Mass Transfer Coefficients

Lecture 9
Concept of Mass Transfer Coefficients
The Mass Transfer Coefficient
The mass transfer coefficient is defined as follows:

Rate of mass transfer concentration driving force (i.e. the difference in concentration)

Rate of mass transfer Area of contact between the phases

If WA is the rate of mass transfer (kmol/s) of the solute A, CA is the concentration driving
force between two points, and is the area of mass transfer,

WA CA => WA = kc CA

where kc the proportionality constant, called the mass transfer coefficient. If NA is the molar
flux (expressed as kmol/m2.s, say), we may write

WA = aNA = k c aCA

Mass transfer coefficient, = = unit:m/s
.

For the purpose of comparison, we may recall the definition of heat transfer coefficient:

Heat transfer co-efficient, h = ,

The inverse of mass transfer coefficient is a measure of the mass transfer resistance. If the
driving force is expressed as the difference in concentration (kmol/m3, say) the unit of mass
transfer coefficient is m/s (or cm/s, ft/s, etc which is same as the unit of velocity).

If the mass transfer coefficient is expressed as the ratio of the local flux and the local driving
force, it is called the local mass transfer coefficient. When it is expressed as the ratio of the
average flux (over a surface) and the average driving force, it is known as the average mass
transfer coefficient.

Local mass transfer coefficient =

Average mass transfer coefficient =
Types of Mass Transfer Coefficients read this para.

Convective mass transfer can occur in a gas or a liquid medium. A few choices of the driving
force (difference in concentration, partial pressure, molar fraction, etc) are available unlike
in the case of heat transfer where the temperature difference is the only driving force.
Different types of mass transfer coefficients have been defined depending upon: (i) whether
mass transfer occurs in the gas phase or in the liquid phase, (ii) the choice of the driving force,
and (iii) whether it is a case of diffusion of A through non-diffusing B or a case of
counterdiffusion.

If the transport of mass occurs through a stagnant film of thickness , we may write down the
following expressions for the mass transfer flux as the product of a mass transfer coefficient
and the appropriate driving force. Flux = mass transfer coefficient driving force

Diffusion of A through Non-diffusing B

Mass transfer in the gas phase: = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) (1)

Mass transfer in the liquid phase: = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) (2)

where , , are the gas phase mass transfer coefficients and are liquid
phase mass transfer coefficients, the subscript 1and 2 refer to two positions in a medium. The
units of the mass transfer coefficients can be obtained from the definitions above. For example,
a unit of kmol/m2s(y), where y stands for driving force in mol fraction unit. If the gas
phase is ideal, the concentration term in eq. (1) is given by = / , where is the partial
pressure of A. Supposing that the distance between the two locations 1 and 2 is (the film
thickness), the expression of mass transfer coefficient can be obtained by comparing eq.(1)
with

NA
DAB P
RT ( x 2 x 1 )p BLM
p A1
p A2
DAB P
RT p BLM
p A1 p A2

where p BLM is called logarithmic mean partial pressure of species B which is defined as
p B2 p B1
p BLM
pB
ln 2
pB
1

and eq. (2) with

D A B ( / M ) avg
NA
x BLM
x A1 x A2 *important

where x BLM is called logarithmic mean partial pressure of species B which is defined as
 x B2 x B1
x BLM
xB
ln 2
xB
1

2
Gas phase: = p , = p , = p (3)

(/)
Liquid Phase: = ; = x (4)
x

In the above equations l = . The relation among the three types of gas phase mass transfer
coefficients (i.e. , , ) can be easily obtain from eq. 3. Similarly, the relation
between the two types of liquid phase mass transfer coefficients,
and can be obtained from eq. 4.

= ; = ; = (/) (5)

Equimolar Counterdiffusion of A and B

The set of notations for mass transfer coefficients are used here with a prime () to differentiate
them from the case of diffusion of A through non- diffusing B.

Gas phase: = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) (6)

Liquid Phase: = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) (7)

Comparing eq. (6) for gas-phase transport with

DAB P D
NA ( y A1 y A2 ) AB ( pA1 pA2 )
RT l RT l

and eq. (7) for liquid-phase transport with

D A B ( / M ) avg
NA

x A1 x A2
we can have the following expressions for the mass transfer coefficients in this case:

Gas phase: = , = , = (8)

(/)
Liquid Phase: = ; = (9)

Conversion: = = ; = (/) =

If the concentration of A is expressed in the mole ratio unit (moles A per mole of A-free
medium), the mass transfer coefficients expressed in the following way.

