Measurement of Gas-Phase Mass Transfer Coefficients in a Humidification Column through Random Packing

Abstract

Packed columns are an important part of the broad selection of mass and heat transfer equipment. Nowadays, the use of packed columns is increasing, which is because of its lower pressure drop, higher capacity and higher mass transfer in comparison to tray columns. The experiential tests and the hypothetical analysis display that the chemical dehumidification of air by hygroscopic salt solutions confirms the stable reduction in humidity ratio, which is appropriate for uses to air conditioning or drying processes The mass transfer factors in the pulse were found to correspond nearly to the factors that would be achieved in the distributed bubble flow regime In the present study, parameters that affect column performance, such as, fluid retention and gas-phase mass transfer coefficient in a humidification column using random packing in towers with 0.1 m and 0.2 m diameters and 1m height, were measured Air velocity was 1.32 to 3.92 m³ per hour and liquid velocity was 10 to 70 m³ per hour. In this research, the Nakajima model was used to calculate the effective area. Thereafter, experimental values for gas-phase mass transfer coefficients were compared to Zech, Shi, Grouff, Shulman, Billet and Ondamodels The mean relative errors of these models with the present study’s experimental findings were 7%, 15%, 29%, 21%, 45% and 195%. Findings showed that by decreasing the column diameter, the gas-phase mass transfer coefficient (K_g.ae) also increases Further, the obtained retention values showed that retention in the column with a 0.1 m diameter was higher than the column with a 0.2 m column.