A packed absorption tower is used to remove SO2 from an air stream by absorption in a solvent. The tower is 5 ft in diameter and 60 ft high and contains 1.5 in. plastic Pall rings. The temperature and...

A packed absorption tower is used to remove SO2 from an air stream by absorption in a solvent. The tower is 5 ft in diameter and 60 ft high and contains 1.5 in. plastic Pall rings. The temperature and pressure in the tower are 908F and 30 psig. The gas stream flow rate is 6500 scfm. The liquids SG is 1.25, and its viscosity is 25 cP.

(a) What is the liquid flow rate (in gpm) at which the column will flood?

(b) If the column operates at a liquid flow rate that is 75% of the flooding value, what is the total pressure drop through the tower in psi?