PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Column Internals

PTS 16.52.06
October 2017

© 2017 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form
or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright
owner. PETRONAS Technical Standards are Company’s internal standards and meant for authorized users only.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 2 of 39

FOREWORD

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) has been developed based on the accumulated knowledge,
experience and best practices of the PETRONAS group supplementing National and International
standards where appropriate. The key objective of PTS is to ensure standard technical practice across
the PETRONAS group.

Compliance to PTS is compulsory for PETRONAS-operated facilities and Joint Ventures (JVs) where
PETRONAS has more than fifty percent (50%) shareholding and/or operational control, and includes
all phases of work activities.

Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers who use PTS are solely responsible in ensuring the quality of
work, goods and services meet the required design and engineering standards. In the case where
specific requirements are not covered in the PTS, it is the responsibility of the
Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers to propose other proven or internationally established
standards or practices of the same level of quality and integrity as reflected in the PTS.

In issuing and making the PTS available, PETRONAS is not making any warranty on the accuracy or
completeness of the information contained in PTS. The Contractors/manufacturers/suppliers shall
ensure accuracy and completeness of the PTS used for the intended design and engineering
requirement and shall inform the Owner for any conflicting requirement with other international
codes and technical standards before start of any work.

PETRONAS is the sole copyright holder of PTS. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, recording or
otherwise) or be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever, without the prior written
consent of PETRONAS.

The PTS shall be used exclusively for the authorised purpose. The users shall arrange for PTS to be
kept in safe custody and shall ensure its secrecy is maintained and provide satisfactory information to
PETRONAS that this requirement is met.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 3 of 39

Table of Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 5
1.1 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERM ...................................................................................................... 5
1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES ............................................................................................... 6
2.0 TRAYS.................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 PROCESS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................... 7
2.2 SELECTION OF TRAYS .................................................................................................... 8
2.3 VALVES TRAY ARRANGEMENTS .................................................................................... 9
2.4 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS – DESIGN ................................................................... 10
2.5 MECHANICAL DESIGN – DEFLECTION AND LEVELNESS .............................................. 11
2.6 TRAY SUPPORT RINGS ................................................................................................. 11
2.7 TRAY PANEL................................................................................................................. 11
2.8 BEAMS ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.9 DRAINING AND LEAKAGE ............................................................................................ 13
2.10 TRAY INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY ....................................................... 13
2.11 TRAYS ACCESSIBILITY .................................................................................................. 14
2.12 SUPPORT RINGS .......................................................................................................... 15
2.13 MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION ................................................................................... 15
3.0 DRAW-OFF TRAYS................................................................................................ 16
3.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... 16
3.2 DRAW-OFF TRAYS AND COLLECTORS ......................................................................... 16
3.3 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 17
3.4 REBOILER VAPOR AND LIQUID RETURN...................................................................... 18
3.5 LOADS ......................................................................................................................... 18
3.6 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS – DEFLECTIONS AND LEVELNESS ............................... 19
3.7 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENT – DRAW OFF TRAY AND DISTRIBUTOR TRAY SUPPORT
.................................................................................................................................... 19
3.8 CONSTRUCTION/FABRICATION................................................................................... 19
3.9 DRAINING AND LEAKAGE ............................................................................................ 20
3.10 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 21
3.11 PROVISIONS FOR ACCESS ............................................................................................ 21
3.12 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 21
4.0 RANDOM AND STRUCTURED PACKING ................................................................ 23
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 4 of 39

4.1 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 23

4.2 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................... 23
4.3 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 25
4.4 PROVISIONS FOR ACCESS ............................................................................................ 26
5.0 FEED INLET DEVICES............................................................................................. 27
5.1 GENERAL ..................................................................................................................... 27
5.2 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR LIQUID FEED INLETS DEVICES ................................... 27
5.3 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS - LOADS FOR LIQUID FEED INLETS............................. 27
5.4 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS - LEVELNESS FOR LIQUID FEED INLETS ...................... 28
5.5 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTI PHASE FEED INLETS/VAPOR FEED ................. 28
5.6 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENT – LOADS FOR VAPOR/ MULTIPHASE FEED UNIT ......... 28
5.7 MECHNICAL REQUIREMENT- DEFLECTIONS AND LEVELNESS FOR VAPOR /MULTI
PHASE FEED INLETS ..................................................................................................... 29
5.8 MecHNICAL REQUIREMENT- DRAINING AND LEAKAGE ............................................. 29
5.9 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY ................................................................ 29
5.10 PROVISIONS FOR ACCESS ............................................................................................ 29
6.0 DEMISTER MAT ................................................................................................... 30
6.1 SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 30
6.2 INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................. 30
7.0 GENERAL MECHANICAL DESIGN REQUIREMENT ................................................... 31
7.1 ACCESS TO THE COLUMN FOR INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL .................................. 31
7.2 CONSTRUCTION & COMMISIONING SPARES .............................................................. 32
7.3 WELDING..................................................................................................................... 32
7.4 BOLTS .......................................................................................................................... 32
8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................................................................... 33
APPENDIX 1: TRAY SUPPORT RINGS ................................................................................ 34
APPENDIX 2: LEAKAGE TEST AND TEST CERTIFICATE ........................................................ 35
APPENDIX 3: LIQUID DISTRIBUTION FLOW TEST .............................................................. 36
APPENDIX 4: AVD-P TRAYS ............................................................................................. 39
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 5 of 39

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This PTS specifies the general process and mechanical design requirements, fabrication and
installation of trays, packing and other column internals in a column. This PTS was developed
to ensure that columns are able to achieve the designed mass transfer performance and
efficiency for grass roots and revamp facilities.

It is the intent that PETRONAS Mass Transfer Suite of column internals be used for all column
internals applications.

1.1 SCOPE

The scope of the PTS covers the design requirement of column internals including trays,
downcomers, structured and random packings, packings support, feed inlet devices, liquid
collector distribution trays and demister

1.2 GLOSSARY OF TERM

General Definition of Terms & Abbreviations

Refer to PTS 00.01.03 for PTS Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations &
Reading Guide.

Specific Definition of Terms

No Term Definition

Net Free Area Ratio of total area (total tower crossed-section area
less the area at the top of the downcomer.) to the
1
column’s cross sectional area expressed as
percentage.

Open Area The ratio of the total holes area (the total area of
perforations on the tray, the hole area is the smallest
2
area available for vapor passage) to the column’s
cross-sectional area expressed as a percentage.

Downcomer flooding Downcomer backup flooding is caused by high tray

pressure drop, liquid height on tray and head loss
3 under downcomer. Downcomer Choke flooding is
caused by excessive entrance friction loss in the
downcomer.

Jet flooding In spray regime operation flooding is brought about

by excessive vapour flow causing excessive liquid to
be entrained in the vapour up the column. In froth
4
and emulsion flows regimes operation, excessive
froth entrainment in the vapour up the column
causes jet flooding.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 6 of 39

No Term Definition

Tower Attachment Permanent welded internals of column including

5 support rings, bolting, clamping bars, beam seats (or
foot rest), clips and brackets.

Turndown ratio Ratio of the maximum to the minimum rate at which

6
satisfactory performance can be achieved.

Entrainment Carry-over of liquid droplets in vapour flow from one

7
tray to the tray above.

Tray weeping Liquid weep through the holes to tray below (by-
8 passing the downcomer) when the pressure drop is
insufficient to support the liquid on the tray.

