Interfacial Area and Liquid-Side Volumetric Mass Transfer Coefficient in a Downflow Bubble Column

An experimental investigation was made to measure interfacial area, a, and liquid-side volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, in a downflow bubble column by chemical methods viz., absorbing CO2 in aqueous sodium hydroxide and sodium carbonate/bicarbonate buffer solution respectively. The effect of gas and liquid flowrate and nozzle sizes on a and kLa were investigated. The experimental data obtained in the present system were analyzed and correlations were developed to predict a and kLa in terms of superficial gas velocity. The variation of a and kLa with specific power input were shown in graphical plot and compared with other gas-liquid systems.