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In the course of a more fluctuating power supply due to renewable energy sources, the need for tray columns with flexible operability increases. Accordingly, further research is required to better predict the behavior at load limits – especially for fixed and float valve trays. Within this work, the hydraulic behavior of numerous valve tray configurations was investigated employing a 1.2 m diameter gas/liquid (air/water) pilot test column. Fixed and float valve tray performance has been validated using sieve trays as a reference, which have already been extensively studied in the literature. In order to obtain significant data, weeping and entrainment limits in particular, as well as froth height and pressure drop, were measured quantitatively in the experiments. By varying the geometry parameters, numerous different cases were investigated. Based on all the data obtained, reliable statements can be made about the validity and applicability of calculation models known from the literature. [Display omitted] • A 1.2 m diameter air/water pilot test tray column was set up. • The hydraulic operational limits of the tray column are considered. • Measuring light curtain used as novel non-invasive method measuring froth height. • Quantitative measurements of pressure drop, froth height, weeping and entrainment. • Experimental data is compared to relevant models known from literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers news briefs related to the chemical engineering industry in Europe. Ching Pok Mak was replaced by Andreas Knell as industrial member of the Executive Board. Pedro Miguel da Silva Martins is the recipient of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE) Excellence Award in Crystallization. Alexandros Katsaounis and Christina Roth are the winners of the Carl Wagner Medal of the Excellence in Electrochemical Engineering.