Mass transfer from dispersed bubbles to electrolyte solution in packed beds

Ken M. Takahashi, Richard C. Alkire

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The measurement of gas‐liquid interfacial areas and mass transfer coefficients in concurrent upward bubbly flow (uG from 0.02 to 0.16 m/s, uL from 0.0051 to 0.056 m/s) over a packed bed consisting of 1.2 mm glassy carbon particles is described. Specific surface areas were measured by chemical absorption of O2 into Na2SO3 solutions; volumetric mass transfer coefficients were measured by physical desorption of O2 into N2 bubbles. Surface areas were obtained in the range of 4 × 103 to 2 × 105 m−1, much higher than have been previously reported. High areas are related to the use of electrolytes and small packing particles. Bubble size was found to depend primarily on liquid velocity. Volumetric mass transfer coefficients kLaG are also high (0.1 < kLaG < 2.3 s−1), primarily as a result of high gas‐liquid interfacial areas. Mass transfer coefficients kL are small, however. For the smaller bubble dispersions, mass transport is controlled by diffusion rather than by convection.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1504-1510
Number of pages7
JournalAIChE Journal
Volume34
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1988

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • General Chemical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mass transfer from dispersed bubbles to electrolyte solution in packed beds'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this