Major Beams Beams that extend the length of shell are considered
9
major beams i.e. lattice and channel type.

Manway panels Removable panels of trays that allow access for

10
inspection of trays.
Table 1.1: Specific Definition of Terms

Specific Abbreviations

No Abbreviation Description

1 TCA Total Corrosion Allowance. Additional thickness to

add to all structural parts after calculated mechanical
requirements are met
Table 1.2: Specific Abbreviations

1.3 SUMMARY OF CHANGES

This PTS 16.52.06 (October 2017) replaces PTS 16.52.06 (June 2014).
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 7 of 39

2.0 TRAYS

2.1 PROCESS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

Trays shall be designed to handle required design vapour and liquid loads with the following
hydraulics criteria unless stated otherwise in the datasheet.

i. Downcomer Flooding : 82% Max

ii. Jet Flooding : 85% Max

iii. Tray Pressure Drop : Customer Specifies

iv. Dry Tray Pressure Drop : 8% Min, 20% Max

v. Entrainment/Weeping : 0.25 Max / 30 % Max

vi. Dynamic Seal :>0

vii. Velocity Under Downcomer : 1.6 Max

viii. Flow Path Length : 406mm (16 in.) - minimum

The maximum allowable deviation of the open area shall be +/- 0.5% of the column’s cross
section, or +/- 5.0% of the stated net free area (NFA), whichever is the smaller. Checks on
definition for Open Area and Free Area as it may differ between Mass Transfer internals
Suppliers.

Foaming factor shall be specified based on process fluid conditions:

i. Non-Foaming: 1.00

ii. Foaming: Moderate – 0.85

iii. Foaming: Severe – 0.70

Multi-pass trays (2 pass or more passes) shall have liquid and vapour rates proportioned to
active tray area. Multi pass trays shall be balanced by having the same effective weir length
and liquid flow rate to each pass. Vapour equalization tunnels shall be considered for
multidowncomer trays.

The number of liquid flow path shall be increased when weir loadings are greater than 70 to
90 m3/h/m (8 to 10 gpm/in).

Tray spacing typically follows:

No Tray Spacing
1 Normal Tray 457 mm - 610 mm
2 Feed Tray Normal Tray +150 mm
3 Pumparound 762 mm – 914 mm
Table 2.1: Typical tray spacing
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 8 of 39

Additional considerations for tray spacing are accessibility, downcomer backup/flood,

column length and diameter.

Dry Entrainment: Liquid is blown into a fine spray that leaves tray essentially dry. Anti-blowing
baffles and picket fence overflow weirs shall be used for correction.

Wet Entrainment: Vapour entrains excessive liquid to tray above. Amount of liquid entrained
shall be expressed as pounds of liquid entrained per pound of liquid leaving tray. Unless
approved otherwise by Owner, entrainment shall not exceed 0.1 pounds/pounds.

Weepage and Pulsation: Liquid leaks through tray holes, risers, or valves. If these conditions
occur for desired design range, Owner shall be advised. Trays shall perform in a satisfactory
manner down to minimum rates or 50% of normal rates, whichever is less.

2.2 SELECTION OF TRAYS

High performance trays shall be considered in optimizing column design and in maximizing
performance and column efficiency. Wherever suitable to improve hydraulics and in particular
for high performance application, it is mandated to use PETRONAS high performance trays
(ADV-P) and downcomer distributor (DD).

The trays have the following features:

Micro Dispersion Valve (MDV) where the valves equipped with canopies on the valve plate
and is able to generate very fine dispersion on the tray which enhances mass transfer.

Inlet Bubble promoter which initiates bubbling right at the tray inlet effectively gaining active
area performance.

Quick-connect Active Joint which enables a uniform and consistent valve pitch across the
entire tray and provide substantial installation time saving.

Downcomer Distributor: The downcomers of the trays include a distributor with the discharge
ports, located inside the downcomer area, sized so as to control the rate of liquid flow at
different positions across the distributor. The design gives even liquid flow across the surface
of the tray immediately below, avoiding the formation of stagnant regions with no backflow
over the tray active area which enables efficient and effective utilization of the tray area.

De-entraining Device: When operating under the spray regime, the ADV Tray with de-
entraining device can increase approximately 10% additional hydraulic capacity over the trays
without such a device.

Diagonal panel Layout: To overcome the problem of liquid flow blockage by tray support
beams, a “diagonal panel layout” mechanical design in conjunction with quick-connect active
joints can be applied
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 9 of 39

2.3 VALVES TRAY ARRANGEMENTS

Valves tray arrangement as per below:

i. Tray perforations and valves shall be as evenly spaced as possible.

ii. The perforating pattern should be preferably triangular.

iii. Minimum of two rows of perforations (sieve holes or valves) between the
downcomer exit location and the outlet weir.

iv. To minimize liquid bypassing, triangular pattern should be applied where the base
of the triangle is perpendicular to the flow direction.

2.3.2 All holes should be punched downwards, unless specified otherwise in data sheets or required
by design. All harmful burrs should be removed from holes.

2.3.3 Conventional and high performance round valve trays can be fixed or floating valves. The type
and number of valves, design and the orientation shall comply with tray design criteria as per
above unless specified in requisition datasheet.

2.3.4 The pitch of conventional valves (measured center to center of valves) shall be not less than
1.5 times the diameter of the valve cap.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 10 of 39

2.4 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS – DESIGN

All mechanical requirements to be calculated at the vessel design temperature unless

otherwise specified.

Trays and supports shall be designed for following combined loads at the design conditions:

i. Weight of tray and all the fixing assembly.

ii. Weight of liquid (either hot process liquid or water, whichever is the heavier)
equivalent to a liquid weight of two times the weir height with a minimum of 1000
kg/m2.

iii. Areas under downcomers shall have a design load which is the greater of 314
kg/m2 or a head of water one half the height of downcomer.

iv. Minimum design load in an upward direction of 2000 kg/m2 at maximum working
temperature evenly distributed over the entire tray surface.

Draw off pans shall have a design load which is the greater of 700 kg/m2 or 50 mm head of
water above the top of the pan.

Total draw-off pans shall be designed with a design load which is the greater of 700 kg/m2 or
50 mm head of water above the top of the vapour riser or weir overflow.

Trays directly above and below a flashing feed should be designed with 700 kg/m2 upward
loading.

Trays to be designed to withstand a concentrated live load of 1325 kg/m2 at any point on
structural members at a design temperature of 38C for installation and maintenance activity.

The design shall be based on fully corroded thickness of the structural component (i.e.
thickness excluding total corrosion allowance.

More stringent load criteria shall apply for cases where these loads can easily be exceeded
due to an operational mishap, e.g. liquid-full trays, steam explosions, etc. The following
maximum loads should be used:

i. Downward load : The weight of the hot process liquid if the tray spacing is
completely filled.

ii. Upward load : 6900 Pa (1 psi/704 kg/m2) maximum for steam explosions only.
Tray panels shall be clamped onto the supports. Special clamps shall be used to
minimize damage to support beams and rings.

iii. As an alternative, the use of one or more explosion doors may be considered.
Typical size is 80% of the perforated area with a minimum of 5% of the active tray
area of the column's cross sectional area. Explosion doors are only used in
combination with a high uplift design of 704 kg/m2 .
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 11 of 39

Criteria for the design of internals for these heavy-duty conditions shall be indicated on the
requisition data sheets.