Conversion: = (1 2 ) for the gas phase

and = (1 2 ) for the liquid phase

where are the concentrations of A in the gas or in the liquid phase in mole ratio unit
[note that similar expressions can be written using the mass ratio (mass A/ mass B) unit as
well].

Note that = and = . The types of mass transfer coefficients defined above
1 1
and their interrelations are given in the table 3.1. In order to calculate the mass transfer flux of
a species, we need to know the mass transfer coefficient and the existing driving force.

Table 3.1 Different types of mass transfer coefficients

Diffusion of A through non Equimolar counterdiffusion of A Unit of the mass transfer

diffusing B and B coefficient

Flux, NA Mass transfer Flux, NA Mass transfer

coefficient coefficient

Gas-phase mass transfer

(1 (1 =

2 ) 2 ) ()()( )
=
p

(1 2 ) 2 (1 =

=
p 2 ) ()()( )

(1 2 )
=
(1 =

p 2 ) ()()( )

Liquid phase mass transfer

(1 2 )
=
(1 =

x 2 ) ()()( )

(1 2 )
=
(1 =

x 2 ) ()()( )

Conversion

= = ; = = = ; =
C C
The fundamental difference between the types of mass transfer coefficients defined in eqs. (1)
to (4) and types of coefficients defined in eqs. (6) to (9) has carefully noted. The former class
of coefficients ( , , , , ) are inherently associated with the log mean
concentration of the other species (B) which is non-diffusing. Accordingly this type of mass
transfer coefficient has a dependence on concentration because of the term or (this
dependence can however be ignored at low concentrations of A). On the contrary, the
coefficients ( , , , , ) do not have dependence on concentration. The second
type of coefficient, Colburn-Drew mass transfer coefficient

Another type of mass transfer coefficient called the F-type coefficient has been proposed
(Treybal 1980, Benitez 2002). This coefficient, similar to the Colburn-Drew mass transfer
coefficient, is not concentration dependent even in the case of diffusion of A through non
diffusing B. If we integrate over a film of thickness , we get
[ /( + )] [ /( + )]
= ln [/(+ )] 2 = ln [/(+ )] 2 (10)
+ 1 + 1

where yA= pA/P and = is the F type mass transfer coefficient which is independent

of the concentration of the diffusing species. If we compare eq. (10) with eq. (3) for the case
of diffusion of A through non diffusing B, it is easy to find out that

However, for equimolar counterdiffusion, are related as = which is

independent of partial pressure of the diffusing species. The F-type coefficients are rarely used
in practice.

Relation between the gas-phase mass transfer coefficients, kG and kY.

Solution: the driving force in the mole ratio unit, Y between two points 1 and 2 can be written
as
1 2 1 1 2 1 + 1 2 (1 2 )
1 2 = = =
1 2 ( 1 )( 2 ) 1 2
1 2
1 2 = (1 2 )

Now we have
1 2
= (1 2 ) = p (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) = (1 2 )
p

1 2 1 2
= (1 2 ), = =
p

(in case of equimolar counterdiffusion)

applies.
Relation between kG and kY.
Solution: We know that
1 2
1 2 = (1 2 )

Now we have
1 2
= (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) = (1 2 ) = (1 2 )

1 2 1 2
= (1 2 ), = =

Conversion among the Gas Phase Mass Transfer Coefficients

= = = = = =

Conversion among the Liquid Phase Mass Transfer Coefficients

= = = = =

Typical values of Mass Transfer Coefficients and Film Thickness

Gas phase mass transfer coefficients, kc 10-2 m/s; film thickness, 1 mm

Liquid phase mass transfer coefficients, kc 10-5 m/s; film thickness, 0.1 mm
 .

Large volume of pure N2 gas at atmospheric pressure is flowing over a pool of liquid of
methanol, which is evaporating. N2 is assumed to be insoluble in the liquid. The gas phase mass
transfer coefficient of methanol is kG = 210-5 kmol/m2s kPa. Assume vapour pressure of
methanol at 298K is 10 kPa.

