Fig. 20 shows the dependence of HETP values on the liquid
load for constant solvent mass velocity at 373K and 29 MPa for
the separation palmitic/(oleic + linoleic) acids from palm fatty acid
mixtures. The results show that the HETP values decrease with
increasing liquid load.Atlow liquidmassflow rates the packing surface
is not completely wetted and this has a negative effect on the
mass transfer performance. High liquid mass flow rates improves
packing wetting, and hence the mass transfer efficiency. The diagram
illustrated in Fig. 20 shows that the mass transfer efficiency
decreases with increasing solvent mass velocity for constant liquid
load. The HETP values decrease in a linear fashion with increasing
liquid load. The liquid load dictates the production ofthe separation
process.