Material properties at the design temperature found in ASME Section II, Part D to be used to
calculate structural requirements.

2.5 MECHANICAL DESIGN – DEFLECTION AND LEVELNESS

Maximum allowable deflection (downward and upward) for sieve, valve, bubble cap and grid
trays under all operating load shall not exceed 1/900 of the internal column diameter, limited
of 6 mm. No permanent deformation of trays are allowed under such loadings. Deflection is
not determining factor for trays design for uplift conditions as noted in sections 2.4.

Maximum allowable tilt for fractionating trays and gravity liquid distributors shall not exceed
0.3% of the column diameter, or 6 mm, whichever is the smaller. Care shall be exercised to
avoid local depressions and bulges in panels during fabrication and installation. Local
depressions and bulges in panels (if occurs during operation) shall not exceed 6 mm from the
nominal plane. Internal supplier shall take into account several other factors which may
influence levelness of trays. This includes the tolerances of the support rings inside the vessel
and the proper erection of the vessel on site. Refer to PTS 12.20.01 for minimum
requirements.

2.6 TRAY SUPPORT RINGS

Trays shall be supported by tray support system such as trusses, beams, bars, rings. These are
considered as column attachments which may comprise of support rings, support lugs and
drip rings.

Support rings shall be welded to the column wall for columns with a nominal diameter of 900
mm and above. For support rings, width and thickness sizes, see Appendix 1.

The overlap between the support ring and outer diameter (OD) of trays and grids shall be 19
mm minimum.

Tray fixing bolting shall be with provision lock washer.

2.7 TRAY PANEL

Tray panel weight should not exceed 30 kg to allow for easy handling during installation and
removal.

Load bearing trusses for inlet and active panels can be either loose channels or integrally
formed into the panels. Active panels can be connected to each other using frictional or
through bolting or tongue and groove construction combined with a through bolting
connection located every 600 mm across the connection joint with minimum 40 mm square
washer and locknut. As an alternative, the use of one or more self-opening / closing panels
with guided lugs with slots to open the panel up to 40 degree from surface may be
incorporated in the design. The size of such panel and numbers may be proposed for Owner's
review.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 12 of 39

2.8 BEAMS

Minimum beam thickness shall be as per design calculation to sustain the maximum loading,
however the thickness shall be minimum 6 mm for CS and Low Alloy Steel and 3 mm for
Stainless Steel.

Support beam shall be bolted onto the supports using slotted holes to accommodate column
out of roundness and thermal expansion. Slot length shall be determined by internal supplier
to meet column out of roundness or thermal expansion, if applicable. All removable support
beams attached with welded support rings / lugs shall be provided with locking nuts or tack
weld as agreed by Owner.

Supporting beams shall not restrict liquid and vapor contact on the trays.

For conventional trays, the main support beams shall be parallel to the direction of liquid flow
and shall be directly connected to the beam support clips welded to the shell.

The depth of supporting members traverse to the direction of flow shall not exceed 20% of
the tray spacing.

The depth of supporting members normal to the direction of flow shall not exceed 25% of the
tray spacing.

The space occupied by the beam shall not exceed 1/3 of the space between trays as defined
below:

Abeam/ (D x TS) < 1/3 of space between Tray

Where:
Abeam = area of beam, horizontally projected, m2;
D = internal diameter of column, m;
TS = tray spacing, m.

i. If a solid beam cannot meet this criteria then alternative beam construction such
as I-beam with holes or open work construction shall be used.

ii. All support beams shall be self-draining to avoid trapped liquid. If a C-type beam
with separation segments is used, each segment should be able to be drained
individually. Where draining of the segment is not possible, a drain hole of at least
12 mm should be drilled in the bottom of the beam.

iii. The support beam calculations and setting for the design loads shall be furnished
for Owner's review. For Column diameter > 3000 mm shall have adequate cross
beam support to have adequate rigidity and to minimize the height of the beam.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 13 of 39

Lattice beam construction can be used to support more than one layer of trays (for two
fractionating trays) for column diameters larger than 6.0 m. However, in case of multi layer
support, the lattice beam should allow for 70% open area through lattice construction. In this
case, the height of the support beam is equal to the tray spacing.

Combined beams may also be applied for column diameters smaller than 6.0 m. If a combined
beam is used, it shall occupy not more than 1/3 of the free space. In addition, the height of
the edge/obstruction below the support beam openings ("Hb" in Figure 2.1) should be less
than the weir height of the tray below; in any case, Hb shall not exceed a height of 35 mm so
as not to hamper the liquid cross-flow on that tray.

Figure 2.1 : Open structure combined support beam

2.9 DRAINING AND LEAKAGE

Drain holes are required to permit draining of the liquid hold up especially during
maintenance. Each seal pan shall have at least one drain hole with a diameter of 10 mm
located in the centre of panel. Drain holes in recessed seal pans shall be located towards the
end of the pan to prevent vapour bypassing through the holes to tray above. Inlet weirs shall
have a 13 mm ID drain hole at the base to drain into the tray.

The tightness of conventional downcomers shall not exceed 1.0% of open area in the down
comer bottom. Any gap in a seam shall not be wider than 1.0 mm.

Bubble cap trays should be able to hold liquid up to weir or riser height and therefore should
be capable of passing the leakage test as described in Appendix 2.

2.10 TRAY INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY

Trays shall be made in segmental parts to pass through manholes of the column. For column
with diameter larger than 800 mm, the largest panel section to pass through an opening equal
to column internal diameter minus 6 mm.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 14 of 39

Cartridge trays shall be designed to permit installation and removal through the top of column
body flanges.

All trays shall be designed to permit installation from bottom to top and removal from top to
bottom, unless otherwise specified

All parts should have durable markings, in paint stencil or ink, or permanent die stamping for
easy identification during tray installation. All marking should match the part number
markings on the related drawings.

In order to reduce the number of joints, parts shall be made as large as possible. Sufficient
clearance to facilitate assembly on site shall be allowed. For high performance tray, it is
mandatory to use activated quick connect joints which requires much less bolting along the
active joints to facilitate assembly. Activated quick connect joints is a preferred option for
conventional tray. Activated quick connect joints is a preferred option for conventional tray
provided its design integrity is checked for the maximum load cases.

Bolted joints may only be used to:

i. Attach support beams to cleats

ii. Attach downcomer plates in columns with conventional downcomers

iii. Attach auxiliary internals

iv. Attach tray panel edges to downcomers and inlet panels

v. Manway panels

All beam bolting connections to the support clips should use double nuts.

The maximum allowable difference in level between two adjacent panels shall be equal or less
than tray panel thickness.

Internal distribution pipes shall have flanged connections, refer to Standard Drawing
D12.92.002.

2.11 TRAYS ACCESSIBILITY

Trays and fittings shall be designed for easy access for cleaning, inspection and maintenance.

Access to fractionating trays not served by column manholes shall be provided by means of
bolted manways in the fractionating trays.

Tray manways for conventional trays shall have a minimum opening of 380 mm x 500 mm and
to ensure that a man can pass through the manways of the fractionating trays.

If the clearance between the tray deck and the bottom of the main supporting beams of the
tray above is less than 400 mm, tray manways shall be installed on each side of the beams.

