The Effect of Liquid Rate and Surface Tension on Mass Transfer Rates in Packed Columns

Abstract

For the purpose of transfer of mass, vapor and liquid phases are often brought into contact in a packed column. At present experimental data on the performance of packed columns is analyzed by the transfer unit concept. This method involves the use of a quantity ka, where k is the transfer coefficient and a the effective area of contact between phases. The difficulty encountered in measuring the effective interfacial area necessitates the writing of these two quantities as a product. Undoubtedly more accurate results correlating mass transfer rates and phase properties could be obtained if the quantities k and a could be separated.

In May, 1960 work was begun at Nova Scotia Technical College with two aims in view: 1. To construct equipment that would measure reliably the transfer coefficient and the effective wetted area; 2. To measure, through the humidification of air, the effect at liquid phase properties on the effective area. This study will describe the apparatus constructed and the effect of liquid rate and surface tension on humidification mass transfer rates.