Effect of surfactants on liquid-side mass transfer coefficients

In the present paper, the effect of liquid properties (surfactants) on bubble generation phenomenon, interfacial area and liquid-side mass transfer coefficient was investigated. The measurements of surface tension (static and dynamic methods), of critical micelle concentration (CMC) and of characteristic adsorption parameters such as the surface coverage ratio at equilibrium (s_e) were performed to understand the effects of surfactants on the mass transfer efficiency. Tap water and aqueous solutions with surfactants (cationic and anionic) were used as liquid phases and an elastic membrane with a single orifice as gas sparger. The bubbles were generated into a small-scale bubble column. The local liquid-side mass transfer coefficient (k_L) was obtained from the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k_La) and the interfacial area (a) was deduced from the bubble diameter (D_B), the bubble frequency (f_B) and the terminal bubble rising velocity (U_B). Only the dynamic bubble regime was considered in this work (Re_OR=150-1000 and We=0.002-4).This study has clearly shown that the presence of surfactants affects the bubble generation phenomenon and thus the interfacial area (a) and the different mass transfer parameters, such as the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k_La) and the liquid-side mass transfer coefficient (k_L). Whatever the operating conditions, the new k_La determination method has provided good accuracy without assuming that the liquid phase is perfectly mixed as in the classical method. The surface coverage ratio (s_e) proves to be crucial for predicting the changes of k_L in aqueous solutions with surfactants.     

Effect of bubble contamination on rise velocity and mass transfer

An apparatus where individual bubbles are kept stationary in a downward liquid flow was adapted to simultaneously (i) follow mass transfer to/from a single bubble as it inevitably gets contaminated; (ii) follow its shape; and (iii) periodically measure its terminal velocity. This apparatus allows bubbles to be monitored for much longer periods of time than does the monitoring of rising bubbles. Thus, the effect of trace contaminants on bubbles of low solubility gases, like air, may be studied.Experiments were done with air bubbles of 1-5 mm initial equivalent diameter in a water stream. The partial pressure of air in the liquid could be manipulated, allowing bubbles to be either dissolving or kept at an approximately constant diameter.Both drag coefficient and gas-liquid mass transfer results were interpreted in terms of bubble contamination kinetics using a simplified stagnant cap model. Drag coefficient was calculated from stagnant cap size using an adaptation of Sadhal and Johnson's model (J. Fluid Mech. 126 (1983) 237).Gas-liquid mass transfer modelling assumed two mass transfer coefficients, one for the clean front of the bubble, the other for the stagnant cap. Adjusted values of these coefficients are consistent with theoretical predictions from Higbie's and Frössling's equations, respectively.     

Rise velocities and gas-liquid mass transfer of bubbles in organic solutions

Bubble size, shape, rise velocity and liquid side mass transfer coefficient have been experimentally determined for bubbles rising in organic systems, consisting of single or mutually soluble components, namely: alkanes (n-dodecane, n-hexadecane), alcohols (ethanol, 1-butanol, 1-octanol) and mixtures thereof. For pure solvents (alkanes and alcohols alike), it was found that the bubbles are non-spherical, and that both the rise velocity and the mass transfer coefficient are close to those expected for bubbles with a mobile surface.For alkane-alcohol solutions, on the other hand, the bubbles become almost spherical, and their rise velocity and mass transfer coefficient decrease, taking values intermediate between those of rigid bubbles and bubbles with a mobile surface. Trace concentrations of either alkane in alcohol or alcohol in alkane are enough for this effect to be observed. The bubbles, however, never become completely rigid in the whole range of concentrations between pure alkane and pure alcohol.Use of Higbie's equation with experimental value of slip velocity to calculate the mass transfer coefficient, k_L, (system n-dodecane/1-octanol) yields somewhat high predictions of k_L, but follows the trend of experimental k_L with concentration for most of the concentration range. However, for very small concentrations of either component, Higbie's equation gives completely wrong results, both in magnitude and in trend. The reason for this behaviour is unknown.     

Texture influence on liquid-side mass transfer

The impact on different packing material textures to liquid-side controlled mass transfer for the CO₂ absorption into silicone oil is analyzed experimentally. Typical industrially applied textures with bidirectional pyramidal and unidirectional wavy topographies are investigated for a wide range of liquid loads and viscosities. It is found that the texture design has a significant influence on the mass transfer efficiency, e.g. mass transfer intensification up to 80% can be performed by a textured surface compared with a flat inclined plate. Additionally, counter current gas flow affects the mass transfer positively as expected, but the texture impact is significantly higher. Silicone oil is widely used for fluid dynamic analysis. Here, fundamental data and procedures for mass transfer determination are provided for the first time in order to characterize present textures of column internals.     