For multiple pass tray, each pass should be equipped with one manway.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 15 of 39

If a tray uses a beam to split active area and the distance between the bottom of the major
beam chord and the tray below is less than 400 mm, the tray should be equipped with a
manway opening on each side of the beam to allow for man crossing below the beam.

All manways to be vertically align throughout the column.

Bolting and unbolting of tray manways should be possible from both sides of the tray. For
column with tray spacing less than 450 mm, all trays shall be designed for topside installation
and removal.

2.12 SUPPORT RINGS

The method by which trays are supported is set by the tray fabricator during the detailed
design. The number, size, and thickness of the welded support members depends on factors
such as tower diameter, the load to be supported, the need for accessibility for maintenance
and the corrosion allowance.

Trays shall be supported by tray support ring for column with diameters less than 3000 mm.
For tower diameters greater than 3000 mm, the load shall be supported by trusses which are
attached to the shell together with the support ring. The support ring shall be a minimum
thickness of 6 to 13 mm.

Typical width of support rings shall be between 2 and 3 in. (50 to 75 mm) for column ID < 6000
mm. Tray support rings for column ID > 6001 should increase as required by load and column
out of roundness requirements.

For tower diameters up to about 6000 mm, these trusses usually consist of I-beams or
channels. Built-up lattice type trusses are normally used and two trays are usually supported
from each set of trusses. Enough open area should be built into lattice trusses to insure good
lateral vapour distribution and to provide access to tray sections on both sides of the truss.

To prevent poor distribution of liquid and vapour on a tray, the major trusses must be parallel
to the direction of liquid flow, unless they are part of the centre (inboard) or off-centre
downcomers on multipass trays. Support beams exceeding 20% of the tray spacing in depth
should not be placed perpendicular to the liquid flow under side (outboard) downcomers.
Support beams should not be placed under drawoff boxes perpendicular to liquid flow as they
may restrict the flow of liquid into the downcomer of the tray below and thus limit the capacity
of that tray.

Minimum uncorroded thickness for tray support rings and welded bars and clips should be 6
mm. Refer to Appendix 1 for minimum trays support ring width and uncorroded thickness

2.13 MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION

The material of construction for internals including gaskets as required, compatible to the
process fluid condition shall be indicated in Engineering Data Requisition Sheet (EDRS). Unless
other specified in the EDRS the corrosion allowance for internals shall be as per PTS 12.20.01.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 16 of 39

3.0 DRAW-OFF TRAYS

3.1 GENERAL

The common means for withdrawing liquid are downcomer trapouts and chimney trays
assembled with the following components:

i. Draw-off trays include chimney draw-off tray and downcomer trapouts draw-off
tray.

ii. Liquid collectors include collectors with trough arrangement, rectangular/round

risers, Chevron type liquid collectors.

3.2 DRAW-OFF TRAYS AND COLLECTORS

Intermediate liquid draw-off can either be partial and total draw-off. Partial draw off can be
accomplished for up to 90% of the liquid from the tray. The partial draw-off rate should not
exceed 70% of the total of internal reflux rate and the drawoff rate at the draw off tray
(exclude pumparound rate)

Partial Liquid draw-offs can be achieved by:

i. Downcomer trapouts

ii. Chimney trays

Trapout shall be sealed to prevent vapour from flowing up the downcomer. It is recommended
to install a total draw off tray with a pump-back metered reflux stream to the next below tray,
if more than 75 to 80% of liquid is to be withdrawn.

Chimney tray shall be used for liquid draw-off when:

i. Large liquid holdup is required, for product surge or water settling

ii. Drawoff sump box occupy excessive tray area

iii. Leakage from the tray cannot be tolerated for process reason

iv. A partial draw-off rate greater than 75% - 80% of the total liquid rate

Chevron vane liquid collectors which are often fitted below packed beds to act as liquid
collector for liquid draw-off shall comprise of a number of inclined vanes. Liquid is collected
in channels at bottom of each vanes and drained into annular sump or into trough(s).
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 17 of 39

3.3 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

Chimney tray shall occupy an area of 15-20% of column area.

Collector/Chimney Trays: The liquid levels on the collector/ chimney tray should be low
enough to prevent liquid from overflowing chimneys (at least 100 – 150 mm) below the top
of the vapor risers).

The liquid outlets (nozzles) in the sump or trough(s) shall be equipped with vortex breakers,
see Standard Drawing D12.92.001.

Nozzle sizing considerations shall consider the following. Recommended design guidelines are
as follows:

No Criteria Design Guideline

1 Draw sump downward velocity < 0.3 m/s
2 Sump Horizontal Velocity < 0.6 m/s
3 Nozzle velocity < 1.0 m/s
4 Nozzle entrance Head loss (m) 0.332 (Q)2 / (D)4

Where
Q = drawoff rate (m3/s),
D = nozzle ID (m)
5 Head loss (m.) < nozzle radius (m) + 0.0762 (m)
Table 3.1: Nozzle Sizing Design Guideline

For vertically attached draw nozzle, a crossbar like vortex breaker is required.

The draw nozzle shall incorporate the trap out pan or sump floor.

Circular and square risers may be used with the following considerations:

i. If the tower diameter is greater 2400 mm, chimney riser diameter or width
should be 1450 mm for circular or square chimneys respectively for access
reasons. If access is not critical, smaller chimneys may be used.

ii. Chimney hat width/diameter must be at least equal to chimney width/diameter.

PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 18 of 39

3.4 REBOILER VAPOR AND LIQUID RETURN

Piping layout of reboiler return lines shall be designed to avoid slug flow in the vertical portion.
A smaller pipe size may be necessary in such case with the return pipe to be swaged up to the
inlet nozzle size using a reducing elbow.

Vapour return line from a kettle reboiler is typically sized for pressure drop of 714 kg/m2 /
100 m of equivalent straight pipe.

Piping of the vapour return line from kettle reboiler generally shall be the same size as the
nozzle to the column tower.

3.5 LOADS

Draw-off trays, liquid gravity distributors and their supports shall be designed to withstand:

i. The weight of the full liquid contents; either process liquid or water whichever is
heavier. Weight of hot process liquid is normally considered. If water is used in
the operating cycle of column such as steaming out and water is heavier than the
process liquid, weight of water is taken.

ii. The maximum operating load in an upward direction of 204 kg/m2 at maximum
working temperature evenly distributed over the entire surface of the internal.

The trough(s) and sump(s) shall be capable of absorbing the loads resulting from installation
and maintenance activity. These loads shall be taken as 1000 N downward, equivalent to the
weight of one man working on the assembly.

Each draw-off tray, liquid collector and gravity distributor shall be a unit capable of
withstanding loads mentioned above. And in some cases, a draw-off tray may also be required
to add extra load to support other internals, for example a packed bed above, or a liquid
distribution spider below.

Collectors and Chimney trays should be designed for head of liquid (water) equal to riser
height plus 50 mm.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 19 of 39

3.6 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS – DEFLECTIONS AND LEVELNESS

Maximum deflection for a liquid gravity distributor under operating load shall not be more
than 1/900 of the internal column diameter, with a maximum of 6 mm.

The maximum allowable tilt of gravity liquid distributors shall be 0.3% of the column diameter,
or 6 mm, whichever is the smaller. Local depressions and bulges in panels shall not exceed 6
mm from nominal level.

Each parting box (side-channel) of a gravity distributor shall be capable of being levelled
independently of the other parting box.

A pan-type gravity distributor shall have levelling facility.