(i) Calculate ky, kc, kY and F

(ii) If the diffusivity of methanol at 298K is 210-5 m2/s, calculate the thickness of the gas
film

Solution:

In this case diffusion of methanol occurs through non diffusing N2

(i) Given Pt =1atm = 101.3 kPa

R= 0.082 (m3 atm/kmol K) = 0.082 101.3 (m3 kPa/kmol K) = 8.3066 (m3 kPa/kmol K)
T =298K.

ky = kG Pt = 210-5 (kmol/m2s kPa) 101.3 kPa = 2.0310-3 (kmol/m2s y)

kc = kG RT = 210-5 (kmol/m2s kPa) 8.3066 (m3 kPa/kmol K) 298K

= 0.0495 m/s

pA1 = 10 kPa
i.e pB1=Pt- pA1 =(101.3-10) kPa = 91.3 kPa
Also, pA2= 0, i.e pB2 = Pt = 101.3 kPa
1 2 91.3 101.3
= = 2 105 = 1.83 103
101.3 ()2 ()

2 1 101.391.3
F = kG pBLM = 2105 = 2105 101.3 = 1.92 103 /2
ln( 2 ) ln( )
1 91.3

(ii) = =

-5 2
DAB = 210 m /s; Pt = 101.3 kPa
R= 0.082 (m3 atm/kmol K) = 8.3066 (m3 kPa/kmol K)
T =298K.
kG = 210-5 kmol/m2s kPa
..
= = . = .
( ) ( )
.

= .
Lecture 10
Dimensionless Groups in Mass Transfer
In many cases it is convenient to express the transport coefficients and other important
parameters (such as the fluid properties, velocity, etc.) in terms of meaningful dimensionless
groups. In the study of heat transfer, for example, the heat transfer coefficient h is often
expressed in terms of Nusselt number (Nu). The other important parameters and properties
influencing the heat transfer coefficient are taken care of through two other dimensionless
groups - namely the Reynold number (Re) and Prandtl number (Pr). Experimental forced
convection heat transfer data are frequently correlated as Nu=(Re,Pr) and the resulting
correlation may be used to estimate the heat transfer coefficient for any other set of process
conditions and system parameters. The most important of such correlations is the Dittus-
Boelter equation.

A similar approach is followed in the study of mass transfer too. Here we have the two most
important dimensionless groups - the Sherwood number Sh (which is the mass transfer
analogue of the Nusselt number) and Schmidt number, Sc (which is the mass transfer analogue
of the Prandtl number). In fact, the origin of Sh and Sc can be traced their analogy with Nu and
Pr, respectively. Let us discuss this analogy here

In heat transfer, the Nusselt number is

=

=(/) = [k= thermal conductivity]

Similarly, in mass transfer, the Sherwood number is

()
Sh =
( )

If we consider the gas phase mass transfer of A through a binary mixture of A and B (B is non-
diffusing),

Convective mass flux = kG pA

Mass flux due to molecular diffusion of A through non-diffusing B =

Then = = =

If we consider transport of A in a liquid solution at a rather low concentration (xBLM = 1),

Convective mass flux, NA = k L CA

Diffusive flux of A through a stagnant liquid layer of thickness = CA

 CA
Then, the Sherwood number, Sh = ( =
/)CA

Here l is a 'characteristic length'.

The commonly used characteristic lengths are:

for a sphere--diameter, d;
for a cylinder--diameter, d;
for a flat plate-distance from the leading , edge, x (say).

Now let us turn to the Schmidt number which is the mass transfer analogue of the Prandtl
number. We define the Prandtl number as
/
= = =
/
Analogously, we define the Schmidt number as
/
= = = =

Sc also represents the relative order of the magnitude of the thickness of the concentration
boundary layer in comparison with that of the velocity boundary layer.

