Combined momentum, heat and mass transfer in vertical slug flow absorbers

Numerical solutions have been obtained for the system of equations of momentum, heat and mass transfer describing the absorption of a refrigerant vapour from a Taylor bubble into the refrigerant-absorbent solution film around the bubble. The numerical results are compared with Nusselt's solution of the energy equation and with the penetration theory solution of the mass diffusion variation. Experimental data have been collected in vertical tubular absorbers in the slug flow region with the systems ammonia-lithium nitrate and ammonia-sodium thiocyanate. Four different absorber tubes have been tested with internal diameters of 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm. These data are compared with the numerical and theoretical results. The effect of the bubble nose on mass transfer is studied. Typical temperature profiles during the absorption process in absorption cooling/heating systems are shown.