Pro-Pak® is a high efficiency distillation column packing with unique wetting properties. Applications range from laboratory and pilot plant distillation columns to those used in small manufacturing plants. Pro-Pak® is self wetting, so equilibrium time is reduced — distillations can be stopped and started without lengthy delay. The entire surface of the packing is available for mass transfer, contributing to its high efficiency. The shape of the packing eliminates interlocking and makes filling and emptying the column as easy as pouring water.

Ideal for Laboratory and Pilot Scale Distillation Columns
High Efficiency Design
Unique Wetting Properties
Atmospheric and Reduced Pressure Distillation Applications
1.25oz

Pro-Pak® is formed from metal ribbon through which more than 1000 tiny holes per square inch have been punched. As the points of the die push through the metal, jagged burrs are formed on the reverse side of the ribbon. Pro-Pak®’s self-wetting properties derive from a rectangular network of capillaries on the surface of the metal, produced by the combined effect of the holes in the ribbon and the roughness of the burrs. These properties ensure that Pro-Pak® stays wet in service in the distillation column and retains its high efficiency. Because the surface area of the packing remains effective under low liquid loadings, high column efficiency is maintained at vapor velocities very much lower than the flooding velocity.

Pro-Pak® can be used for both atmospheric and reduced pressure distillations down to 10 mm Hg condenser pressure. As the operating pressure decreases, efficiency increases. The HETP (height equal to a theoretical plate) varies from 0.5 inch to 1.4 inch in a 1-inch diameter column, depending on operating pressure and reflux rate.

The large surface area made effective by the wettability of Pro-Pak® allows for efficient mass transfer between the liquid and vapor phases. The surface area is approximately 576 square feet per cubic foot for the 0.16-inch size and the packing factor is 693 for the 0.16-inch size.

High free space is especially important in vacuum distillation (for reduction of pressure drop) and in extractive distillation and absorption (where high liquid or vapor loading is common). Pro-Pak® has high free space: 94% for the 0.16-inch size. Because of its high free space, Pro-Pak® has a high flood rate.

*Mechanical Pencil in the image is not included. For size comparison only*

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