Mass Transfer in a wetted-wall column

In summary, the mass flux ##\phi## can be expressed as a function of ##C_{\alpha}## and ##P_{\alpha}## by using the equations: $$\phi = k_{\iota} (C_{\infty} - C_{\alpha}) = k_{\rho} (P_{\alpha} - P)$$ and Henry's law: $$C = PH$$.
  • #1
Rogue
44
1
Homework Statement
Ammonia in gas is being absorbed by water in a wtted-wall column. At one level of the column, the following data applies:
Gas phase mass transfer co-efficient:
5.22 x 10^-9 kmol m^-2s^-1Pa^-1

Liquid Phase mass transfer coefficient:
3.88 x 10^-5 m s^-1

Henrys constant 0.955kPa (kmol m^-3)^-1


Use the following additional information to find the mass transfer flux in the column:

mole fraction of ammonia in liquid* 1.351 x 10^-3
mole fraction of ammonia in gas* 0.065
total pressure of system 1.013 bar
mole mass of ammonia 17
Relevant Equations
Attempt at solution

Using Ca =55.51xa

Ammonia in liquid:
55.51 x 1.351 x 10^-3
=0.075kmol^-3

Ammonia in gas:
55.51 x 0.065
=3.608kmol^-3


I know my end equation needs to be in the order of:
Na = kc x (Ca1 - Ca2)


I attempted:

=(4.42 x 10^-6) x (3.608 - 0.075)

= 1.562 x 10^-5


But have since been advised that I need to be calculating partial pressure, molar mass transfer flux and equivalent molar concentration and to substitute these into my final equation.
At this point, I am finding myself to be very confused.
Please can someone assist me as this particular question seems to have me completely confounded?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Let:

##k_L## = mass transfer coefficient of ammonia in the liquid phase
##k_g## = mass transfer coefficient of ammonia in the gas phase
##p_{\infty}## = partial pressure of ammonia in the bulk of the gas phase
##p## = partial pressure of ammonia in the gas phase at the gas-liquid interface
##C_{\infty}## = concentration of ammonia in the bulk of the liquid phase
##C## = concentration of ammonia in the liquid phase at the gas-liquid interface
H = Henry's law constant

What is the mass flux ##\phi## in terms of ##k_L##, ##C_{\infty}##, and C?
What is the same mass flux ##\phi## interns of ##k_g##, ##p_{\infty}##, and p?
What is the relationship between p, C, and H?
 
  • #3
Thanks for the response Chester.

Am I right in thinking?:

## \phi = k \iota (C - C \alpha)##

Answer = 1.371 x10^-4

## \phi = k \varrho (P - P \alpha)##

In terms of calculating partial pressure - I'll have to re-visit this to refresh my memory along with the relationship between p, C and H.
 
  • #4
Rogue said:
Thanks for the response Chester.

Am I right in thinking?:

## \phi = k \iota (C - C \alpha)##
This equation is correct
## \phi = k \varrho (P - P \alpha)##
This equation is incorrect. It should read:$$\phi = k \varrho ( P \alpha-P)$$

So you have $$\phi = k_{\iota} (C - C _{\alpha})=k _{\rho} ( P _{\alpha}-P)$$
In terms of calculating partial pressure - I'll have to re-visit this to refresh my memory along with the relationship between p, C and H.
Henry's law relates C and P by: $$C = PH$$
Now, please eliminate C and P between these three equations, and express ##\phi## as a function of ##C_{\alpha}## and ##P_{\alpha}##.
 

Similar threads

Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
993
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top