Dixon Rings: Ceramic, Metal, and Plastic Explained in Detail

In modern chemical engineering and environmental protection industries, packing materials play a key role in absorption, distillation, stripping, and gas-liquid separation processes. Among these, the Dixon Ring stands out as a highly efficient random packing, widely applied in towers and columns around the world.

This article will explain what Dixon Rings are, their shape, composition, functions, and the differences between ceramic, metal, and plastic Dixon Rings, along with their industrial applications.

1. What Is a Dixon Ring?

A Dixon Ring is a type of structured random packing, first designed to optimize surface contact between gas and liquid inside a packed column. Compared to older packing forms like Raschig Rings or Berl Saddles, Dixon Rings provide:

• Larger specific surface area
• Better liquid distribution
• Lower resistance to gas flow
• Higher mass transfer efficiency

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2. Shape and Appearance

Dixon Rings have a distinctive geometry:

• Basic Shape: A short hollow cylinder.
• Perforations: Several small holes or slots cut into the side wall, arranged in a symmetrical pattern.
• Surface Texture: Smooth, but with increased turbulence due to perforations.
• Size Range: Available in different diameters (commonly 6 mm, 12 mm, 25 mm, 38 mm, and larger depending on tower size).

These design features allow liquids to spread thinly over the surface, while gases can flow through with minimal pressure drop.

3. Materials of Dixon Rings

The performance of Dixon Rings depends not only on their design but also on the material of construction. Different materials make them suitable for different working conditions.

3.1 Ceramic Dixon Rings

• Composition: Made from high-grade alumina and kaolin-based ceramics.
• Properties:
  • High thermal resistance (up to 1000°C or more)
  • Excellent acid and alkali corrosion resistance
  • Chemically stable and inert
  • Long service life, even in aggressive environments
• Typical Applications:
  • Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems
  • Petrochemical absorption and scrubbing towers
  • Wastewater treatment towers
  • Separation and purification in chemical industries

3.2 Metal Dixon Rings

• Composition: Stainless steel (304, 316L), carbon steel, or other special alloys.
• Properties:
  • Superior mechanical strength
  • Withstands high pressure and temperature fluctuations
  • Resistant to thermal shock
  • Can be used in corrosive conditions with appropriate alloys
• Typical Applications:
  • Refinery towers operating at high temperatures
  • Fertilizer industry (ammonia and urea plants)
  • Gas scrubbing in power plants
  • High-pressure distillation and absorption processes

3.3 Plastic Dixon Rings

• Composition: PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PVC, CPVC, PVDF, and other engineering plastics.
• Properties:
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Resistant to weak acids, alkalis, and organic solvents
  • Cost-effective compared to metal and ceramic
  • Lower mechanical and thermal resistance
• Typical Applications:
  • Biological treatment towers
  • Environmental exhaust gas treatment
  • Low-temperature absorption processes
  • Scrubbing towers in chemical and food industries

4. Key Functions and Benefits

Dixon Rings provide multiple operational advantages:

• Improved mass transfer efficiency – better gas-liquid interaction compared to simple rings
• Uniform liquid distribution – perforations prevent liquid channeling
• Low pressure drop – gas flows smoothly with minimal resistance
• Energy saving – requires less energy for operation
• Versatility – available in ceramic, metal, and plastic to suit different industries and operating conditions

5. Applications Across Industries

Thanks to their adaptability, Dixon Rings are widely used in:

• Petrochemical Industry – distillation, refining, scrubbing, and absorption towers
• Chemical Industry – separation, stripping, and purification processes
• Environmental Engineering – wastewater treatment, flue gas purification, VOC removal
• Fertilizer Industry – gas absorption for ammonia and urea production
• Gas Treatment – CO₂ removal, air separation, and natural gas purification
• Food and Pharmaceutical Sectors – safe scrubbing and separation in non-toxic environments

6. Choosing the Right Dixon Ring

The selection of the right Dixon Ring depends on:

• Operating Temperature: High → choose ceramic or metal; low → plastic is sufficient.
• Corrosive Environment: Acid/alkali → ceramic or plastic; oxidizing → stainless steel alloys.
• Pressure Conditions: High pressure → metal Dixon Rings; moderate → ceramic; light duty → plastic.
• Budget and Maintenance: Plastic is cost-effective, ceramic is long-lasting, metal is best for extreme durability.

7. Why Choose Us

At Zhongci Environmental Ceramics Materials, we provide Dixon Rings in ceramic, metal, and plastic with a wide range of sizes and specifications. Our products are carefully manufactured for:

• High mechanical and chemical stability
• Optimized mass transfer efficiency
• Reliable performance in real industrial applications

Whether you need ceramic Dixon Rings for chemical towers, metal Dixon Rings for high-pressure refining, or plastic Dixon Rings for environmental systems, we have the right solution for you.

🌐 Explore more at: www.chempackings.com