Improper Downcomer Clearance

The bottom edge of the downcomer from the tray above should be 0.25 to 0.5 in below the top edge of the weir of the tray below. This is called a positive downcomer seal. Without a positive downcomer seal, vapor will flow up the downcomer and displace the downflowing liquid. This will cause flooding due to excessive downcomer backup.

On the other hand, if the bottom of the downcomer is too close to the tray below, then the “head loss under the downcomer” will be excessive. Typically, a minimum downcomer clearance is 1.5 to 2 in. Too small a downcomer clearance will result in restricting the liquid flow from the downcomer. This will also cause excessive downcomer backup and flooding. Check the correct downcomer clearance on the vender tray drawings prior to the tower inspection.

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