All channels of draw-off trays, channel arrangements and liquid collector trays shall have a
slope of 1:200 towards the trough or sump they drain into.

3.7 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENT – DRAW OFF TRAY AND DISTRIBUTOR TRAY SUPPORT

A draw-off tray, liquid collector or gravity distributor shall be supported on lugs or a

supporting ring attached to the column wall.

Details for supporting of a gravity distributor as per Section 3.12.1.

3.8 CONSTRUCTION/FABRICATION

Material thickness of:

i. Riser caps and supports shall be 1.5 mm minimum.

ii. Side channels shall be 2 mm minimum (except for the channels of a vane
collector).

iii. Side sump or transverse trough(s) shall be 4 mm minimum.

iv. Vane collectors shall be 1.5 mm.

Side channels/parting boxes and trough(s) shall be interconnected by flanged gasketed with a
material wall thickness of the flanges of minimum 6 mm. The minimum thickness of the gasket
shall be 2 mm.

Side sumps and troughs shall be fully welded.

The distance between the bottom of the drawoff nozzle(s), including bellows, and the
internals below shall be sufficient to avoid interference. Minimum distance is 100 mm.

Metal-to-metal flanged connections should be used. Gasketed joints below normal liquid level
shall be avoided. For side-sumps and troughs, long straight joints below normal liquid level, if
unavoidable, shall be seal or strength welded. Facing or circular joints to pipe connections
shall be machined (stock-finished).
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 20 of 39

The bolts connecting the parting boxes to the sump or trough shall have a maximum pitch of
100 mm. Bolts shall straddle the bottom corners of the parting boxes.

The ends of the parting boxes shall be connected so that the gaskets can be readily fitted with
allowance for thermal expansion at transient conditions, i.e during start up and shut down.
The use of bellows on the draw-off nozzle shall also be evaluated. Unless otherwise
specified,the difference between the maximum operating temperature and ambient shall be
used.

All other connections between parts of the draw-off tray, liquid collector or gravity distributor,
(e.g., baffles) shall be bolted or clamped.

Total draw off or partial draw off chimney trays shall be completely seal welded on all metal
to metal connections.

The use of ring channels, welded against the column wall, for draw-off trays and/or liquid
collectors instead of troughs or sumps, is not allowed.

3.9 DRAINING AND LEAKAGE

A minimum of two drain holes with a diameter of 10 mm shall be provided in the base of each
draw-off tray/liquid collector to permit draining. The same requirement applies for a pan-type
(chimney tray) distributor and a channel-type distributor with integrated trough, but the drain
hole size shall be equal to that of the distribution holes.

No extra drain holes are required for a gravity distributor with ground holes. Total draw-off
trays shall be self-draining and therefore do not require drain holes.

The following column internals or parts thereof, are designed to hold liquid for sealing,
distribution or draw-off purposes and, shall pass the leakage test. Refer to Appendix 2.

No Column internals Leakage Test Coverage

1 Total Draw off Trays The full height and up to the
top of the lower channels
2 Trough of vane collectors Trough of vane
3 Partial draw-off trays Full height, up to the
overflow off boxes;
4 Gravity liquid distributor Height of the perforations in
the drip tube or distributor
wall
Table 3.2: Column internals and leakage test coverage

A channel arrangement above a reboiler compartment is normally not designed to be liquid

tight and hence does not require a leak test.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 21 of 39

3.10 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY

Draw-off tray, distributor and collector parts shall be made in segmental parts to pass through
the manholes or the top flange of the column during installation and maintenance work.

All parts should have durable markings, by means of paint or ink, and by means of stamping
relating to the erection plan from which the internals can be unmistakably identified. Paint or
ink shall be chloride free for Stainless Steel parts as per PTS 15.20.03.

Parts shall be made as large as possible in order to reduce the number of joints.

Welding of draw-off tray, liquid collector or gravity distributor parts to each other during site
erection, welding to column supports or column shell shall not be allowed unless strictly
required.

Connections to beams or cleats that are essential to the integrity of the column internal
construction shall be secured. Bolted connections shall be secured by means of tack welding
the nut to the bolt, or by employing a second nut.

Internal distribution pipes shall have flanged connections; refer to Standard Drawing
D12.92.002. Indicated flange thickness should be used as a guideline only and may be
minimised for all nominal pipe sizes based on the mechanical requirements and applied
materials of construction.

3.11 PROVISIONS FOR ACCESS

3.11.1 Access to draw off trays and distributors shall be provided by means of manways in the
column and manways in the tray above. The support beams of the tray above shall be
located so as to allow ready access via the manways to all parts of the draw-off tray, liquid
collector or gravity distributor. If appropriate, e.g., in the case of a draw-off tray close below
a packed bed, the tray should be removable from below.

3.12 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Gravity liquid distributors

i. Unless specified otherwise in the data sheet, the following requirements for
gravity liquid distributors should be followed:
a) Shall be self-supporting and fixed to a support ring or support lugs. It shall
not be supported on the hold-down grid of the packing and shall not be
welded onto the support ring.
b) Attachments welded to the column wall (support rings, lugs and brackets)
should not hamper the installation or removal of the packings, especially
for columns with diameter smaller than 800 mm.
c) Slots or holes should be used to divide the liquid over the liquid
distribution points. They should be located in drip-tubes or in the channel
wall. There should be a rectangular top slot in the drip tubes to handle
the liquid flow if the normal distribution holes are plugged.
d) The diameter of the drip tube should at least be twice as large as the slot
width or distribution hole diameter.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 22 of 39

e) Holes in the channel wall should be shielded from the gas flow. The liquid
should be guided to the packing via a pipe or a splash-baffle to protect
the liquid from being entrained by the vapour. The cover may be a splash-
plate or a drip tube.
f) Drip tube connected to the channel wall should have a degassing hole for
breaking the siphon effect.
g) Troughs with weirs over which the liquid is projected sideways to fall onto
the packing, or notched troughs shall not be used.
h) The minimum distance between the packing and a channel or trough
should be half the trough/channel width.
i) Gravity distributors for column diameters above 4 m or for packed
sections containing more than 8 theoretical stages shall be subjected to a
hydraulic test in the workshop, refer to Appendix 3.

The following minimum hole or slot sizes apply:

Case Size Filters

(mm) needed?
Holes in distributor floor for high liquid loads and low > 12 No
fouling tendency.
Holes/slots in drip tubes or channel wall >8 No
Holes/slots in drip tubes or channel wall in re- >6 Not for
distributor or distributor below partial draw-off clean service
trays
Holes/slots in drip tubes or channel wall for low 4 to 8 Yes
liquid loads
Table 3.3: Holes/slots size and requirement for filters

For slots/holes with a diameter below 8 mm, a double set of filters should be installed. Holes
smaller than 4 mm shall not be used. Holes in the tray floor shall only be used in services
with a low fouling tendency and high liquid loads, so that 12 mm diameter holes or larger
can be used.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 23 of 39

4.0 RANDOM AND STRUCTURED PACKING

4.1 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

Packed towers comprise of packing supports, and distributors/re-distributors as they are more
sensitive to liquid and vapour maldistribution than trays. The maximum number of theoretical
stages permitted in one packed section shall be 20, unless otherwise is specified in the
datasheet or purchase order.

