Metallic structure packing is typically to improve contact between two phases in a chemical or similar process. It can be used in a chemical reactor, a distillation process, or a scrubber.

The metallic structured packing refers to a range of specially designed materials for use in absorption and distillation columns and chemical reactors. Structured packings typically consist of thin corrugated metal plates or gauzes arranged in a way that they force fluids to take complicated paths through the column, thereby creating a large surface area for contact between different phases.

MECHANISM:
The principle of structured packing operation is based on having a large number of obstacles intercepting entrained droplets in a vapour flow. Structured columns packing consist of metal wire mesh with corrugated sheets which are aligned and placed vertically. The wire structure slopes are reversed in other sheets stacked with alternating 90 degree orientation of each layer resulting in inclined flow passages and a relatively high surface area. This arrangement allows thin liquid films to be continuously spread across the tower as liquid flows through the packing. Capillary action and high surface areas result in maximum exposure to high mass transfer efficiency.

APPLICATION:
1. Mass transfer of temperature sensitive chemical products
2. Proper lateral distribution of liquids and gases
3. Solvent recovery
4. Batch and continuous distillation
5. Low liquid loading systems
6. Providing highest theoretical stages per meter of packing height
7. Reducing liquid hold up
8. Economizing operating loads of vessels