METAL

RANDOM PACKING
RANDOM PACKING
For improved performance in new and existing towers.

For over 50 years random packings have been successfully used as an inexpensive but very effective means
to increase a tower’s capacity and/or efficiency. The original Raschig rings have been superceded by new
generations of improved products. And today, whatever your application, genuine Koch-Glitsch designed random
packings are available in the size and materials—metal, plastic, or ceramic—to provide optimum performance.

Process advantages of random packing

There are numerous process advantages that can be realized by using

random packing in various applications.
The predominant reasons to use tower packings are to:
▼ Reduce pressure drop through the column
▼ Increase the capacity compared to trays at the same efficiency and/or
▼ Reduce liquid holdup in the column
Koch-Glitsch process engineers can help improve performance in new
and existing towers. Through its work on thousands of towers worldwide,
Koch-Glitsch has developed significant knowledge and experience for
selection of the proper mix of packing combined with the appropriate tower
internals and tower arrangement to best satisfy specific requirements.

Quick sizing packed columns

This brochure provides information for quick sizing of packed columns Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2
•

Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2

using metal random packings. Information in the included charts enables

•

hydraulic rating and provides relative packing efficiencies in terms of the IMTP #70

IMTP #60
wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m

KGa value for the absorption of CO2 into a standard caustic solution and
HETP, inches
wc/ft)
(inwc/ft)

HETP, mm
IMTP #50
in
p/Z(in

IMTP #40
∆p/Z
p,

HETP for low relative volatility hydrocarbon distillation.

IMTP #50 IMTP #25
Liquid Loading IMTP #15 HETP IMTP
Top Curve to Bottom System: i-octane/toluene at 740 torr
gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h Diameter: 15.2 inches [386mm]
60 147
122 Packed Depth: 10 feet [3.05m]
50
40 98 Total Reflux Operation
30 73
20 49
10 24
4 10
0
Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2
•

System Air-Water, Ambient

Tower: 30 in. Diameter
Cs, ft/sec

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2

•

KG-TOWER® hydraulic rating software

In addition to the charts available in this brochure, Koch-Glitsch offers

KG-TOWER® hydraulic rating software that may be downloaded from the
Koch-Glitsch website, [Link]/software. This electronic design
tool can assist in the specification of Koch-Glitsch mass transfer equipment,
including conventional and high performance random and structured
tower packings, severe service grid packing, and conventional and high
performance valve trays.
A TOWER PACKING FOR ANY APPLICATION
Koch-Glitsch is unsurpassed in offering the widest range of sizes and styles of traditional and high
performance random packings.

Koch-Glitsch recognizes that while packings provide many valuable benefits, not all applications are demanding.
The various packings in this brochure are of ring or saddle type construction and offer a variety of performance
levels from conventional to high performance. Considerations in choosing a specific packing style are:

▼ Specific process requirements ▼ Past experience using a specific packing in

▼ Direct replacement of an existing packing a particular application

▼ Familiarity with the packing type

▼ Use in a licensed process
and its performance

Each packing family offers several sizes to enable the process engineer TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
▼ Absorbers
to optimize the system for efficiency and cost. As the packing size
- CO2 and H2S selective absorption
increases within the family, the packing offers greater capacity and lower - Air pollution control scrubbers
pressure drop at the expense of efficiency. - Ammonia absorption
- FCC absorbers
As there are differences in ▼ Strippers
packing types, Koch-Glitsch - EO / EG
- Water deaeration and decarbonation
recognizes that packed
- Sour water stripper
tower applications have ▼ Heat transfer
different liquid and vapor - Direct contact air cooler
distribution requirements. ▼ Quench columns
For less demanding services, ▼ Light ends fractionators

traditional distributors are - Demethanizers

- Deethanizer
specified with the packings
▼ Degassing
in this brochure. Working
▼ Liquid/liquid extraction
with you, our process
MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION
engineers will help to select
In addition to the size and style options, these
the proper packing and packings are also offered in various materials
of construction.
match it with the appropriate
▼ Carbon steel
tower internals to satisfy your
▼ Stainless steels, including austenitic, ferritic,
process requirements. martensitic; types 409/410/430, 304 and 316
▼ Duplex stainless steels
When mass or heat transfer process requirements are stringent, ▼ Nickel and nickel alloys
INTALOX® Packed Tower Systems are recommended. For more ▼ Aluminum
information on INTALOX Packed Tower Systems, the combination of high ▼ Copper and copper alloys
performance packing with state-of-the-art liquid and vapor distributors ▼ Titanium and zirconium
as well as other column internals, please ask for our brochure, Packed
Tower Internals.
FLEXIRING® RANDOM PACKING
An economical and versatile industry standard with well-known performance characteristics.

