A Dimensionless Model for Predicting the Mass Transfer Area of Structured Packing

The mass transfer area of nine structured packings was measured in a 0.427 m ID column via absorption of CO₂ from air into 0.1 kmol/m³ NaOH.  The area was most strongly related to packing size (125-500 m²/m³) and liquid load (2.5-75 m³/m²·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 limits of ±13% for the entire experimental database: