Tray internals — bubble cap sizing:\nSelect the most common standard bubble-cap size combination used in industrial trays (cap diameter with riser diameter).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 6″ cap with 4″ riser

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Bubble-cap trays are legacy yet still-encountered distillation/absorption internals. Size standardization simplifies fabrication and performance prediction. Typical cap and riser diameters are chosen to balance pressure drop, capacity, and froth contact.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Industrial-scale column trays with moderate vapor/liquid loads.
  • Use of standardized caps and risers from historic catalogs.
  • Focus on “most common” rather than niche or miniature lab sizes.


Concept / Approach:
A 6″ bubble cap with a 4″ riser is a widely referenced standard combination for production trays, offering adequate area and manageable pressure drop. Smaller sizes like 1″ with 0.5″ riser are laboratory or very light-duty; mismatched options (e.g., riser larger than cap) are impractical.



Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Select a size that suits typical tray spacing and active area.Ensure cap diameter > riser diameter to provide annular slots and vapor distribution.6″/4″ pairing satisfies these design heuristics for many services.


Verification / Alternative check:
Classic tray design references list common caps in the 4–8″ range with risers about 2–4″, with 6″/4″ frequently cited as standard.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 1″/0.5″: too small for most industrial duties.
  • 8″/1″: disproportionate; would restrict vapor severely.
  • 4″ cap with 8″ riser: geometrically nonsensical.
  • 3″/2″: used in small duties but not “most common.”


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming cap trays are universally optimal; modern designs often prefer sieve or valve trays or structured packing for efficiency and cost.



Final Answer:
6″ cap with 4″ riser

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