Tray Jet Flooding – Separating Facts from Fiction

One of the mechanisms limiting the capacity of cross-flow trays is jet flooding. This flooding mechanism is normally associated with high levels of entrainment by either the spray or froth hitting the tray above. Over the years several solutions have been proposed to extend the capacity of cross-flow trays by mitigating this flooding mechanism. Through careful experimentation it was found that some of these solutions do not deliver what is promised. In this presentation data from large scale pilot plants will be used to analyze the underlying fundamentals of jet flooding and possible ways of mitigating it. Feedback from the industry on the efficacy of these solutions will be presented.