This Zirconium 702 Karr Column, supplied to the Otto York Division of Koch Process Equipment utilizes a reciprocating stack of closely spaced perforated plates to separate liquids into fractions based on differences in density. As the stack oscillates rapidly up and down the heavier molecules tend to migrate through the lower plate and the lighter molecules to migrate through the adjacent upper plate. As these separations occur over the full height of the stack, the lighter fraction is effectively separated to the top of the column and the heavier fraction to the bottom.

The plate stack, to the left of the column in the photograph, is fabricated with Teflon plates supported by a zirconium central shaft, heavy

zirconium spider plates and tie rods and precision spacers similar to a heat exchanger. The stack and support components are subject to fatigue and are designed and fabricated to exacting standards.

The center section of the column is built to precise dimensions to minimize losses in efficiency at the periphery of the plate stack. The shell is 72"/36" diameter and 1/4"/5/16" thick zirconium 702. The 62 ft. long vessel is designed to the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Division 1.

Karr Columns have also been supplied by Titanium Fabrication Corporation in grade 2 Titanium and with all wetted surfaces anodized to minimize iron contamination.