Cost of ceramic packings — identify the costliest option Among the following ceramic tower packings, which is generally the most expensive per unit of capacity installed?

Introduction / Context:
Packed columns for absorption, stripping, and distillation use a variety of ceramic shapes. Cost per cubic meter depends on geometry, surface area, pressure drop, and manufacturing complexity. This question probes practical selection by relative cost of common ceramic packings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• All items are ceramic packings.
• We compare typical market prices for similar nominal sizes.

Concept / Approach:
Simple shapes like Raschig rings and Berl saddles are cheaper to manufacture. Advanced shapes such as Intalox saddles offer improved capacity and lower pressure drop but require more intricate molding and quality control, raising unit cost. Ceramic Pall rings (less common than metal/plastic variants) usually price between saddles and the most intricate shapes; Intalox saddles tend to be at the top of the ceramic price range.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Vendor quotations and standard handbooks rank Intalox among the pricier ceramic packings, justified by hydraulic performance benefits at higher loads.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming the best hydraulic performance equals lowest cost; in reality, it often costs more and must be justified by capacity or energy savings.

Final Answer:
Intalox saddles