Liquid maldistribution may occur for bed heights above 8 m, or with more than 15 stages,
therefore the approval of the Technical Authority is required. For mechanical reasons, the
maximum packed bed height shall be 12 m. Liquid and vapor shall be distributed as required
to avoid low efficiencies due to channeling or mal-distribution of liquid and vapor. Anticipted
HETP (height per theoretical plate) for each service shall be reported. Liquid and vapor shall
normally be redistributed every 20 feet (6.1 metres) or 10 theoretical stages.

A gravity distributor shall not be allowed to rest on the packed bed.

Percent flood and pressure drop shall be calculated for each individual packed bed. Pressure
drop for chimney trays, demisters and other devices within the column that affect pressure
drop through the column shall also be reported.

Individual troughs, parting boxes and distributor pans/ plates shall have easily adjustable
leveling assemblies attached to support ring or major beams.

Metal packing shall have a bed limiter. Bed limiter shall be securely fastened to support ring
to prevent damage/ dislocation of liquid trough/ pan distributor or spray nozzle system.

Connections of major packing support beams to vessel walls shall be designed for full beam
strength and associated moment.

4.2 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS

Loads
The packing and supports shall be designed to withstand the following operating loads:

i. Maximum operating load in upward direction equivalent to 100 mm of hot

process liquid per metre packed height at maximum working temperature evenly
distributed over the entire surface of the packing

ii. Maximum load in downward direction equivalent to the weight of the packing,
50% liquid hold-up for a wash-oil bed or 15% liquid hold up for others, and any
other internals such as bed limiters

iii. The packing and support grid shall be capable of absorbing the loads resulting
from installation and maintenance activity, taken as 1000 N downward,
equivalent to the weight of one man working on the assembly.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 24 of 39

Deflections and levelness

i. For packed beds and their support grids, the maximum downward and upward
deflection under operating load shall not exceed 1/800 of the internal column
diameter, or 6 mm, whichever is the smaller.

ii. The maximum allowable tilt of each layer of a structured packed bed and support
grid shall be 0.3% of the column diameter, or 6 mm, whichever is the smaller.

Support

i. Column of diameter larger than 800 mm shall have a self supporting structured
packing grid (100 mm to 150 mm high) resting on a ring at the wall

ii. The minimum net free area of the grid is 95%.

iii. For structured packing support grid, the maximum distance between grid
elements is 100 mm. The grid elements should be bolted or clamped together.

iv. If the diameter of column is greater than 3.5 m, one or more support beams
should be used.

v. Minimum open area of the beam. The beam shall occupy not more than one third
of the space below the support grid of the packed bed and the top of the internal
below:

Abeam/(D x clearance) < 1/3 of space below support grid to the top of internal below

where:
Abeam = area of beam, horizontally projected, m2;
D = internal diameter of column, m;
Clearance = clearance below the support grid to the top of the internal below, m.

If this criterion cannot be met with a solid beam, an open type of beam shall be used, such
as an I-type beam with holes therein or an open work construction.

If a C-type beam is used with separation segments, each segment of the beam should be
provided with a draining facility. Where draining of the segment is not possible, a drain hole
of at least 12 mm should be drilled in the bottom of the beam.

Material thickness

i. Minimum sheet thickness for stainless steel structured packing shall apply:

Specific area, As (m2/ m3) Minimum sheet thickness *, t

(mm)
larger than 200 0.1
equal to or smaller than 200 0.15
Table 4.1: Minimum sheet thickness for stainless steel structured packing
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 25 of 39

ii. Minimum material thicknesses of random packing shall apply:

Packing ring Material thickness

[in] [mm]
0.7 0.2
1 0.3
1.5 / 2 /2.5 0.4
3 0.5
Table 4.2: Minimum material thickness of random packing

4.3 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY

The packed bed and support grid shall be made in sections that can pass through manholes or
the top dome/flange of the column.

Parts for bed supports should have durable markings, by means of paint or ink and stamping,
relating to the erection plan from which the internals can be unmistakably identified.

Unless strictly required in view of manhole dimension constraints, welding of support parts to
each other during site erection shall not be allowed. Welding of support grid parts to column
supports or column shell shall not be allowed.

Guide for installation of structured packing:

i. Each layer must be installed in accordance to the orientation as per internal

supplier’s instruction.

ii. Place bundles in such a way that there is no space between them and packing shall
meet the column wall correctly. If wall wiper are provided, it should touch the
column wall.

iii. Maximum allowable gap between the packing and the column wall is given in the
table below:

Column diameter Maximum gap width

(m) (mm)
< 1.0 10
1.0 to 3.0 15
> 3.0 25
Table 4.3: Maximum allowable gap between packing and column wall

iv. Maximum gap in the length direction between the packing elements should be 10
mm.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 26 of 39

v. If specified on the data sheet, it is permissible to install 0.1 mm packing, to which

the following additional installation requirement apply:
a) A larger sheet thickness top layer packing shall be installed (0.15 mm or
0.2 mm).

Guide for Installation of random packing

i. Check with Internal Suppliers for the allowable drop height for random packing, as
it varies with the shape and material from which packing is made.

ii. Random packing should not be dumped directly onto support grid. Initial loading
should be done by lowering the packing onto the support plate until it is 0.3 m or
more, or allowed to settle out by filling with usually water or liquid of lower density
than the random packing material.

iii. Different types of random packing should be separated by a bed limiter.

During installation and maintenance, standing directly on the packed bed should be avoided.
Where standing on the packing is necessary for installation purposes, protection requirements
shall be indicated in the installation procedure.

For small diameter columns (D  1.0 m), 8 “ hand holes should be provided for easy removal
of the random packing.

4.4 PROVISIONS FOR ACCESS

No manholes shall be allocated for packing or support/hold-down grids.

For inspection of the column shell at the packed section, the complete packed bed should be
removed.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 27 of 39

5.0 FEED INLET DEVICES

5.1 GENERAL

Liquid feed inlet devices includes liquid elbow, spray nozzles and liquid feed pipes and spiders.

Vapour or multi-phase feed inlet devices includes half open pipe, vapour horn or multi-vane
diffuser.

Vapour horn is vapour / flashing feed inlet devises that are commonly specified for the feed
(often in two phases) inlets of vacuum distillation unit and sometimes crude unit in a refinery.
The feed enters the column either via tangential or straight inlet and vanes within the vapour
horn housing are used to direct and distribute the vapour or flashing feed. Performance of
this feed inlet a device is critical to ensure adequate gas oil quality and yield, maximum column
capacity and proper wash bed performance.

5.2 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR LIQUID FEED INLETS DEVICES

Requirements for liquid spray distributor:

i. Spray nozzles should be designed to relieve the liquid vertically downwards. The
orientation angle of the nozzle should be designed vertically onwards. Orientation
angle of nozzle refers to the angle of nozzle and not the spray angle. For spray-
nozzle distributors, the maximum deviation from the specified orientation angle
shall be not more than 1°.

ii. Full cone spray nozzles shall be used.

iii. Distance to the packed bed below shall be determined by spray pattern and
spray angle.