It will be useful to have a look into the orders of magnitude of the above two dimensionless
groups, Sh and Sc. Take the case of gas-phase mass transfer for flow past a sphere, 2 cm in
diameter, at low partial pressure of the solute (i.e. pBLM /Pt 1). The Sherwood number and the
Schmidt number may be found to be
d (102 /) (2102 )
= 20 important
105 2 /
105 2 /
= = 5 2 1
10 /

So for common gases Pr Sc 1.0

For liquid-phase mass transport in a similar geometry,

d (102 /) (2102 )
= 200
109 2 /
106 2 /
= = 9 2 1000
10 /

So for common liquids except for liquid metals

10< Pr <102
400< Sc <104
Now let us turn to the Stanton number for the mass transfer which is analogue of the Stanton
number for the heat transfer. We define the Stanton number for heat transfer as
(/)
= = = =
(/)( /)

Analogously, we define the Stanton number for the mass transfer as

( / )
= = = =
(/)(/ )

Now let us turn to the Peclet number for the mass transfer which is analogue of the Peclet
number for the heat transfer. We define the Peclet number for heat transfer as

= = = ( )( ) =
(/)

Analogously, we define the Peclet number for the mass transfer as

= = = (/)(/) =
( /)

Correlations for the Convective Mass Transfer Coefficients

Objectives in studying this section are to:

1. Explain the concept and importance of dimensional analysis in correlating experimental data on
convective mass-transfer coefficients.
2. Use the Buckingham method to determine the dimensionless groups significant to a given mass-
transfer problem.

Most practically useful mass-transfer situations involve turbulent flow, and for these it is
generally not possible to compute mass-transfer coefficients from theoretical considerations.
Instead, we must rely principally on experimental data. The data are limited in scope, however,
with respect to circumstances and situations as well as to range of fluid properties. Therefore,
it is important to be able to extend their applicability to conditions not covered experimentally
and to draw upon knowledge of other transport processes (of heat, particularly) for help. A
very useful procedure toward this end is dimensional analysis.

In dimensional analysis, the significant variables in a given situation are grouped into
dimensionless parameters which are less numerous than the original variables. Such a
procedure is very helpful in experimental work in which the very number of significant
variables presents an imposing task of correlation. By combining the variables into a smaller
number of dimensionless parameters, the work of experimental data reduction is considerably
reduced.
The Buckingham Method

Dimensional analysis predicts the various dimensionless parameters which are helpful in
correlating experimental data. Certain dimensions must be established as fundamental, with all
others expressible in terms of these. One of these fundamental dimensions is length,
symbolized L. Thus, area and volume may dimensionally be expressed as L2 and L3,
respectively. A second fundamental dimension is time, symbolized t. Velocity and acceleration
may be expressed as L/t and L/t2, respectively. Another fundamental dimension is mass,
symbolized M. The mole is included in M. An example of a quantity whose dimensional
expression involves mass is the density (mass or molar), which would be expressed as M/L3.

If the differential equation describing a given situation is known, then dimensional

homogeneity requires that each term in the equation have the same units. The ratio of one term
in the equation to another must then, of necessity, be dimensionless. With knowledge of the
physical meaning of the various terms in the equation we are then able to give some physical
interpretation to the dimensionless parameters thus formed. A more general situation in which
dimensional analysis may be profitably employed is one in which there is no governing
differential equation which clearly applies. In such cases, the Buckingham method is used.

The initial step in applying the Buckingham method requires the listing of the variables
significant to a given problem. It is then necessary to determine the number of
dimensionless parameters into which the variables may be combined. This number may be
determined using the Buckingham pi theorem, which states (Buckingham, 1914):

The number of dimensionless groups used to describe a situation, id, involving n

variables is equal to n - r, where r is the rank of the dimensional matrix of the variables.

Thus,
= (1)

The dimensional matrix is simply the matrix formed by tabulating the exponents of the
fundamental dimensions M, L, and t, which appear in each of the variables involved. The rank
of a matrix is the number of rows in the largest nonzero determinant which can be formed from
it. An example of the evaluation of r and id, as well as the application of the Buckingham
method, follows.
____________________________________________________________________

Example 1: Mass Transfer into a Dilute Stream Flowing Under Forced Convection in
a Circular Tube (NB = 0)
Consider the transfer of mass from the walls of a circular tube to a dilute stream flowing
through the tube. The transfer of A through stagnant B is a result of the concentration driving
force, cAl - cA2. Use the Buckingham method to determine the dimensionless groups formed
from the variables significant to this problem.

