Novel anisotropic T-S structured packing for improved hydrodynamic and mass transfer performance in rotating packed bed: A pathway for new generation packings

The aim of this research was to develop novel T-S packing structure (based on open cellular structures) in anisotropic manner; thus, varying packing properties from inner to outer radius. 3-d printing technology (Stereolithography) was used to produce anisotropic packings. Hydrodynamics and mass transfer experiments for effective interfacial area were carried out for this packing, as well as for wire mesh at different gas & liquid flowrates and rotational speed. Hydrodynamic studies showed 2–7 folds reduction in pressure drop for novel T-S packing as compared to wire mesh regardless of operating conditions. Not only it improved hydrodynamic performance of RPB but fostered superior mass transfer characteristics in terms of effective interfacial area, where a higher interfacial area was achieved. This superior performance is attributed to the anisotropic nature combined with T-S structured packing. Current study demonstrates the strategy of producing packing in anisotropic fashion which can further be combined with novel packing designs to improve the hydrodynamics and mass transfer in rotating packed bed, thus increasing its modularity.