Several correlations to predict mass transfer coefficients in separation towers exist in the literature (i.e., Onda et al, Billet and Schultes). However, when these correlations are applied to existing columns using the rate-based method, they do not accurately predict the performance of existing columns. Thus a more accurate correlation is needed.

An improved correlation to predict the liquid-side mass transfer coefficient was developed using more than 800 stripping data points. These data have been collected during several years at The Dow Chemical Company and were statistically validated. The database contains a wide variety of packing type, column diameter, stripped component, packed height, etc.

Unpublished data will be presented to show the accuracy of the improved model using the system IPA/Water with 38 mm metal Pall rings in a 31.1 cm inside diameter column.