Diisocyanate Applications

Diisocyanate production relies on distillation and purification systems that must consistently meet tight product specifications while operating under challenging conditions. Both MDI and TDI separations involve close-boiling components, high vapor and liquid traffic, and limited hydraulic margin, making separation efficiency and internals performance critical to reliable operation.

Koch-Glitsch applies a system-level view of diisocyanate separation, integrating mass transfer devices, liquid distribution, and column internals to manage hydraulic limits and maintain predictable vapor–liquid contact. Technologies such as Montz-Pak type A3 wire gauze structured packing, plastic FLEXIPAC® structured packing, and Montz Type S liquid distributors.

Koch-Glitsch provides application engineering support across the lifecycle, from process evaluation and technology selection to revamps and optimization, helping diisocyanate producers maintain stable operation and long-term performance.

Key Differences Between MDI and TDI Applications

While MDI and TDI share many separation challenges, differences in process configuration and operating priorities influence technology selection and internals design.

MDI Considerations

• Typically involves large-diameter or high-capacity columns.
• Often constrained by hydraulic limits and pressure drop.
• Requires robust liquid distribution to maintain uniform vapor–liquid contact.
• Commonly benefits from Montz-Pak type A3 wire gauze structured packing or plastic FLEXIPAC® structured packing, paired with Montz Type S distributors to support stable operation at high loads.

TDI Considerations

• Often involves tighter boiling separations and greater sensitivity to separation efficiency.
• Requires careful balance between pressure drop and mass transfer efficiency.
• Continuous operation increases sensitivity to operating variability.
• Frequently benefits from high-efficiency structured packing, advanced liquid distribution, and evaluation of dividing wall column (DWC) technology to consolidate separations and reduce energy use.

Customer Benefits

MDI and TDI producers working with Koch-Glitsch benefit from system-level separation solutions that deliver:

• Stable separation performance through integrated mass transfer devices, liquid distribution, and internals
• Reduced energy demand using high-efficiency structured packing and dividing wall column technology where applicable
• Recovered capacity by addressing hydraulic and distribution limitations in existing columns
• Greater operating flexibility with internals designed to manage variability and maintain product quality
• Lifecycle value across new designs, revamps, and long-term optimization