Requirement for feed inlet distributor:

i. The velocity of liquid inlet in feed pipe should not exceed 2.0 m/s (6.6 ft/s).

ii. For reflux or feed introduction to packed column, it is recommended that feed
velocity leaving the feed pipe or feed sparger should not exceed 3 m/s and
preferably be no greater than 2 m/s.

iii. For Spray Distributors, spray nozzle dP should not exceed 17577 kg/m2.

iv. For Trough Distributors, typical liquid head for trough is about 25 mm - 75 mm
above the V-notch base

5.3 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS - LOADS FOR LIQUID FEED INLETS

The feed inlet shall be designed to withstand the following loads:

i. Feed pipes, liquid spiders and spray-nozzle distributors shall be designed to

withstand a pressure drop over the liquid outlet of 50986 kg/m2.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 28 of 39

ii. Inlet device must be hold its own weight and the weight of its contents when filled
with water or process liquid, whichever is the heavier.

iii. Feed inlets and supports design shall consider thermal expansion during
operating and transient (start up and turndown) conditions.

5.4 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS - LEVELNESS FOR LIQUID FEED INLETS

For an elbow serving a 4-pass tray, or a spider with down pipes, the levelness shall be within
6 mm, or 0.3%, whichever is smaller. For an elbow with one or two outlets above single or two
pass tray, levelness is not critical.

5.5 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTI PHASE FEED INLETS/VAPOR FEED

Requirements for Half-open pipe:

i. Diameter of the half open pipe shall be equal to the feed nozzle diameter.

ii. Pipe Length shall be a minimum of 4 times the diameter of the nozzle.

iii. Exit opening shall face downwards.

iv. Area of the exit opening shall be 4 times the feed nozzle minimum area.

Refer to PTS 16.52.09 for nozzle sizing criteria.

Requirements for multi-vane diffusers:

i. Shall have one vane for each tray panel, in which the vanes points back to the inlet
nozzles.

ii. Distance from bottom of multi-vane diffuser to tray below should be equal to tray
spacing. Minimum distance from top of multi-vane diffuser to tray above is 300
mm. The clearance above shall be increased if other restrictions are present e.g.
draw-off tray outlet pipe, draw-off tray trough, etc.

5.6 MECHANICAL REQUIREMENT – LOADS FOR VAPOR/ MULTIPHASE FEED UNIT

The feed inlet shall be designed to withstand loads of maximum operating load over the
column nozzle of 1530 kg/m2 and shall hold its own weight plus the weight of the fluids at
process conditions

Feed inlets and supports design shall consider thermal expansion during operating and
transient (start up and turndown) conditions
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 29 of 39

5.7 MECHNICAL REQUIREMENT- DEFLECTIONS AND LEVELNESS FOR VAPOR /MULTI PHASE
FEED INLETS

The downward and upward deflection of the half-open pipes under operating load shall not
be more than 1% of the nozzle diameter, or 15 mm, whichever is larger.

For half-open pipes and multi vane diffuser, tilt shall be not more than 1% of the column
diameter, or 15 mm, whichever is smaller.

5.8 MECHNICAL REQUIREMENT- DRAINING AND LEAKAGE

For feed inlet devices, drain holes are only required in the main headers of liquid spiders,
which should have at least one drain hole with a diameter of 10 mm to permit draining of the
liquid hold-up.

For liquid spiders and spray-nozzle distributors, the amount of liquid bypassing the
holes/spray-nozzles, e.g., leaking through flanges, etc., shall be less than 1% of the distributed
liquid.

5.9 INSTALLATION, REMOVAL AND ASSEMBLY

Installation and removal

i. Feed inlet internals shall be made in sections which are able to pass through the
column manholes.

ii. All parts shall have durable markings, by means of chloride-free paint or ink, and
by stamping relating to the erection plan from which the internals can be
unmistakably identified.
iii. Spray nozzles distributor should be tested in situ with water after installation.

Feed inlet device assembly

i. To reduce the number of joints, parts shall be made as large as possible.

ii. Connections to beams or cleats that are essential to the integrity of the column
internal construction shall be secured. Bolted connections shall be secured by tack
welding the nut to the bolt, or by employing a second nut.

iii. If applicable, prefabricated material and gaskets should be used for internal
flanges. For this purpose the use of ladderband, tape or rope sealing is not
allowed.

5.10 PROVISIONS FOR ACCESS

Direct access to feed inlets via a column manhole should be available for shutdowns i.e.
removal, maintenance and installation.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 30 of 39

6.0 DEMISTER MAT

6.1 SPECIFICATIONS

Demister mats shall be applied based on design criteria as follows:

i. Free volume of at least 97%)

ii. Wire thickness between 0.23 mm and 0.28 mm.

iii. Normally stainless steel.

iv. Thickness of a horizontal mat in a vertical vessel is normally 0.1 m.

The demister mat (mist mat) shall be made of knitted wire formed to give the correct shape.
It shall not be cut so as to leave raw edges and/or loose pieces of wire which could become
detached.

High Performance mist mats are applied according to the fluids' physical properties and the
separation / coalescing requirements. Combined mist mats and dual mist mat configurations
are possible. The first mist mat has a thickness of typically 250 mm, with total mat height of
500 mm.

6.2 INSTALLATION

The wire mat shall be placed between two grids having a free area of at least 97%. The mat
shall be fastened so that it cannot be compressed when being fitted.

The support rings should have an open structure as shown in Standard Drawing D12.92.043,
to maximise the mist mat area available for demisting.

Tie wiring of mist mat shall not be used. For standard mist mat applications other fastening
methods may be used if the mechanical integrity is guaranteed.

In a vertical vessel, perforated plates shall not be installed upstream of the demister. This will
deteriorate the demister performance during operation because liquid will accumulate
between the plate and the mat.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 31 of 39

7.0 GENERAL MECHANICAL DESIGN REQUIREMENT

7.1 ACCESS TO THE COLUMN FOR INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL

The column internals shall be installed and removed either through the body flange or
manhole. However, it is preferable that the column internal to be accessed via a manhole
installed at column top most shell ring and as recommended in section 7.1.3.
The provision of the following is recommended for ease in access and handling of internals:

i. For columns ≤ 900 mm in internal diameter, provide the top dished head with
body flange.

ii. For columns > 900 mm to ≤ 2000 mm internal diameter, provide adequate
number of shell manhole.

iii. For column > 2000 mm internal diameter depending upon economics and ease
in maintenance either adequate shell manhole or smaller shell with top domed
flanged connection of size between 1000 mm (minimum) to 1500 mm
(maximum) may be provided. The height of dome shall be twice the dome
diameter.

Internal diameter of manhole should be at least DN 600 mm.

Column manholes should be located as follows to facilitate access to the column internals:

i. One manway should be located 900 mm above the bottom head seam

ii. One man way should be 450 mm above the top tray if there is no top vessel flange
or dome.

iii. For vessel with fewer than 60 trays, manhole spaced every 20 trays.

iv. For vessel with 60 to 120 trays, manhole spaced every 30 trays.

v. For vessel with more than 120 trays, manhole spaced every 40 trays.

vi. For vessel with internal compartments or components obstructing egress from
one section to another should have a manhole in each section.

vii. Near to the multi vane diffuser or half-open pipe or a spray distributor so that safe
access can be gained to the internals

viii. Above a feed tray

ix. Above a gravity liquid distributor

x. Below draw-off trays

xi. In the flash zone

PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 32 of 39

Internal access to manways shall be taken into consideration. Provisions such as hand grips or
stair cages shall be provided as needed depending on the level of the tray versus the location
of the manway.

If a manhole is installed between two column internals, the clearance between the manhole
and the internal above or below should be at least 150 mm.

7.2 CONSTRUCTION & COMMISIONING SPARES

The following should be considered to cover for contingencies.

