance the separation efficiency.

Disadvantages: It has relatively weak corrosion resistance and is prone to corrosion by chloride ions and organic solvents (especially carbon steel). The material needs to be selected based on the medium (such as stainless steel, titanium alloy). The cost of metal fillers is high. Special metal fillers (such as titanium) are expensive and heavy. Although they are lighter than ceramic fillers, they are heavier than plastics. Therefore, the design of the supporting structure needs to be considered.

Metal packing is suitable for environments with high temperature, high pressure and high mechanical strength requirements, such as petroleum distillation columns, high-pressure reactors and gas separation devices.

By integrating the working condition parameters and the characteristics of the packing, the equipment efficiency can be maximized and the service life can be prolonged.