A dimensionless model for predicting the mass‐transfer area of structured packing

Abstract The mass‐transfer area of nine structured packings was measured in a 0. 427 m ID column via absorption of CO 2 from air into 0. 1 kmol/m 3 NaOH. The mass‐transfer area was most strongly related to the specific area (125–500 m 2 /m 3), and liquid load (2. 5–75 m 3 /m 2 ·h). Surface tension (30–72 mN/m) had a weaker but significant effect. Gas velocity (0. 6–2. 3 m/s), liquid viscosity (1–15 mPa·s), and flow channel configuration had essentially no impact on the mass‐transfer area. Surface texture (embossing) increased the effective area by 10% at most. The ratio of mass‐transfer area to specific area (a e / a p) was correlated within the limits of ±13% for the entire experimental database {a₄ a₏ }= 1. 34 ({{{ ₋ }}) g^1/3 ({Q {L₏ }}) ^4/3} ^\, 0. 116. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010