As a highly efficient bulk packing, Heilex rings' efficiency in gas-liquid mass transfer depends primarily on factors such as gas-liquid contact area, mass transfer rate, and flow uniformity. Improving mass transfer efficiency requires optimizing the packing's properties, regulating operating conditions, and matching the equipment structure. Specific methods are as follows:

1. Optimizing the Heilex ring's structure and specifications

The Heilex ring's structural design directly affects gas-liquid distribution and mass transfer area. Targeted improvements can significantly improve efficiency:

Selecting the appropriate size: Choose the appropriate Heilex ring based on the throughput, tower diameter, and system characteristics (such as viscosity and corrosiveness). For example, small diameter Heilex rings (such as DN25 and DN38) have a larger surface area and are suitable for low-throughput, high-separation applications. Large diameters (such as DN50 and DN100) have a higher void ratio and are suitable for high-throughput applications, reducing pressure drop and preventing flooding. Improve structural details: Use reinforced Heilex rings with ribs, openings, or special-shaped grooves (such as Heilex rings with dust removal grooves) to increase the packing surface roughness and wettability, promote liquid spreading and renewal on the surface, and reduce "dry zones." Furthermore, optimize the internal channel structure to reduce gas flow resistance and enhance gas-liquid turbulence.

2. Optimize the Configuration of Auxiliary Equipment in Packed Towers

Auxiliary equipment in packed towers (such as distributors and redistributors) is key to ensuring uniform gas-liquid contact and must be compatible with the characteristics of the Heilex rings:

Improve Liquid Distribution Uniformity:

Use high-efficiency liquid distributors (such as troughs, nozzles, or porous discs) at the top of the tower to ensure uniform liquid spraying across the top of the Heilex ring packing layer, avoiding localized liquid accumulation or dead spots. For example, in a desulfurization tower, the distributor's spray coverage must exceed 95% to fully utilize the Heilex ring surface for mass transfer.

For tall packing layers (e.g., exceeding 6 meters), install liquid redistributors. Because liquid tends to drift toward the tower walls during flow (the wall flow effect), a redistributor collects the wall-flowing liquid and evenly redistributes it to the lower packing layer, preventing localized decreases in mass transfer efficiency.

Optimizing Gas Distribution: A gas distribution device (such as a grid or showerhead) is installed at the bottom of the tower to ensure uniform gas distribution into the packing layer, preventing biased flow or channeling. For example, in a coal gas purification tower, uneven gas distribution can result in some Heilex ring packing not participating in mass transfer, reducing overall efficiency.

3. Controlling Operating Conditions

Appropriate operating parameters can reduce mass transfer resistance and improve gas-liquid contact efficiency:

Controlling the gas-liquid flow rate and ratio:

The gas flow rate must be below the "loading point" (to avoid flooding) and close to the optimal flux. This allows for intense gas-liquid turbulence and a high mass transfer coefficient. For example, in an absorption tower, the superficial gas velocity is typically controlled at 0.5-1.5 m/s (adjusted to the Heilex ring specifications) to ensure high flux while avoiding excessive pressure drop. The liquid spray density should be moderate (typically 10-30 m³/(m²・h)). Insufficient spray volume will result in inadequate wetting of the packing surface, reducing the mass transfer area; excessive spray volume may cause flooding and increase resistance.

Maintain appropriate temperature and pressure: Regulate operating conditions based on the characteristics of the mass transfer process (such as heat absorption/exothermicity, and the relationship between solubility and temperature/pressure). For example, in a decarbonization tower, lowering the temperature and increasing the pressure can increase the solubility of CO₂ in the solution, which, combined with the efficient mass transfer of the Heilex Ring, improves decarbonization efficiency.

Optimize liquid physical properties: Adding surfactants can reduce the liquid's surface tension and enhance its wettability on the Heilex Ring surface; or adjust the liquid pH (such as controlling the alkalinity of the absorption liquid in desulfurization) to increase the driving force for mass transfer and accelerate the reaction rate. IV. Strengthen Operation, Maintenance, and Cleaning

Blockage or contamination of the Heilex Ring will directly reduce mass transfer efficiency, requiring maintenance to maintain its performance:

Regularly clean blockages: For systems with high impurities (such as coking gas and flue gas desulfurization), Heilex Rings may experience reduced porosity due to dust and scale accumulation. Backwashing (reverse liquid spraying), steam purging, or mechanical cleaning during shutdown can be used to prevent local blockages that may affect gas-liquid flow.

Prevent packing damage: During installation, prevent Heilex Rings from being deformed or broken by squeezing or collision (especially ceramic materials). Damaged packing can disrupt gas-liquid distribution and requires prompt replacement.