Pall ring random packing is still widely used today. It is specified in a number of licensed processes and has been
tested by various researchers over the years. FLEXIRING® packing from Koch-Glitsch is the industry recognized
Pall ring packing equivalent. Koch-Glitsch offers a unique high strength FLEXIRING packing, with lower weight and
improved mechanical strength, which provides an alternative to the 2-inch FLEXIRING packing. The mechanical
strength of the high strength FLEXIRING packing is attained through its engineered shape.

HIGH
FLEXIRING® PACKING SIZE STRENGTH

Nominal Size ⅝ 1 1½ 2 3½ 2
mm 16 25 38 50 90 50
inch ⅝ 1 1½ 2 3½ 2
Void Fraction % 93 96 97 98 98 98

Bulk Weight* kg/m3 535 325 208 198 135 141
lb/ft3 33.4 20.3 13.0 12.4 8.4 8.8

* for stainless steel with standard material thickness

Liquid Load, m /(m h) 3 2

• Fs, m/s (kg/m )
• 3 1/2

# /8
5
K a, lb-mol/(h ft atm)

K a, kg-mol/(h m atm)

IR ING
F LEX #1
ING
•
3

XIR
•
3

FLE 1.5
∆p, mbar/m
∆p, in wc/ft
•

G#
RIN
•

XI
FLE
2
G#
X IRIN
FLE FLEXIRING # 5/8
Liquid Loading
G

KGa FLEXIRING Top Curve to Bottom

G

CONDITIONS: gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h

Liquid Concentrations: 4% NaOH 40 98
Conversion to Carbonate: 25% 30 73
Inlet Gas Concentration: 1% CO2 20 49
10 24
Temperature: 75 ºF [24 2ºC] 5 12
Gas rate: 450-500 lb/(ft hr) [0.61-0.68 kg/(m 2 s)] 0 0

Tower Diameter: 30in [0.76m]

Bed Height: 10ft [3.05m] System Air-Water, Ambient
Tower: 30in. Diameter

Liquid Load, gpm/ft 2

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft )

3 1/2
•
 Fs, m/s (kg/m ) 3 1/2
Fs, m/s (kg/m ) 3 1/2

•
wc/ft)
(inwc/ft

∆p, mbar/m

∆p, mbar/m
∆p, in wc/ft
p, in
∆p/Z

FLEXIRING #1 FLEXIRING #1.5

Liquid Loading Liquid Loading
Top Curve to Bottom Top Curve to Bottom
gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h
60 147 60 147
50 122 50 122
40 98 40 98
30 73 30 73
20 49 20 49
10 24 10 24
5 12 5 12
0 0 0 0
System Air-Water, Ambient
Tower: 30in. Diameter System Air-Water, Ambient
Tower: 30in. Diameter

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft ) Fs, ft/s (lb/ft )

3 1/2 3 1/2
•

•
Fs, m/s (kg/m ) 3 1/2
Fs, m/s (kg/m ) 3 1/2
•
•

wc/ft)
wc/ft)

∆p, mbar/m
∆p, mbar/m
p, in(inwc/ft

p, in(inwc/ft
∆p/Z
∆p/Z

FLEXIRING #2 FLEXIRING #3.5

Liquid Loading
Top Curve to Bottom Liquid Loading
Top Curve to Bottom
gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h
60 147 70 171
50 122 60 147
40 98 50 122
30 73 40 98
20 49 30 73
10 24 20 49
5 12 10 24
0 0 5 12
0 0
System Air-Water, Ambient System Air-Water, Ambient
Tower: 30in. Diameter Tower: 30in. Diameter

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft ) Fs, ft/s (lb/ft )

3 1/2 3 1/2
•
•
HY-PAK® RANDOM PACKING
An improved alternative to FLEXIRING® or Pall type ring packing.

