Methods for the determination of mass‐transfer coefficients and effective interfacial areas in packed absorption columns are reviewed. For each parameter, the methods are grouped into categories on the basis of their physical principle; the chemical systems used, experimental protocol, and the advantages and inconveniences are discussed. The treatment of end effects, the influence of packed bed height, and the recent efforts in standardization of measurement methods are also treated. The aim of the review is to give a broad overview of the methods used in literature in the last eight decades, some of which might be reconsidered in the light of modern measurement techniques and to evaluate them in relation to precision, practicality and hazardousness thereby to facilitate the search for reliable, precise, and convenient experimental practices.

Absorption methods for the determination of mass transfer parameters of packing internals: A literature review

In order to study the dependence of liquid phase capacity coefficient in a packed tower on the physical properties of the absorption system, experiments were conducted on the purely physical absorption of carbon-dioxide by various solvents. As the solvents, ethyl-alcohol, methyl-alcohol, water, benzene, decalin and carbon-tetrachloride were used.With all the solvents, the kLa vs. L curves had a critical point where the dependence of kLa on L showed a sudden change. The critical values of (L/μ) were correlated by Eq. (4') for all the solvents except water, for which the critical value (L/μ) was found to be equal to 1300. Experimental results ranging below these critical points are expressed by Eq. (5) while those above them are expressed by Eqs. (6) and (7).From Eqs. (5) and (6), the exponent of Schmidt number relating to (kLa/DL) was found to be approximately 1/2. This value agrees quite well with the results obtained by Sherwood and Holloway as well as those of our previous investigation6) and the prediction by Higbie.

K. Onda

Papers

Absorption of Carbon-Dioxide by Various Solvents in Packed Towers