Solution
The first step is to construct a table of the significant variables in the problem and their
dimensions. For this case, the important variables, their symbols, and their dimensional
representations are listed below:

Variables Symbols Units Dimensions

Tube diameter d m L
Fluid density kg m-3 M L-3
Fluid viscosity kg m-1 s-1 M L-1 t-1
Fluid velocity m s-1 L t-1
Mass diffusivity DAB m2 s-1 L2 t-1
Mass-transfer coefficient kc m s-1 L t-1

Dimensional Analysis

The variables above include terms descriptive of the system geometry, flow, fluid properties,
and the quantity which is of primary interest, kc. To determine the number of dimensionless
parameters to be formed, we must know the rank, r, of the dimensional matrix. The matrix is
formed from the following tabulation:

kc DAB d
______________________________________________________________
M 0 0 1 1 0 0
L 1 1 -3 -1 2 1
t -1 -1 0 -1 -1 0

The numbers in the table represent the exponent of M, L, and t in the dimensional expression
of each of the six variables involved. For example, the dimensional expression of is M/Lt;
hence the exponents 1, -1, and -1 are tabulated versus M, L, and t, respectively, the dimensions
with which they are associated. The dimensional matrix, A, is then the array of numbers

0 0 1 1 0 0
A = ( 1 1 3 1 2 1)
1 1 0 1 1 0

The rank of the matrix is easily obtained using the rank(A) function of Mathcad. Therefore, r
= rank (A) = 3. From equation, id = 6 - 3 = 3, which means that there will be three dimensionless
groups.
The three dimensionless parameters will be symbolized 1 , 2 and 3 and may be formed in
several different ways. Initially, a core group of r variables must be chosen which will appear
in each of the pi groups and, among them, contain all of the fundamental dimensions. One way
to choose a core is to exclude from it those variables whose effect one wishes to isolate. In the
present problem, it would be desirable to have the mass-transfer coefficient in only one
dimensionless group; hence it will not be in the core. Let us arbitrarily exclude the fluid velocity
and viscosity from the core. The core group now consists of DAB, d, and , which include M, L,
and t among them.

We now know that all 1 , 2 and 3 contain DAB, d, and ; that one of them includes kc, one
includes , and the other includes v; and that all must be dimensionless. For each to be
dimensionless, the variables must be raised to certain exponents. Therefore,

1 =

2 =

3 =
Writing 1 in dimensional form gives
0 0 0 = 1 = (2 1 ) (3 ) () ( 1 )

Equating the exponents of the fundamental dimensions on both sides of the equation, we have
for
L: 0 = 2a - 3b + c + 1
t: 0 = -a-1
M: 0=b

The solution of these equations for the three unknown exponents yields a = -1, b = 0, c = 1;
thus

1 = =

where Sh represents the Sherwood number, the mass-transfer analog to the Nusselt number of
heat transfer. The other two pi groups are determined in the same manner, yielding

2 = =

Where represents the Peclet number for mass transfer, analogous to PeH --the Peclet
number for heat transferand

3 = =

where Sc represents the Schmidt number. Dividing 2 by 3 , we obtain

2
= = =
3

The Reynolds number. The result of the dimensional analysis of forced-convection mass
transfer in a circular tubes indicates that a correlating relation could be of the form

Dimensional Analysis
1 = (2 , 3 )

= (, ) =

where , and are the dimensionless constants.

Which is analogous to the heat-transfer correlation

= (, )

Typical correlations

System Application Range Correlation

Laminar flow through a circular

Re2100
tube = . ( )

Turbulent Flow Through a Tube 4000Re60,000 = . . .

0.6Sc3,000

Liquid Flow Through a packed bed 3Re10,000 = + . . .

Homework Problem
Consider a sphere of naphthalene of diameter 20mm is suspended in a flowing air at 45oC. The
velocity of air is 1 m/s. The diffusivity of naphthalene in air at 45oC is 6.910-6 m2/s. Given
that at 45oC air = 1.2 kg/m3 and air 1.910-5 kg/m s, and sublimation pressure of naphthalene
is 1 kPa. Use the following correlation for Sherwood number:
= + . (). ().
Calculate the mass transfer coefficients and flux for mass transfer
Lecture 11
Mass Transfer Coefficients in Laminar Flow

In principle, we do not need mass- transfer coefficients for laminar flow, since molecular diffusion
prevails and the relationships discussed in Module-1 can be used to compute mass-transfer rates. A
uniform method of dealing with both laminar and turbulent flow is nevertheless desirable. We shall
choose one relatively simple situation to illustrate the general technique and to provide some basis for
considering turbulent flow.