The requirement in PTS 12.00.04 shall apply. Sufficient spare parts shall be made available
during installation per Table 3.2 as minimum. In addition to spare parts requirement, the
indicated contingencies for the following component parts shall be provided.
Component Parts Quantity
valves, bolts, nuts, clamps, wedges, washers, etc. 10% , but not less than 8 pieces;
Jointing materials, e.g., clamp, packing, etc. 10%, but not less than 2 pieces.

Tape or Rope gaskets if required 25%

Table 7.1: Component parts and quantity for contingencies

7.3 WELDING

Column internal parts shall be welded by qualified welders in accordance with ASME IX
procedure or the applicable pressure vessel code.

Column Fabricator shall be the responsible for the welding of column internal support rings
and attachments to the wall of a new column.

7.4 BOLTS

i. Alloy steel bolts minimum size is 10 mm diameter.

ii. ISO screw thread in metric unit shall be used unless otherwise specified on the
datasheet/ requisition sheet or Purchase Order.

iii. Length of the bolt should be chosen so that only 2 to 3 threads are exposed
when the nut(s) have been tightened.

iv. Bolt threading may be longer if shims are applied for levelling, to cover the
complete shim range.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 33 of 39

8.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY

In this PTS, reference is made to the following Standards/Publications. Unless specifically

designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used, together with any
supplements/revisions thereto:

PETRONAS STANDARDS
Index to PTS PTS 00.01.01
Requirements, General Definition of Terms, Abbreviations & Reading PTS 00.01.03
Guide
Index to Standard Drawings PTS 00.11.01
Spare Parts Management PTS 12.00.04
Field Inspection Prior to Commissioning of Mechanical Equipment PTS 12.02.01
Pressure Vessels PTS 12.20.01
Pressure vessels (amendments/supplements to PD 5500) PTS 12.20.06
Protective Paintings and Coatings PTS 15.20.03
Two Phase Gas and Liquid Separator PTS 16.52.09

STANDARD DRAWINGS
Note: The latest issue of standard drawings is identified in PTS 00.00.06

Vortex breakers D 12.92.001

Flanges for non-pressure pipe connections inside vessels D 12.92.002
Typical details of demister attachment D 12.92.043

AMERICAN STANDARDS
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section II: Materials ASME II
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section IX: Qualification ASME IX
Standard for Welding, Brazing and Fusing Procedures; Welders;
Brabzers; and Welding, Brazing and Fusing Operators
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 34 Of 39

APPENDIX 1: TRAY SUPPORT RINGS

Minimum dimension of tray support rings (except draw-off tray) and downcomer should be as
below:

Column diameter Support Ring Width Minimim corroded ring

thickness
(mm)
(mm)
Less than 900 40 6
901-1800 50 6
1801-3500 65 6
3501-6000 75 6
Above 6001 100 6
Table 1: Minimum dimension of tray support rings

Carbon steel material is subject to TCA (Total Corrosion Allowance). TCA is normally by
considering:

i. Corrosion allowance anticipated for the material specified

ii. Design life of the internal component. Unless specified otherwise, the design life
for structural component should be equal to that specified for vessel. For non-
structural components and tray accessories and internal piping, the design life
should be equal to 1/3 of value specified for the vessel.

iii. Corrosion allowance occurs on both sides.

PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 35 of 39

APPENDIX 2: LEAKAGE TEST AND TEST CERTIFICATE

1. Test certificates

The Column Fabricator shall certify that the column internals will not exceed the stated
leakage rate based upon an actual leakage test stated below. This certification may be based
on tests of column internals of identical design but not necessarily of the same size.
The column internals shall satisfy this test as installed in the column.

2. Leakage test

Column internals or parts of column internals that are designed to hold liquid shall be
designed and fabricated to pass leakage test. Leak test all be carried out with all drain holes
plugged and water level at the height indicated in (3.9.4), the drop in level shall not exceed
5cm in 30 min. Leak test should be verified that leakage through joints of bubble cap trays is
uniformly distributed across the tray. All plugs shall be removed after testing.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 36 of 39

APPENDIX 3: LIQUID DISTRIBUTION FLOW TEST

Distributor level tolerance for testing shall be 1/8 in (3 mm) high to low, as an unlevelled
liquid distributor can have an adverse effect on performance and HETP (for packing).
A complete test consists of verification of levelness, leakage test and distribution test (range
performance or drip point test):

1. Verification of the levelness of the distributor

The correct levelness is of the utmost importance for the proper functioning of a gravity
distributor.
A calibrated water tube and a vessel/bucket filled with water, standing on a fixed surface
should be used. The vessel and the calibrated tube are connected by a flexible hose. See
figure below.

Flexible hose

Vessel with
water

Calibrated tube

Channels

Drip tubes

Extension rod
Figure 1 : Connection of a flexible hose to vessel and calibrated tube

The diameter of the vessel should be relatively large compared to the diameter of the tube,
so that the liquid level in the tube stays at the same elevation. The elevation of the tray floor
at various points can then be measured relative to the constant liquid level in the tube.
Levelness shall be within 6 mm.

2. Leakage test of the distributor

See Appendix 2
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 37 of 39

3. Distribution Test:

3.1 Range performance tests

This method is used for shop testing of distributors for which special guarantees are
required. The known limits of maldistribution shall be adhered to for the testing. The
effective outflow is measured with funnels and measuring vessels at a multitude of
locations.

The crucial quality criterion is the equality of distribution compared for areas of
0.1 m2 to 0.2 m2. For smaller areas the packing manages the distribution equalisation. The
local liquid load has been measured over an area of usually 0.1 m2 to 0.2 m2 at several
locations (minimum 6, maximum 20) randomly placed over the distributor cross section. The
measurement is made at the normal and turndown liquid load.

If the distributor is tested in parts, all parts must be tested. More stringent distribution
criteria shall be applied.

The distribution quality is defined as the relative standard deviation. Definitions used are
given in the table below.

Measurement Formula
n

Average volumetric flow rate. V i

Va  i 1

 V  V 
n
2
i a
Standard deviation
de  i 1

n 1
de
dr   100%
Relative standard deviation Va

Table 2 : Measurement formula

The relative standard deviation is based on measured volumetric flows

3.2 Individual drip point test at the design rate and minimum rates
The distributor, pre distributor and associated piping should be mounted and levelled on the
flow test stand at the vendor shop. The test equipment shall be capable of feeding the
design volumetric liquid flow rate to the distributor. Prior to running the tests, a head survey
of the distributor may be performed at design and turndown rates. This will indicate
whether the pre-distribution is adequate and the distributor is levelled correctly so that it
can pass the tests below.
Measure the flow rates from individual drip points. The maximum number of drip points to
be measured is 100 and these points are to be selected uniformly from the entire cross
section of the distributor. The uniformity of flow is measured by the standard deviation of
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 38 of 39

liquid flow through the pour points. The relative performance of distributors can be assessed
using the ratio of the standard deviation to the sample mean (relative standard deviation).
Criteria for the acceptance of liquid distribution for large diameter refinery fractionators are
that the relative standard deviation must be smaller than or equal to 6 to 9% and 9 to 12%
for normal and minimum rates respectively.
PTS 16.52.06
COLUMN INTERNALS October 2017
Page 39 of 39

APPENDIX 4: AVD-P TRAYS

Figure 2 : ADV-P Tray

Figure 3 : Downcomer Distributor