Hydrodynamic Characterization and Mass Transfer Analysis of an In-Line Multi-Jets Ozone Contactor

This research study investigates mixing and ozone mass transfer characteristics of a pilot-scale in-line multi-jets ozone contacting system. The hydrodynamic characteristics of the contactor were studied using a two-dimensional laser flow map particle image velocimetry coupled with planar laser induced fluorescence (PIV/PLIF). The PIV/PLIF system provided a combination of simultaneous whole-field velocity and concentration data in two-phase flows for different operating conditions. All measurements were conducted under a total liquid flow rate of about 10 L/s with gas flow rate ranging from 0.05 to 0.4 L/s. The gas was introduced to the system through a series of side stream injectors. The side injectors were tested under opposing and alternating modes. A mass transfer study was also conducted to estimate the overall mass transfer coefficient under the same operational conditions used for the hydrodynamics study. It was found that for the same number of jets (i.e., same gas flow rate) the liquid dispersion (D_L) was higher when alternating jets were used. Higher ozone mass transfer rates were observed when using opposing jet compared to the same number of alternating jets.     

Experimental Investigations On Production Of Excited Ozone Species From A Silent Discharge Ozone Generator

Ozone decomposition kinetics are investigated together with the influence of energy input to an ozone generator. Decomposition is considered in a solid bed reactor, a gas phase reactor and a bubbling reactor. Ozone is produced at the same concentration and gas flow rate using two methods: 1) from the generator at a higher power giving higher ozone concentration, then ozone is diluted by oxygen before entering the decomposition reactor, and 2) at a lower power without dilution.     

Gas-induced Ozonator with Narrower Baffles to Enhance the Ozone Utilization Rate

Several characteristics that involve the gas/liquid flow pattern, the mixing time and the ozone utilization rate of a modified gas-induced ozonator were studied. In such an ozonator, four narrower baffles having a width 1/25 of the vessel diameter and two in-series 45° downward pitched blade turbines (PBTs) were employed. At high impeller speeds, the gas induction enhanced the gas-liquid utilization. A model heterogeneous ozonation of the C.I. Reactive Blue 19 dye (RB19) was conducted to examine the effect of various operational parameters. Results concluded that the modified gas-induced ozonator provides high ozone utilization rate under stable gas induction and proper inlet gas flow rate. In addition, a comparison between the present ozonator and other gas inducing reactors in the literature was also made.     

BACK MIXING AND LIQUID HOLD-UP IN A COCURRENT UP-FLOW PACKED BED BIOREACTOR

The hydrodynamics of an up-flow three phase packed bed bioreactor were investigated experimentally using tracer techniques. The effects of the liquid and gas velocities, and the particle size on the Peclet number (Pe) and on the liquid hold-up (ε_L) were determined. While the range of gas and liquid flow rate were chosen according to biotic conditions. It was found that the Pe was not influenced from liquid flow rate, however decreased with increasing gas flow rate and particle/reactor diameter ratio (d_p/D_c). Also, it was found that liquid hold-up was not influenced from gas flow rate, however increased with increasing liquid flow rate and decreased with increasing d_p/D_c ratio. The correlation which connected the Bodenstein number to gas phase particle Reynolds number and d_p/D_c ratio and the correlation which connected the liquid hold-up, liquid phase particle Reynolds number and d_p/D_c ratio were found using Marquardt-Levenberg approach.     

Research Note: Penetration of Ozone Gas Across the Shell of Hen Eggs

Increasing evidence indicates that ozone gas is effective against Salmonella on and within shell eggs. However, information on the penetration of ozone across egg shell is limited. In this study, whole hen egg shells, filled with indigotrisulfonate solution (OD₆₀₀ ～1), were exposed to ozone gas (12–14% wt/wt O₃ in O₂) at 1.5 liters/min and atmospheric pressure for ≤ 40 min with appropriate controls. Ozone penetrated the shells over time (r²?=?0.9974) causing indigo decoloration and increasing its transmittance from 16 to 28% after gas exposure for 40 min. This study confirms ozone penetration through egg shell using a simple qualitative technique.     

PIV/PLIF Study of Impinging Jet Ozone Bubble Column with Mixing Nozzles

This paper introduces the results obtained from a particle image velocimetry/planer laser-induced fluorescence (PIV/PLIF) system used in characterizing an impinging jet ozone bubble column with mixing nozzles. This research aims at evaluating the mixing effect resulting from the nozzle diffusers attached to the outlets of the impinging jets' injectors. The PIV system was used to study the flow patterns of the liquid and gas phases under different superficial gas and liquid velocities (u_G and u_L, respectively) values (from 0.002 to 0.017 m/s and from 0.008 to 0.024 m/s, respectively). Furthermore, a particle dynamics analyzer (PDA) system was used to characterize the bubble sizes under the same operating conditions. The PLIF system was used to determine the liquid axial dispersion coefficient (D_L, m²/s) for the mentioned range of operating conditions. The column average gas hold-up (?_G) and specific interfacial area (a) were then determined in order to evaluate the column's mass transfer efficiency. The results showed that higher mass transfer rates can be obtained by using this column, as high ?_G, and were achieved.     