Effect of contaminants on mass transfer coefficients in bubble column and airlift contactors

In this work, the effects of surface-active contaminants on mass transfer coefficients k_La and k_L were studied in two different bubble contactors. The oxygen transfer coefficient, k_L, was obtained from the volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient, k_La, since the specific interfacial area, a, could be determined from the fractional gas holdup, ε, and the average bubble diameter, d₃₂. Water at different heights and antifoam solutions of 0.5- were used as working media, under varying gas sparging conditions, in small-scale bubble column and rectangular airlift contactors of 6.7 and capacity, respectively. Both the antifoam concentration and the bubble residence time were shown to control k_La and k_L values over a span of almost 400%. A theoretical interpretation is proposed based on modelling the kinetics of single bubble contamination, followed by sudden surface transition from mobile to rigid condition, in accordance with the stagnant cap model. Model results match experimental k_L data within ±30%.     

Mathematical modeling of gas-liquid mass transfer rate in bubble columns operated in the heterogeneous regime

In this paper, a multi-scale approach is followed to study gas-liquid mass transfer in bubble columns. First, a single bubble of equivalent diameter d is considered. Its morphology and its gas to liquid relative velocity are related to the bubble diameter through the use of known correlations. Then, the gas-liquid mass transfer between the bubble and the surrounding liquid is studied theoretically. An equation describing the transport of the transferred species in the viscous boundary layer around the bubble is solved. In a second step, a bubble column of 6-10 m height is studied experimentally. The gas phase in the column is characterized experimentally by means of a gammametric technique. Finally, the two studies are linked, yielding a 1D mathematical model able to predict the gas-liquid mass transfer rate in a bubble column operated in the heterogeneous regime.     

Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in gas-liquid flow through static mixers

The objective of this study was to characterize the two-phase flow hydrodynamic behaviour and mass transfer in a static mixer in a horizontal pipe. Different arrangements of elements of the static mixer were tested and their performances compared. The pressure drop, bubble diameters and mass transfer coefficient were measured. The influence of operating conditions was also studied. A different correlations are proposed and compared with other correlations found in the literature.     

Physical explanation of the empirical coefficients of gas-liquid mass transfer equations

Equipment design and scale up is one of the biggest problems that chemical engineers face. A lot of research has been done at laboratory and pilot plant scale. However, experimental data are, many times, useless in equipment scale up because they overlook the processes involving bubbles. Therefore, a new approach considering the hydrodynamics of the bubbles is proposed to explain and understand the mass transfer rates. Semi-theoretical equations have been developed for bubble columns and stirred tanks based on hydrodynamic considerations of the flow, the bubbles and dispersions in the tank. These equations are able to explain the physical meaning, identify the effect of the scale on mass transfer rates and even predict the coefficients of the empirical correlations for k_La based on the hydrodynamic processes that bubbles experience. It can be concluded that the proportional constant of the correlations for k_La depends on the bubble size, on the physical and transport properties and on the size of the tank because it affects the mixing. Meanwhile, the exponents related to the power input and the superficial gas velocity depend on bubble break up and coalescence, and the dispersions generated. In the case of stirred tanks, the physical effect of the impeller on the bubbles also plays an important role on the exponents.     

填料塔气液传质参数研究（Ⅰ）──有效传质面积及容积传质系数

用化学吸收法测定了拉西环填料的有效传质表面积和容积传质系数，并进一步用物理法比较测定了容积传质系数。实验证明，用化学法测得的容积传质系数大于物理法测定值。并得出有效传质表面积及容积传质系数与喷淋密度的关系式。     

Bubble coalescence at sieve plates: II. Effect of coalescence on mass transfer. Superficial area versus bubble oscillations

Bubble columns are among the most used equipments for gas-liquid mass transfer processes. This equipment's aim is to generate gas dispersions into a liquid phase in order to improve the contact between phases. Bubble coalescence has always been one of their greatest problems, since it reduces the superficial gas-liquid contact area. However, bigger bubbles can oscillate, and these oscillations increase the mass transfer rate by means of modifying the contact time as well as the concentration profiles surrounding the bubble. In the present work, the coupled effect has been studied by means of two-holed sieve plates with diameters of 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mm each, close enough to allow the coalescence and separated enough to avoid it. The results show that although coalescence decreases mass transfer rate from bubbles the deformable bubble generated can, in certain cases, balance the decrease in mass transfer rate due to the reduction in superficial area. This fact can then be used to avoid the harmful effect of coalescence on the mass transfer rate. Empirical and theoretical equations have also been used to explain the phenomena.     

