Quantification of Entrainment Using an Optical Inline Probe

In distillation and absorption processes, entrainment above trays or packings reduces stage and column efficiency. A modified version of the optical multimode online probe enables a seminal insight and, thus, quantification of entrained droplets on various axial and radial positions. A purging mechanism inhibits precipitation of droplets on the front lenses, while telecentric optics and illumination provide distance-independent and precise imaging of entrained droplets between two valve trays. Experiments were performed in a DN 450 cold flow (air-water) test rig. The results were compared with noninvasive phase Doppler anemometry data.