Ozone Production in a High Frequency Dielectric Barrier Discharge Generator

Factors that affect the performance of an expanded-mesh dielectric barrier discharge ozone cell were investigated. A gas feed pf 94% O₂, 4% Ar and 1% N₂ was used. An improvement in the productivity (g ozone/kWh) of about 20 % was achieved by doubling the gas flow rate through the cell. Decreasing the cell operating frequency (in the range 72 kHz to 19 kHz) increased the productivity of the ozone generator at constant power. The ozone production increased approximately in proportion to the input power; however productivity did not vary significantly with power above a minimum level. As the cell voltage was increased the dependence of productivity on power or frequency was reduced. Changing the feed gas temperature between ? 5^°C and + 42^°C had no effect on productivity. Finer meshes drew more power than coarser ones for a given voltage. Using a thinner mesh for the centre electrode increased productivity. The best results were obtained with a 6 × 3 × 1.86 mm titanium mesh giving a productivity of 110 g ozone/kWhr at 30–60 W, 1500–1900V and 23 KHz.     

Experimental Study on Ozone Synthesis via Dielectric Barrier Discharges

The characteristics of ozone generation using a dielectric barrier discharge reactor were investigated experimentally. Results indicate that ozone concentration increases with increasing applied voltage and gas residence time. In addition to applied voltage, ozone generation rate varies with reactor configuration as well. Optimum ozone generation rates can be reached at the specific gas residence time for a given applied voltage and gas composition. At the same applied voltage, the reactor with a single dielectric barrier results in a higher ozone generation rate in comparison with the reactor having double dielectric barriers. Given a constant N₂/O₂ ratio in the feed gas, NO_x concentration increases as applied voltage and gas residence time increase. Results indicate that maximum NO_x concentration is reached when the N₂/O₂ ratio of feed gas is 4.     

The Ozone Treatment for Nitrogen Removal from Liquid Wastes at High Salinity: Full-Scale Optimization and Economical Aspect

The study involved the optimization of the flow scheme of a full-scale platform for industrial liquid wastes. Non-hazardous liquid wastes from natural gas extraction (spent brine) represent 26% of the total influent wastes. For elevated salinity this waste is strongly inhibitory for traditional biological processes. The implementation of the treatment solution is represented by advanced oxidation with ozone in a separate line to remove the ammonia nitrogen with the direct transformation in nitrogen gas. The ratio of bromides/nitrogen greater than 0.4 was evaluated as being the determining factor to activate the process. Ammonia, without the formation of secondary nitrogen compounds, decreases up to 21 mgL^?1 dosing 300 mgO₃ L^?1 and equal to 0 mgL^?1 at maximum ozone. In addition, the catalytic effect of bromides determines a reduction of nitrate to final concentrations of 5 mgL^?1. Any carcinogenic compounds, such as bromates, or residual stripped ammonia were not noted. The economical evaluation was reported.     

A refined model for ozone mass transfer in a semibatch stirred vessel

The mathematical model proposed by Anselmi et al. (1984) for a semibatch stirred gas‐liquid contactor is refined to describe the mass transfer of ozone absorption and decomposition in aqueous solution with the decomposition rate expression of general reaction orders (not necessarily integers). Three system equations are employed to describe the ozone concentrations in the bulk liquid (C_ALb), the hold‐up gas (C_AGi), and the outlet gas in the free volume above the liquid surface (C_AGe), respectively. The effect of ozone decomposition on the mass transfer, which is reflected by the enhancement factor (E_r) defined as the ratio of mass absorbed per unit area in time t with chemical reaction (r) to that without chemical reaction or of the purely physical absorption, is considered in the refined model. Furthermore, the refined model also takes into account the variation of E_r with C_ALb, which changes with time during the course of gas‐liquid contacting. Thus this analysis extends the applicability of the model of Anselmi et al. (1984) and is of special importance for ozone mass transfer in the cases of basic solutions and of low mass transfer coefficients, in which the effect of decomposition on absorption is significant, and in the system with variable liquid phase ozone concentration.     

