A packed column, which is $0.6 \mathrm{~m}$ in diameter and $4 \mathrm{~m}$ high containing $25 \mathrm{~mm}$ Raschig rings, is used in a gas absorption process to remove an impurity from the gas stream by absorbing it in a liquid solvent. The liquid, which has a viscosity of $5 \mathrm{cP}$ and $S G=1.1$, enters the top of the column at a rate of $2.5 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{s} \mathrm{m}^{2}$, and the gas, which may be assumed to have the same properties as air, enters the bottom of the column at a rate of $0.6 \mathrm{~kg} / \mathrm{s} \mathrm{m}^{2}$. The column operates at atmospheric pressure and $25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. Determine

(a) The pressure drop through the column, in inches of water

(b) How high the liquid rate could be increased before the column would flood