Tray internals (typical design values): the range 1.2 to 3.8 cm corresponds most closely to which item in common distillation-tray design practice?

Introduction / Context:
Distillation trays (bubble-cap, sieve, valve) require several geometric settings to ensure correct hydraulics: weir height, downcomer seal, static submergence, and (for bubble caps) slot/port geometry and skirt clearance. Remembering typical ranges helps in quick checks and troubleshooting.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Conventional atmospheric-to-moderate-pressure columns.
• Balanced tray design aiming to prevent vapor bypass and weeping while avoiding excessive pressure drop.
• Units in centimeters (1.2–3.8 cm range highlighted).

Concept / Approach:
The downcomer seal is the liquid head maintained at the downcomer outlet to prevent vapor bypass from a lower tray back into the downcomer. Typical liquid seal heights are a few centimeters. Bubble-cap skirt clearance is normally on the order of millimeters to about a centimeter, often less than the 1.2–3.8 cm range. Static submergence on a bubble-cap tray (weir height plus froth head components) is usually larger than a few centimeters, especially under pressure, and not typically as low as 1.2 cm at design conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Compare ranges: downcomer seal ~ 1–4 cm → matches 1.2–3.8 cm.Bubble-cap skirt clearance typically ~ 0.6–1.3 cm (6–13 mm) → too small.Static submergence typically exceeds several centimeters (weir height 2–5 cm plus aeration head) → generally larger.Hence, the highlighted range aligns best with the downcomer liquid seal.

Verification / Alternative check:
Vendor data sheets and tray hydraulics correlations show downcomer outlet seal pans and liquid head in the low-centimeter range for balanced designs to avoid back-mixing and vapor blow-by.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Static submergence: often greater than the given range.Skirt clearance: typically 6–13 mm, smaller than 1.2–3.8 cm.All of the above: not true because the ranges differ by item.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing skirt clearance with seal depth; overlooking the influence of weir height and froth density on static submergence.

Final Answer:
Downcomer liquid seal in a balanced tray design