Ozone Plant Operations Under Drought Conditions

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan) owns and operates five potable water treatment plants. Currently four of the treatment plants utilize ozone as the primary disinfectant. The Metropolitan ozone contactors are over-under baffled and include 10 chambers, an afterbay, and an effluent channel. Ozone is generally added in either the first countercurrent gas/liquid flow chamber (Chamber 1) or the first and second (co-current gas/liquid flow) chambers. Disinfection credit is received from ozone residuals in Chambers 2 through 6. An ozone destruct system collects and destroys ozone off-gases from Chambers 1 through 9 and an ozone quenching system is used to minimize dissolved ozone from leaving the contactors. Severe drought in California, and resulting water supply limitations, have created significant operational issues ranging from reduced plant flows to source water changes and water quality challenges. The combination of reduced flow and different source water conditions resulted in the ozone systems being operated occasionally under unfamiliar conditions. This article discusses some of the challenges faced in operating the ozone plants at low flows and low ozone production rates. Further, water quality issues required prudent management of operations to meet regulatory requirements. From the lessons learned, several recommendations are offered in preparation for similar conditions in the future.     

Effect of Chemical Reaction and Mass Transfer on Ozonation of the Azo Dyes Reactive Black 5 and Reactive Orange 96

Ozonation of wastewater containing azo dye has been studied to evaluate the enhancement of ozone mass transfer from O₂O₃ gas into water with the presence of chemical reactions in a bubble column reactor. Experiments were performed at different initial dye concentrations and at various gas flow rates. C.I. Reactive Black 5 (RB 5) and C.I. Reactive Orange 96 (RO 96) have been chosen as representative model substances being found in wastewater from textile-finishing wastewater. Results show that the rate of ozone mass transfer increases with increasing initial dye concentration and gas flow rate. Consequently, an enhancement factor E for ozone mass transfer with chemical reaction could be calculated which increases with dye concentration. The chemical reaction between ozone and dye enhanced the mass transfer within the liquid film of the gas liquid boundary. The greatest enhancement factor for wastewater containing RO 96 of 2050 mgL^?1 is E = 15.4 compared with E = 9.1 for RB 5 of 3800 mgL^?1, both for gas flow rates of 19 Lh^?1. For lower gas flow rates, higher enhancement factors were observed, particularly for RO 96.     

Modelling Hydraulics of Ozone Contactors

The U.S. EPA published the surface water treatment rule which imposed stringent requirements for disinfection. The rule is based on the C × T concept. The detention time T₁₀ must be determined for each type of contactor by performing tracer tests. Those tests have been performed for various ozone contactors. The results were evaluated using two types of models. For a classical diffuser-bubble contactor the ratio T₁₀/τ is about 0.5. For an industrial deep U-tube this ratio is equal to 0.55, but it reaches 0.9 for a pilot system. These results are indicating that a deep U–tube can provide a greater T₁₀/τ ratio than a diffuser–bubble contactor.     

Effects of syngas composition on combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) flashback in a swirl stabilized combustor

Flame flashback attributed to combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) is a major design challenge for swirl stabilized burner combustors. This paper presents an experimental investigation of combustion induced vortex breakdown (CIVB) flashback propensity for flames yielded from Hydrogen (H₂)–Carbon Monoxide (CO) fuel blends and actual synthesized gas (syngas) mixtures. A two-fold experimental approach, consisting of a high definition digital imaging system and a high speed PIV system, was employed. The main emphasis was on the effect of concentration of different constituents in fuel mixtures on flashback limit. In addition, the effect of Swirl Number on flashback propensity was discussed. The percentage of H₂ in fuel mixtures played the dominant role when CIVB flashback occurred. For a given air mass flow rate, the mixture containing a higher percentage of H₂ underwent flashback at much leaner conditions. Flashback maps for actual syngas fuel compositions showed a distinct behavior when various concentrations of diluents were introduced in the mixture. For the two major diluents tested, carbon dioxide (CO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), CO₂ was more dominant. The effect of Swirl Number on the flashback propensity was also tested and showed a decrease with an increase in Swirl Number. The final portion of this paper also provides an analysis of flow field of reacting flames which revealed complex vortex–chemistry interactions leading to vortex breakdown and flashback. Based on the experimental results a parametric model similar to Peclet Number approach was developed employing a flame quenching concept. A value of the quench parameter, C_quench was obtained from the correlation of flow Peclet Number and flame Peclet Number, which was observed to be dominated by the fuel composition rather than Swirl Number.     

A Study of the Physical and Chemical Processes Active in Ozone Generation by Carbon Dioxide Fed Corona Discharges

Ozone generation in both positive and negative corona discharges DC corona, both operated in glow regime, feed by dry CO₂ has been studied. Higher ozone concentrations were observed in negative corona discharges. Ozone formation was found to be strongly dependent upon both the flow rate of the gas and on the radius of the outer electrode. The physical characteristics of the discharge were monitored through measurement of the discharge current. Small increases in the gas flow rate were observed to cause a significant increase in the discharge current of a negative corona discharge but little/no effect was observed in positive corona.     

