Column

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Columns & Towers

High-performance industrial columns for chemical and industrial applications

Overview

A column is a tall, cylindrical vessel widely used in the
chemical, petrochemical, and industrial sectors for
mass transfer and separation processes.

Columns maximize the contact between gas and liquid phases,
enabling separation, purification, and recovery of valuable products.

Common Applications

  • Distillation & Fractionation – separating chemicals by volatility differences
  • Absorption & Stripping – recovering raw materials or removing hazardous compounds
  • Scrubbing – controlling emissions to meet environmental regulations

Column Types

  • Plate (Tray) Columns → gas contacts liquid on trays through bubbling or jetting
  • Packed Columns → gas and liquid interact countercurrently along structured or random packing

Column Design Equation (Example)

N = log( (x_D / (1 - x_D)) * ( (1 - x_B) / x_B ) ) / log(α)

Where:

  • N = number of theoretical stages
  • xD = mole fraction in distillate
  • xB = mole fraction in bottoms
  • α = relative volatility

This highlights the relation between efficiency, purity, and design size.

How It Works

At Atommek, our vertical column blenders and mixers are engineered to handle volatile solvents safely. The design connects perpendicularly to the tank unit, ensuring:

  • Efficient evaporation of volatile solvents
  • Prevention of solvent loss
  • Smooth reintegration into the mixture

This eliminates the need for a cooling jacket, simplifying the blending process while improving safety and efficiency.

Technical Information

Key Features

  • Cylindrical welded structure for strength and durability
  • Internal trays or packing for efficient phase contact
  • Corrosion resistant options (glass-lined, fluoropolymer-lined, or alloy protection)
  • Custom steel column sizes for chemical plants and industrial buildings
  • Customized equipment designed for your factory’s specific process requirements

Materials We Use

  • Carbon Steel
  • Stainless Steel (304, 316, 316L)
  • Duplex & Super Duplex Stainless Steel (2205, 2507)
  • Nickel Alloys (Inconel®, Hastelloy®, Monel®)
  • Copper-Nickel Alloys

Standards We Follow

  • ISO 9001 Quality Management
  • ASME (Pressure Vessels & Boilers)
  • CE Compliance
  • Local industrial safety regulations

Typical Specifications

  • Height-to-diameter ratio: 6:1 to 12:1
  • Operating pressure: Atmospheric up to several MPa
  • Capacity: Pilot-scale to large industrial towers

Area of Use

Atommek’s industrial building columns and chemical process towers are used in:

  • Chemical & Petrochemical plants
  • Fine chemical and specialty production
  • Environmental protection systems (absorbers, scrubbers, emission control)
  • Industrial buildings & plant structures

FAQ – Columns & Towers

What are industrial columns used for?

Industrial columns are used in chemical plants for distillation, fractionation, absorption, stripping, and scrubbing.

What sizes of steel columns are available?

We provide custom steel column sizes, from pilot units to large industrial towers.

What makes your columns corrosion resistant?

We use glass-lining, fluoropolymer-lining, and alloy protection to resist chemical attack.

Can Atommek customize equipment for my factory?

Yes. We design and manufacture custom columns and process equipment to fit your factory’s unique needs.

How long does delivery take?

Standard delivery is 2–3 months, depending on complexity.

Do you provide installation support?

Yes, visit our Services & Support page.