Plate tower is preferred over packed tower, if the operation involves liquids containing dispersed solids
Plate tower is perferred, if interstage cooling is required to remove heats of reaction or solution
In operations involving large temperature changes. (e.g. distillation), plate towers are preferred over packed towers as the packing may be crushed due to large temperature changes
The total weight of a dry plate tower is usually much more than that of a dry packed tower designed for the same duty
Diameter of Horton sphere is normally 6 to 25 metres and it is supported by 6 to 12 nos. tubular or rolled section column
Horton sphere is used for the storage of gases and volatile liquid at a moderate pressure of 1 to 10 kg/cm²
Horton sphere is used for the storage of liquid at sub-zero temperature at very high pressure upto 200 kg/cm²
Thickness of spherical shell is half that of the cylinderical vessel under same operating pressure condition. Besides, the ratio of surface area to volume is less for sphere than any other shape ; hen