A Study of the Physical and Chemical Processes Active in Corona Discharges Fed by Carbon Dioxide

Ozone generation in both positive and negative corona discharges DC corona, both operated in glow regime, feed by dry CO₂ has been studied. Higher ozone concentrations were observed in negative corona discharges. Ozone formation was found to be strongly dependent upon both the flow rate of the gas and on the radius of the outer electrode. The physical characteristics of the discharge were monitored through measurement of the discharge current. Small increases in the gas flow rate were observed to cause a significant increase in the discharge current of a negative corona discharge but little/no effect was observed in positive corona.     

Design Considerations for Cost-Effective Ozone Mass Transfer in Sidestream Systems

Ozone dissolution system design is important for meeting transfer efficiency (TE) goals. Large sidestream pump flow (L) and high venturi inlet pressure improves TE but increases operating cost. Ozone TE was examined at a 25 gpm (97-Lpm) pilot-scale sidestream system with (SS_w-dg) and without (SS_wo-dg) degas separation. Under constant ozone dose conditions, process operating parameters were varied including sidestream gas/liquid (G/L) ratio, venturi-inlet water pressure, venturi-outlet water pressure, feed gas pressure, and ozone gas concentration. Performance results included determination of TE, ozone exposure (CT_HDT), and hydraulic detention time (T_HDT). Several design aspects of sidestream ozone systems were examined to improve mass transfer by using remixing devices, protecting ozone gas piping from corrosion, calculating sidestream ozone residual, and driving force for mass transfer. Moisture contamination of ozone supply lines may cause corrosion and/or decomposition of ozone gas that releases heat and destroys ozone. Ozone gas piping design is critical to prevent trapping water that might enter gas pipe during power outage or when units are offline. During plant operation below design flow, multiple constant speed pumps or variable speed pumps were evaluated to reduce overall operating costs.     

Validation of Gas Flow Measurement During Ozone Generator Performance Testing

Key measurements for ozone generator efficiency testing include generator power, ozone concentration, and gas flow rate. Accurate gas flow measurement must address numerous issues such as: meter precision, meter calibration, gas density changes due to variations in molecular composition, and gas compression and expansion changes due to variation in temperature and pressure. Preferably, the gas flowmeter for performance testing is one that can be field-verified for accuracy. Orifice-plate, flow-tube and venturi differential pressure flowmeters have these characteristics and have been frequently used to obtain gas flow readings of record during ozone generator performance tests. This paper discusses the importance of field-verification, provides reference equations and example calculations, and presents issues and considerations for quality assurance.     

Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Ozonation Processes in a Downstream Static Mixer with Sieve Plates

New standards for drinking water disinfection require better optimization of the ozonation stage on the basis of the concentration×contact time (CT) concept, and production of ozone from pure oxygen at higher concentrations presumes application of the new type of contactors operating efficiently at lower gas/liquid volumetric ratios. One possible construction to meet these requirements is a downstream static mixer with sieve plates. At higher flow rates of liquid in this mixer, the interfacial area may reach 10,000m²/m³ at energy dissipation 1–5kW/m³. Due to the very intensive hydrodynamic regime the ozone utilization degree in the gas phase reaches 98–100% in natural lake water ozonation. Mathematical simulation of lake water ozonation in this mixer indicated that the process proceeds mostly in the diffusion or kinetic regime depending on the operating parameters. The dominating parameters besides the sieve geometry are the liquid flow rate in the holes of the sieves and the volumetric liquid/gas ratio.     

Hydrodynamics,Mass Transfer and Gas Scrubbing in a Co‐current Droplet Column Operating at High Gas Velocities

The main objective of this work was to propose a new process for household fume incineration treatment: the droplet column. A feature of this upward gas‐liquid reactor which makes it original, is to use high superficial gas velocities (13 m s^–1) which allow acid gas scrubbing at low energy costs. Tests were conducted to characterize the hydrodynamics, mass transfer performances, and acid gas scrubbing under various conditions of superficial gas velocity (from 10.0 to 12.0 m s^–1) and superficial liquid velocity (from 9.4·10^–3 to 18.9·10^–3 m s^–1). The following parameters characterized the hydrodynamics: pressure drops, liquid hold‐ups, and liquid residence time distribution were identified and investigated with respect to flow conditions. To characterize mass transfer in the droplet column, three parameters were determined: the gas‐liquid interfacial area (a), the liquid‐phase volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k_La) and the gas‐phase volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k_Ga). Gas absorption with chemical reaction methods were applied to evaluate a and k_Ga, while a physical absorption method was used to estimate k_La. The influence of the gas and liquid velocities on a, k_La, and k_Ga were investigated. Furthermore, tests were conducted to examine the utility of the droplet column for the acid gas scrubbing, of gases like hydrogen chloride (HCl) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). This is a process of high efficiency and the amount of pollutants in the cleaned air is always much lower than the regulatory European standards imposed on household waste incinerators.