第二液相的加入对气液传质系数的影响

以搅拌罐中的水吸收CO2为研究体系,分别采用异戊醇、苯和正己烷为第2液相,通过实验考察了第2液相的加入对气液传质的影响.实验结果表明:第2液相的加入对气液体积传质系数KLa有很大的影响,且不同的第2液相的影响程度也不同.在一定的操作条件下,KLa均随搅拌速度和第2液相体积分数的增加呈先增大后减小的趋势,随表观气速(在一...     

第二液相对气液二相体系传质的影响

以CO2气体-K2CO3/KHCO3水溶液吸收过程为研究体系,用酸解法测量气体被吸收的速率,通过对比试验考察了加入第2液相(有机相)对体系传质速率的影响。经过试验研究证明,第2液相的加入对气液传质过程的影响程度与加入的物质有关,在试验条件下甲苯对体系强化作用高于异辛醇和庚烷对体系的强化作用。当第2液相加入量较小时,随加入量的增加,其对气液传质过程的促进作用增强,但当第2液相加入量较大时,这种作用则不明显。同时第2液相对传质作用的影响与流动场有关,增加流动场的搅动有助于强化气液传质作用。     

气液液三相体系中的气液传质特征

选取CO2-K2CO3/KHCO3为吸收体系,次氯酸钠为催化剂,甲苯、异戊醇为第2液相,应用Danckwerts图来同时确定液侧传质系数KL和界面面积a,通过实验研究了分散第2液相的加入对气液传质的影响。实验结果表明,随着分散相体积分数φ(1%—10%)的增大,或分散相形成的液滴直径的减小,以及传质组分在分散相和连续相中溶解度的比值m(即传质组分在实验体系的分配系数)增加,或在二相间的相对扩散系数增加时,可显著增强气液传质,为气液液三相体系的系统化研究提供了实验依据。     

Gas-liquid mass transfer in a slurry bubble column operated at gas hydrate forming conditions

Gas-liquid interphase mass transfer was investigated in a slurry bubble column under CO₂ hydrate forming operating conditions. Modeling gas hydrate formation requires knowledge of mass transfer and the hydrodynamics of the system. The pressure was varied from 0.1 to 4 MPa and the temperature from ambient to 277 K while the superficial gas velocity reached 0.20 m/s. Wettable ion-exchange resin particles were used to simulate the CO₂ hydrate physical properties affecting the system hydrodynamics. The slurry concentration was varied up to 10%vol. The volumetric mass transfer coefficient (k_la_l) followed the trend in gas holdup which rises with increasing superficial gas velocity and pressure. However, k_la_l and gas holdup both decreased with decreasing temperature, with the former being more sensitive. The effect of solid concentration on k_la_l and gas holdup was insignificant in the experimental range studied. Both hydrodynamic and transport data were compared to best available correlations.     

Experimental study of mass transfer in a dense bubble swarm

We consider the liquid-side mass transfer coefficient k_L in a dense bubble swarm for a wide range of gas volume fraction (0.45%≤α_G≤16.5%). The study is performed for an air–water system in a square column. Bubble size, shape and velocity have been measured for different gas flow rates by means of a high speed camera. Gas volume fraction and bubble velocity have also been measured by a dual-tip optical probe. Both of these measurements show that the bubble vertical velocity decreases when increasing α_G in agreement with previous investigations. The mass transfer is measured from the time evolution of the dissolved oxygen concentration, which is obtained by the gassing-out method. The mass transfer coefficient is found to be very close to that of a single bubble provided the bubble Reynolds number is based on the average equivalent diameter 〈d_eq〉 and the vertical slip velocity 〈V_z〉.     

