Marinization of Mass Transfer Columns for FLNG Applications

Still by today, there is limited experience available about the impact of column motion on the fluid dynamic and mass transfer efficiency in industrial sized marinized columns. Raschig and UOP has started in 2010 a new approach to evaluate the performance of random and structured packings under column motion conditions. The experimental test results have been validated by CFD modeling. On the bases of CFD gas and liquid flow performance can be predicted at any elevated position mass transfer columns may have under combined heave, sway, surge, list, trim, roll, yaw and pitch conditions.

The paper offers new information about column operation for floating LNG applications.

Fig. 1: Nomenclature for moving vessels