An improvement to the FLEXIRING packing geometry is in the HY-PAK® random packing, introduced to the market
in the late 1960s. Maintaining a 1:1 aspect ratio, the number of fingers were doubled. The mechanical strength was
enhanced through the introduction of circumferential stiffening ribs. The new geometry allowed the rings to be
made slightly larger, effectively providing a new packing with increased capacity, reduced pressure drop, and no
noticeable reduction in efficiency. HY-PAK packing is widely used as a direct replacement for FLEXIRING or Pall
ring random packings of equivalent size in many applications to gain capacity or reduce pressure drop.

HY-PAK® PACKING SIZE

Nominal Size 1 1.5 2 3

mm 30 45 60 90
inch 1.18 1.75 2.37 3.5
Void Fraction % 97 98 98 98

Bulk Weight* kg/m3 262 180 161 181
lb/ft3 16.4 11.2 10.0 11.3
* for stainless steel with standard material thickness

Liquid Load, m /(m h) 3 2

•
Fs, m/sec·(kg/m3 )1/2
0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 16
KGa HY-PAK 14
12
CONDITIONS:
Liquid Concentrations: 4% NaOH 10
Conversion to Carbonate: 25%
Inlet Gas Concentration: 1% CO2 1 8

Temperature: 75 ºF [24 ºC] 0.8

6
Gas rate: 900 lb /(ft 2 hr) [1.22 kg/(m 2 s)]
0.6 5
Tower Diameter: 30in [0.76m]
Bed Height: 10ft [3.05m] 0.5 4
0.4
K a, lb-mol/(h ft atm)

K a, kg-mol/(h m atm)

3
K #1
HY-PA 0.3
3
•

•
3

1.5
∆ p. mbar/m
∆p, in wc/ft

AK # 2
•

HY-P
•

0.2
2
AK #
HY-P
HY-PAK #1
1
G

0.1 0.8
G

3 0.08
AK # 0.6
HY-P
0.06 0.5
0.05 0.4
0.04
0.3
0.03
0.2
0.02
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5
Fs, ft/sec·(lb/ft3)1/2
Liquid Load, gpm/ft 2
 Fs, m/sec·(kg/m3)1/2 HyPak1.5
0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 16
14
12
10
1 8
0.8
6
0.6 5
0.5 4
0.4
3
0.3

∆p, mbar/m
∆p, in wc/ft
2
0.2

HY-PAK #1.5 1
0.1 0.8
0.08
0.6
0.06 0.5
0.05 0.4
0.04
0.3
0.03
0.2
0.02
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5
Fs, ft/sec·(lb/ft3)1/2

Fs, m/sec·(kg/m3)1/2 Fs, m/sec·(kg/m3)1/2

0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5 6 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5 6
2 16 2 16
14 14
12 12
10 10
1 8 1 8
0.8 0.8
6 6
0.6 5 0.6 5
0.5 4 0.5 4
0.4 0.4
3 3
0.3 0.3
∆p, mbar/m
∆p, in wc/ft

∆ p, mbar/m
∆ p, in wc/ft

2 2
0.2 0.2

HY-PAK #2 1 HY-PAK #3
HyPak2 HyPak3 1
0.1 0.8 0.1 0.8
0.08 0.08
0.6 0.6
0.06 0.5 0.06 0.5
0.05 0.4 0.05 0.4
0.04 0.04
0.3 0.3
0.03 0.03
0.2 0.2
0.02 0.02
0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 2 3 4 5
Fs, ft/sec·(lb/ft3)1/2 Fs, ft/sec·(lb/ft3)1/2
IMTP® PACKING
Provides low pressure drop and high efficiency.

Developed in the late 1970s, IMTP® random packing combines the advantages of the saddle shape packing with
that of modern high performance ring type packings. The inherent shape provides a lower pressure drop at the
same vapor and liquid loads compared to previous generation packings. IMTP random packing has been applied
in numerous distillation and absorption columns around the world. For demanding applications, combining IMTP
random packing with state-of-the-art INTALOX® Packed Tower Systems column internals is recommended. For
more information on INTALOX Packed Tower Systems technology, refer to the Koch-Glitsch brochure, Packed
Tower Internals.

