Absorption of sulfur dioxide in aqueous dispersions of dimethyl aniline

Absorption of sulfur dioxide in aqueous dispersions of dimethyl aniline has been carried out in a laboratory stirred cell with a flat gas—liquid interface. The effects of liquid loading, gas concentrations and other parameters have been studied. The absorption rate is linear in gas concentration, and increases with increasing dispersed phase concentration. Substantial enhancement of absorption compared to that in water occurs. Emulsification of the liquid by addition of a surfactant does not increase the absorption rate. The rate of desorption of sulfur dioxide from a loaded solution at 60°C remains essentially constant. A theoretical model for absorption has been developed assuming each droplet in the film to be enclosed by a spherical shell of the aqueous phase through which the solute diffuses at steady state. Comparison of the calculated enhancement factors with the experimental values confirms the validity of the model.