NUPAC® Plastic Tower Packing

Rolled Construction and Surface Area

NUPAC's concentric layers contain uniformly spaced polypropylene rods distributed throughout each packing piece. This construction achieves considerably more surface area per cubic foot than conventional packings of equivalent size, with uniform surface density that supports consistent packed bed performance and high mass transfer rates per unit bed depth.

Mass Transfer and Retrofits

NUPAC is effective in scrubbing and stripping applications requiring maximum transfer efficiency from a limited tower volume. In space-constrained or retrofit situations — where a new tower is not an option — the surface area density can deliver substantially more capacity from existing equipment.

In a documented chlorine stripping retrofit, replacement of a 28.5-foot bed of 2" Pall rings with NUPAC in an 18" diameter tower produced a 70% increase in capacity — exceeding the target of 50% — while simultaneously reducing pressure drop from 15 inches to 9 inches of water column. Polyethylene NUPAC was specified for chemical resistance in the chlorine environment. (Case History 30)

NUPAC's small height-per-transfer-unit (HTU) also makes it a suitable choice for compact scrubbers where minimum bed depth is required to meet removal specifications. (Case History 40)

Biological Fixed-Film Reactors

NUPAC supports fixed-film biological treatment as a reactor packing. The geometry generates fine aeration bubbles, reducing oxygen delivery requirements compared to conventional fixed-film systems. High surface area supports biofilm attachment; uniform rod spacing facilitates biofilm management and discourages anaerobic zone development.

A winery bioreactor installation reduced wastewater BOD from over 2,300 ppm to below 12 ppm with clarification — more than three times the destruction rate of conventional activated sludge — in a system designed to replace overtaxed lagoons. The project received Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry annual prize for innovative environmental treatment technology. (Case History 25)

Mist Elimination

NUPAC's tortuous path geometry captures entrained liquid droplets, providing mist elimination without a separate mesh pad or chevron section. The packed structure drains well, resists plugging, and is easier to install and remove than standard mesh pad assemblies. Effective across a wide gas velocity range. Consult Lantec for specific depth requirements based on your application parameters. (Case History 40, Case History 54)