IMTP® PACKING SIZE

Nominal Size 15 25 40 50 60 70
mm 15 25 40 50 60 70
inch ⅝ 1 1½ 2 2⅜ 2¾
Void Fraction % 96 97 98 98 99 98

Bulk Weight* kg/m3 283 224 153 166 137 126
lb/ft3 17.7 14.0 9.6 10.4 8.6 7.87
* for stainless steel with standard material thickness

Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2

•

IMTP #70

IMTP #60
HETP, inches

HETP, mm

IMTP #50

IMTP #40

IMTP #25
IMTP #15 HETP IMTP
System: i-octane/toluene at 740 torr
Diameter: 15.2 inches [386mm]
Packed Depth: 10 feet [3.05m]
Total Reflux Operation

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2

•

Cs, ft/sec
 Liquid Load, m3/(m2 • h)
Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2

•
#25
IMTP

#40
K a, lb-mol/(h •ft 3• atm)

IMTP

K a, kg-mol/(h• m3• atm)

#50

∆p, in wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m
IMTP

#60
IMTP
70
P#
IMT IMTP #15
G

Liquid Loading
G

Top Curve to Bottom

gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h
KGa IMTP 20 49
18 44
CONDITIONS: 15 37
Liquid Concentrations: 4% NaOH 10 24
Conversion to Carbonate: 25% 4 10
Inlet Gas Concentration: 1% CO2 0 0
Temperature: 75 ºF [24 ºC]
Gas rate: 900 lb /(ft 2 hr) [1.22 kg/(m 2 s)]

Tower Diameter: 30 in [0.76m] System Air-Water, Ambient

Bed Height: 10 ft [3.05m] Tower: 30 in. Diameter

Liquid Load, gpm/ft 2 Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2

Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2 Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2

•
•

wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m
wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m

wc/ft)
(in wc/ft)

(inwc/ft)
in
p/Z in

p/Z(in
∆p/Z
p,
∆p,

IMTP #25 IMTP #40

Liquid Loading Liquid Loading
Top Curve to Bottom Top Curve to Bottom
gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h
50 122 60 147
40 98 50 122
30 73 40 98
20 49 30 73
10 24 20 49
4 10 10 24
0 0 4 10
0 0

System Air-Water, Ambient System Air-Water, Ambient

Tower: 30 in. Diameter Tower: 30 in. Diameter

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2 Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2

•

•
 Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2 Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2

•
wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m

wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m
(in wc/ft)
wc/ft)

wc/ft)
(inwc/ft)
in

in
p/Z(in

p/Z(in
∆p/Z
p,

p,
∆p/Z
IMTP #50
IMTP #60
Liquid Loading
Top Curve to Bottom Liquid Loading
gpm/ft 2
m /m h
3 2
Top Curve to Bottom
60 147 gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h
50 122 60 147
40 98 50 122
30 73 40 98
20 49 30 73
10 24 20 49
4 10 10 24
0 0 4 10
0 0
System Air-Water, Ambient System Air-Water, Ambient
Tower: 30 in. Diameter Tower: 29.5 in. Diameter

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2 Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2

•

Fs, m/s (kg/m3)1/2

•

IMTP #70
Liquid Loading
Top Curve to Bottom
gpm/ft 2 m3/m 2 h
60 147
50 122
40 98
30 73
20 49
10 24
4 10
0 0
System Air-Water, Ambient
Tower: 30 in. Diameter
wc/ft

∆p, mbar/m
(in wc/ft)
p,
∆p/Z (in wc/ft)
p/Zin

Fs, ft/s (lb/ft3)1/2

•
REASONABLE MINIMUM WETTING RATES
Operating limits for a column are set by the wetting rate (lower limit) and flooding (upper limit).
With IMTP® random packing, distillation towers operate successfully
MINIMUM WETTING RATES
in the range of 20-90% of flood. Estimated minimum wetting rates
SURFACE gpm/ft2 m3/m2h
for aqueous systems are shown below. Lower wetting rates are
possible with hydrocarbon systems. Packing efficiency remains Carbon steel or copper 0.3 0.7

relatively constant over 80% of the operating range. Stainless steel, tantalum, other alloys 1.2 3.0

The chart values are based on a packing with a specific surface area > 43 ft²/ft³ [141 m²/m³].
When operating below these values, as in vacuum distillation, new packings should be
chosen that have better wetting characteristics.
▼ If materials with poorer wetting properties must be specified, the bed height may have
to be increased and/or a more efficient packing should be used.
▼ As an alternative, structured packing may also be considered. For more information on
Koch-Glitsch structured packing, please request our brochure, Structured Packing.
▼ The minimum liquid rate also depends on liquid distributor type and design.
Please refer to the Packed Tower Internals brochure.

