Abstract: A multi-segmented monolith (MSM) which can be used as a structured packing in mass-transfer and catalytic operations is disclosed. The MSM comprises a series of longitudinally attached segments. The length of each segment is between 0.2 to 5 inches. Each segment has flow passages which extend from the inlet flow face to the outlet flow face. The segments are located such that the outlet of a flow passage on a segment is in flow communication with the inlet of a flow passage on an adjacent attached segment. The segments are attached to each other either in the green state or with an adhesive, such as sodium silicate. Alternately, the segments are attached to each other by a mechanical means, such as a tie-rod or a dowel pin. The MSM further includes a spacer means between adjacent segments. A plurality of MSMs are further assembled into a Compound MSM (CMSM).

Abstract: A multi-segmented monolith (MSM) which can be used as a structured packing in mass-transfer and catalytic operations is disclosed. The MSM comprises a series of longitudinally attached segments. The length of each segment is between 0.2 to 5 inches. Each segment has flow passages which extend from the inlet flow face to the outlet flow face. The segments are located such that the outlet of a flow passage on a segment is in flow communication with the inlet of a flow passage on an adjacent attached segment. The segments are attached to each other either in the green state or with an adhesive, such as sodium silicate. Alternately, the segments are attached to each other by a mechanical means, such as a tie-rod or a dowel pin. The MSM further includes a spacer means between adjacent segments. A plurality of MSMs are further assembled into a Compound MSM (CMSM).

Abstract: An extruded, ceramic, structured packing has a plurality of partition-plates attached to end-walls. The partition-plates have a plurality of parallel, interleaved ribs which run from the leading flow-edge to the trailing flow-edge of the partition plate to create a serpentine cross-sectioned flow-channel between an adjacent pair of partition plates and the end-walls.

Abstract: Highly efficient packing bodies are formed by stacking plates having at least 30% open space provided by apertures and rod-like baffle elements which project from a surface of the plate. The panels are latched together into a stack by means of a plurality of latching rods, longer than the baffle rods which are frictionally received into opposed sockets formed in the surface of the adjacent plate. A cover plate with downwardly depending rods and latching sockets disposed to receive the latching rods from the opposed plate is utilized to prevent the exposed rods from engaging the rods of other plates so that voids in a packed tower are avoided.

Abstract: A ceramic packing element (500) is formed from a stack of ceramic plates (502) having parallel ribs (504) forming parallel grooves therebetween. The grooves are formed into channels by being contacted with the surface of an opposed plate. The ribs (504) may engage the end surfaces of ribs on an adjacent plate or may be interleaved with the ribs (504) of an opposed plate to form smaller channels. The plates (502) are adhered to each other by firing a stack of plates (502) in the green state or by adhering cured plates (502) by means of an inorganic adhesive such as sodium silicate. Pressure drop and cracking may be reduced, mass transfer and heat efficiencies increased by enlarging the inlets (542) to the channels and by providing perforations through the plates between the ribs (504). Elements may be preassembled into larger units before placement in a column by wrapping metal bands around an assembly of elements.

Abstract: A ceramic packing element is formed from a stack of ceramic plates having parallel ribs forming parallel grooves therebetween. The grooves are closed into channels by the surf ace of an opposed plate. The ribs may engage the end surfaces of ribs on an adjacent space or may be interleaved with the ribs of an opposed plate to form smaller channels. The plates are adhered to each other by firing a stack of plates in the green state or wrapping film or bands around a stack of pre-fired plates. The elements may be preassembled into larger units before placement in a column by wrapping metal bands around an assembly of elements.

Abstract: An improved packing body is formed by forming a first end wall of a perforated strip into an interior convolution surrounded by a peripheral convolution containing the second end wall of the strip. The convolution may be in spiral form or concentric polygons such as cylinders joined by connector segments. Baffle elements can project from the surface of the strip at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the packing body. Tapered strip with the large end wall disposed to the interior can be bent into a shape approaching spherical.

Abstract: A packing body is formed from a sheet of foldable material by forming a first row of panels with first fold lines between adjacent panels, forming a second row of panels having a second fold line inducing a common fold line with an edge of at least one panel from the first row, the common fold line being substantially perpendicular to the first fold lines, and bending the panels in the first row along the first fold lines until the panels are positioned in a stack and bending the panels in the second row into a second stack and folding them along the common fold line above or below the first stack.

Abstract: An improved packing body is formed by forming a first end wall of a perforated strip into an interior convolution surrounded by a peripheral convolution containing the second end wall of the strip. The convolutions may be in spiral form or concentric polygons such as cylinders joined by connector segments. Baffle elements can project from the surface of the strip at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the packing body. Tapered strips with the large end wall disposed to the interior can be bent into a shape approaching spherical.

Abstract: An improved packing body is formed from a strip divided into segments along fold lines. Segments along one side of a medial segment are alternately folded along the fold lines into a stack on the top surface of the medial segment. Segments on the other side of the medial segment are then folded along the fold lines into a stack on the bottom surface of the medial segments. Side segments hingedly connected to the medial or end segments can be folded along the side edges of the stack. Baffle elements can project from the surface of the strip at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the packing body. Tapered strips with a large medial segment disposed to the interior can be folded into a shape approaching spherical.

Abstract: A method and manufacturing blank for the production of high performance substantially symmetrical open volumed packing bodies is disclosed comprising the steps of forming a blank from sheet material, the blank comprising a plurality of generally identical plates interconnected in linear series by ribbon members coupling adjacent plates and defining a median strip, shaping the plates into troughs having longitudinal axes oriented perpendicularly to the median strip, and bending the median strip to bring the longitudinal axes into close proximity with one another to form an open volumed packing body having a central core defined by the aligned bores.

Abstract: An improved packing body for use in packed columns which is formed of a longitudinally extending central core from which a plurality of web members generally radially extend. The web members are in substantially axial alignment with the core and are formed of a plurality of open cellular units. The packing body provides a maximal amount of wettable surface area and drip formation points with a minimum of obstruction to fluid flow within a packed column.