Mass Transfer from a gas into a falling liquid Film

Figure 1 shows a liquid falling in a thin film in laminar flow down a vertical flat surface while being
exposed to a gas A, which dissolves in the liquid. The liquid contains a uniform concentration cA0 of A
at the top. At the liquid surface the concentration of the dissolved gas is cA,i in equilibrium with the
pressure of A in the gas phase, since cA,i> cA0 gas dissolves in the liquid. The problem is to obtain the
mass transfer coefficient, kL, with which the amount of gas dissolved after the liquid falls the distance
L can be computed.

The problem is solved by simultaneous solution of the equation of continuity for component A with the
equation describing the liquid motion the Navier-Stroke equations. The simultaneous solution of this
formidable set of partial differential equations becomes possible only when several simplifying
assumptions are made. Consider the following equation of continuity derived for unsteady state mass
transfer:

2 2 2
+ + + = ( 2 + + ) + RA (1)
2 2

For present purpose, assume the following:

1. there is no chemical reaction RA of eq.( 1) = 0

2. Conditions do not change in the x-direction (perpendicular to the plane of the paper, Fig 1). All
derivatives with respect to x Eq. (1) = 0

3. Steady-state conditions prevail, = 0
 4. The rate of absorption of gas is very small. This means that Vz in Eq. (1) due to diffusion of A
is essentially zero.
5. Diffusion of A in the y-direction is negligible in comparison with the movement of A downward
due to bulk flow. therefore DAB2cA/y2 = 0
6. Physical properties (DAB, , ) are constant.

Equation (1) then reduces to

2
= (2)
2
which states that any A added to the liquid running down at any location z, over an increment in y, got
there by diffusion in the z-direction.

The equations of motion under these conditions reduces to

2 Vy
2
+ = 0 (3)

The solution to eq. (3) with the conditions that Vy= 0 at z = and that dVy/dz = 0 at z = 0, is well
known

2 2
= [1 ( ) ] (4)
2

The maximum velocity occurs at z = 0 in eq. (4):

2
, = (5)
2

The bulk average velocity can be obtained as follows:

1 1 1 2 2
, = = 0 0 = 0 = 0 2
[1 ( ) ]

2
, = (6)
3

The film thickness is then

3, 1/2
= ( ) (7)

Substituting eq. (4) into eq. (2) and then using eq. (6) gives

3 2 c 2 c A
A

2 ,
[1 ( ) ]
=
2
(8)

Which is to be solved under the following conditions

1. At z = 0, cA = cA,i at all values of y.

2. A z =, = 0 at all values of y, since no diffusion takes place into the solid wall.
3. At y=0, cA = cA,0 at all values of z.
 The solution results in a general expression (an infinite series) give c A for any z and y, thus providing
a concentration distribution cA(z) at y = L, as shown in Fig. 1.

Now from eqs. (4) and (5) we have

2
= , [1 ( ) ]
3
, = 2 ,

If the solute is penetrated only a short distance into the fluid, that is short contact times of t = y/V y,max,
then the solute A that has diffused has been carried along at a velocity Vy,max. Then the eq.(2) becomes

2
= (9)
(/, ) 2

Using BCs of CA = 0 at y = 0, CA = CAi at z = 0 and CA = 0 at z = ,

We can integrate eq.(9) and the solution is:

= ( ) (10)

4 ,

Where erf y is error function and erfc y = 1- erf y. erf y are standard tabulated functions.