On the use of internal mass transfer coefficients in modeling of diffusion and reaction in catalytic monoliths

We utilize the recently developed concept of internal or intraphase mass transfer coefficient to simplify the problem of diffusion and reaction in more than one spatial dimension for a washcoated monolith of arbitrary shape. We determine the dependence of the dimensionless internal mass transfer coefficient (Sh_i) on washcoat and channel geometric shapes, reaction kinetics, catalyst loading and activity profile. It is also reasoned that the concept of intraphase transfer coefficient is more useful and fundamental than the classical effectiveness factor concept. The intraphase transfer coefficient can be combined with the traditional external mass transfer coefficient (Sh_e) to obtain an overall mass transfer coefficient (Sh_app) which is an experimentally measurable quantity depending on various geometric and transport properties as well as kinetics. We present examples demonstrating the use of Sh_app in obtaining accurate macro-scale low-dimensional models of catalytic reactors by solving the full 3-D convection-diffusion-reaction problem for a washcoated monolith and comparing the solution with that of the simplified model using the internal mass transfer coefficient concept.     

Effect of the radical scavenger t-butanol on gas-liquid mass transfer

The alcohol t-butanol has been used as a radical scavenger in the studies of ozone reactions in water and has been found to affect the gas-liquid mass transfer rates. An understanding of the effects of t-butanol on mass transfer parameters, including bubble size, gas holdup, mass transfer coefficient and the mass transfer specific surface area, is of key importance to not only improve the knowledge of this particular system but also to gain fundamental understanding about the effects of gas/liquid surface modifiers on the contact between phases and the mass transfer rates. An experimental study has been carried out to investigate the effects of t-butanol concentrations on the physical properties of aqueous solutions, including surface tension and viscosity. It was found that t-butanol reduced both properties-by 4% for surface tension and by a surprising 30% for viscosity. These reductions in the solution physical properties were correlated to enhancement in the mass transfer coefficient, k_L. The hydrodynamic behaviour of the system used in this work was characterised by a homogeneous bubbling regime. It was also found that the gas holdup was significantly enhanced by the addition of t-butanol. An equation to predict the gas holdup from the gas flow rate and t-butanol concentration was proposed to describe the experimental data. Moreover, the addition of t-butanol was found to significantly reduce the size of gas bubbles, leading to enhancement in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, k_La. Bubble mean diameter was predicted using an equation developed by the Radial Basis Function Neural Network architecture obtained from the literature, and the mass transfer coefficient, k_L, was predicted using an equation based on the surface coverage ratio model. The ratio was found not to depend either on t-butanol concentration or on gas flow rate. A significant increase in the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, k_La, due to an increase in both k_L and a, was obtained following the addition of t-butanol, even at low concentrations.     

卧式搅拌釜气液传质性能研究

在 50L卧式搅拌釜内,采用氧电极法测量纯水 O2 体系的液侧容积传质系数kLa, 研究搅拌弗鲁德数Fr、桨叶尺寸和液含量等对kLa的影响。随着Fr提高,kLa增大;桨径、桨宽、叶片数和层间距与kLa有关系,而层间夹角对kLa影响不大;随液含量的增加kLa先缓慢升高而后降低,且峰形和峰值随Fr的增大而发生变化。研究结果可供四氟乙烯等聚合釜搅拌桨设计优化和工程放大参考。     

Interfacial area and volumetric mass transfer coefficient in a bubble reactor at elevated pressures

The present study deals with the pressure effects on mass transfer parameters within a bubble reactor operating at pressures up to . The gas-liquid systems are N₂/CO₂-aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃-NaHCO₃ and N₂/CO₂-aqueous solution of NaOH. A sintered powder plate is used as a gas distributor. Three parameters characterizing the mass transfer are identified and investigated with respect to pressure: the gas-liquid interfacial area a, the volumetric liquid side mass transfer coefficient k_La and the volumetric gas side mass transfer coefficient k_Ga. The gas-liquid absorption with chemical reaction is used and the mass transfer parameters are determined by using the model reaction between CO₂ and the aqueous solutions of Na₂CO₃-NaHCO₃ and NaOH. For a given gas mass flow rate, the interfacial area as well as the volumetric liquid mass transfer coefficient decrease with increasing operating pressure. However, for a given pressure, a and k_La increase with increasing gas mass flow rates. The mass transfer coefficient k_L is independent of pressure. Furthermore, the pressure increase results in a decrease of k_G and k_Ga for a given gas mass flow rate. The values of the interfacial area, which are obtained from both chemical systems are found to be different. These discrepancies are attributed to the choice of the liquid system in the absorption reaction model.