TURNAROUND SUPPORT EMERGENCY DELIVERY

AND SERVICES Emergencies happen . . .
Koch-Glitsch has a wide variety of products to provide
Comprehensive services for turnarounds
optimum performance whatever the application. Many
and shutdowns.
common materials are in stock, and equipment can be
Downtime is critical for both planned and unplanned
quickly manufactured to meet your requirements regardless
turnarounds. Koch-Glitsch is available 24/7 to offer equipment
of original equipment manufacturer.
and comprehensive support and services to get your tower
up and running as quickly as possible. Our response teams With strategically located manufacturing facilities and
are strategically located around the world and are ready to warehouses, Koch-Glitsch leads the industry with its on-time
serve you at any time. Services include: performance for delivery of emergency trays and hardware,
▼ Inspection packing and internals, and mist elimination equipment.
▼ Hardware trailers and
For emergencies, call the Hotline of your nearest
lockers Koch-Glitsch office:
▼ AHOP® Automated
In the USA and Latin America, call 1-888-562-4911
Hardware Ordering
(mass transfer), 1-316-207-7935 (mist elimination), or your
Program
local Koch-Glitsch office.
▼ Equipment Support
Services (ESS) technicians In Canada, call 1-905-852-3381 (Uxbridge, Ontario).

Combined with Koch Specialty Plant Services, Koch-Glitsch In Europe, call +39-06-928-911 (Italy), +44-1782-744561 (UK),
goes a step further with its ability to deliver unique, value- or your local Koch-Glitsch office.
driven turnkey equipment and installation solutions to
In Asia, call +65-6831-6500 (Singapore) or your local
provide faster, safer revamps, which often result in shorter
Koch-Glitsch office.
duration turnarounds.
KOCH-GLITSCH MAIN OFFICES

Koch-Glitsch, LP Koch-Glitsch Italia S.r.l. Koch Engineered Solutions Singapore Pte. Ltd.

4111 East 37th Street North Via Torri Bianche, 3A 20871 260 Orchard Road, #11-01/09
Wichita, Kansas 67220 Vimercate MB Italy The Heeren
SINGAPORE 238855
tel: (1) 316-828-5110 tel: +39 039 6386010
fax: (1) 316-828-7985 fax: +39 039 6386011 tel: +65-6831-6500
[Link]@[Link] fax: +65-6835-2031
Emergency Hotlines [Link]@[Link]
Emergency Hotlines +39-06-928-911
+1-888-562-4911 (mass transfer) +44-1782-744561 Emergency Hotlines
+1-316-207-7935 (mist elimination) +65-6831-6500

For a complete list of our offices and facilities, visit [Link].

Trademarks
The following registered trademarks are owned by Koch-Glitsch, LP in the United States and may be registered in other jurisdictions: AHOP® Automated Hardware Ordering
Program, FLEXIRING® random packing, HY-PAK® random packing, IMTP® random packing, INTALOX® Packed Tower Systems, KG-TOWER® software, KOCH-GLITSCH, and
“K” KOCH-GLITSCH. The following trademarks are owned by Koch-Glitsch, LP in the United States and may be registered in other jurisdictions: YOU CAN RELY ON US. All
other trademarks, service marks, or registered trademarks that appear in this document are the trademarks or service marks of their respective owners. For related trademark
information, visit [Link]

Legal Notice: The information contained in this bulletin is believed to be accurate and reliable, but is not to be construed as implying any warranty or guarantee of performance.
© 204 Koch-Glitsch, LP. All Rights Reserved. Bulletin KGMRP-02. Rev. 10/3. Printed in U.S.A.

[Link]