The local molar flux at the surface at z=0 at position y from the top entrance:

,
= | = (11)
=0

The total mol of A transferred per second to the liquid over the entire length y = 0 to y = L, where the
vertical surface is unit width, is

1 1
, 2 1 4 , 2
( 1) = (1) 0 |=0 = (1) 0 ( ) 1 = (1) ( ) (12)
2

1
4 , 2
= ( ) (13)

Example: The absorption of pure CO2 is carried out at 1 atm pressure and at 25oC by using water film
flowing down a vertical wall of 1m long. The water is essentially CO2-free initially. The average
velocity of the liquid is 0.2 m/s. The solubility of CO2 in water at 25oC and at 1 atm is cA,i = 0.0336
kmol/m3. Calculate film thickness and the rate of absorption of CO2. Use the following properties DAB=
210-9m2/s, solution density = 997 kg/m3; and viscosity = 8.9510-4kg/m.s

Solution:
Given that: Vy,avg =0.2m/s; = 997 kg/m3; = 8.9510-4kg/m.s; g = 9.81 m/s2
 3, 1/3 1/2
3 0.2(8.95104 )
=( ) = [ ] = 2.34 104
997 9.81

Given that: cA,i = 0.0336 kmol/m3; DAB= 210-9m2/s; L = 1 m

1 1
4 , 2 4(2109 )0.2 2
= ( ) = 0.0336 ( ) = 7.58 107
1 2

LAMINAR FLOW DOWN AN INCLINED SURFACE

In any liquid flowing down a surface, a velocity profile is established with the velocity increasing from
zero at the surface itself to a maximum where it is in contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

The velocity distribution may be obtained in a manner similar to that used in connection with pipe
flow, but noting that the driving force is that due to gravity rather than a pressure gradient.

For the flow of a liquid of depth down a plain surface of width w inclined at an angle to the
horizontal.

Figure: Flow of liquid over a surface

A force balance in the Y-direction (parallel to the surface) may be written.

In an element of length dy the gravitational force acting on that part of the liquid which is at a distance
greater than z from the surface = ( )

If the drag force of the atmosphere is negligible, the retarding force for laminar flow is attributable to

the viscous drag in the liquid at the distance y from the surface =

where Vy is the velocity of the fluid at that position.

Thus, at equilibrium:

( ) =

Since there will normally no slip between the liquid and the surface, then Vy = 0 when z = 0 and:

= ( )
0 0

and:

1 2
= ( )
2
The mass rate of flow m of liquid down the surface is now calculated.

1 2 3 3 2 3
= ( 2 ) = ( )=
0 2 2 6 3

The average velocity of fluid is then:

2
, = =
3

For a vertical surface sin = 1 and

2
, =
3

The maximum velocity, which occurs at the free surface, is given by [from equation (19)]:

2
=
2

and this is 1.5 times the mean velocity of the liquid.

Example:

In an experimental column inclined at 45o with the horizontal, pure CO2 is absorbed in water at 25oC.
It is assumed that the concentration should not reach more than 2% of the saturation value at a depth
below the surface at which the velocity is 90% of the surface velocity. What is the maximum length of
the column to which the theory can be applied if the flow rate of water is 3 cm3/s per cm of perimeter?
Given that: Viscosity of water = 8.9510-4kg/m.s and Diffusivity of CO2 in water = 210-9 m2/s.
SOLUTION

For the flow of a vertical film of fluid, the mean velocity of flow is governed by equation (21) in which
sin is put equal to unity for a vertical surface:

g s2
u
3

where s is the thickness of the film.

The flow rate per unit perimeter ( g s 2 / 3 ) = 310-4 m2/s

and:

1
3 104 103 3 3
s m
1000 9.81
4.51 104 m

The velocity ux at a distance y from the vertical wall is given by equation (19) (using y in place of y)
as:

1
g sy y2
ux 2

The free velocity us is given by substituting s for y or:

g s2
us
2

y y y
2 2
ux
Thus: 2 1 1
us s s s

when u x us 0.95 , that is velocity is 95% of surface velocity, then:

y
1 0.224
s

and the distance below the surface is y ( s y) 1.01104 m

The relationship between concentration CA, time and depth is:

C A C A0 y
erfc
C Ai C A0 2 D t

The time at which the concentration reaches 0.01 of saturation value at a depth of 1.0110-4 m is given
by:

1.01104
0.01 erfc
2 1.5 109 t

Thus:

1.305 1.01104
erf 1 erfc 1 0.01 0.99
t 2 1.5 109 t

Using Tables of error functions

1.305
1.822
t

and: t = 0.51 sec

The surface velocity is then

g s 2 1000 9.81 (4.51104 ) 2

us 1 m/sec
2 2 103

and the maximum length of column = (10.51) m = 0.51 m