Sieve-plate columns, mass-transfer coefficients

Earlier studies in mass transfer between the gas-liquid phase reported the volumetric mass-transfer coefficient kLa. Since kLa is the combination of two experimental parameters, mass-transfer coefficient and mterfacial area, it is difficult to identify which parameter is responsible for the change of kLa when we change the operating condition of a fermenter. Calderbank and Moo-Young (1961) separated kta by measuring interfacial area and correlated mass-transfer coefficients in gas-liquid dispersions in mixing vessels, and sieve and sintered plate column, as follows ... 

Plate efficiency is a function of the rate of mass transfer between liquid and vapor. The prediction of mass-transfer coefficients in sieve trays and their relationship to plate efficiency are discussed in Chap. 21. Some published values of the plate efficiency of a 1.2-m column are shown in Fig. 18.34. This column had sieve trays with 12.7-mm holes and 8.32 percent open area, a 51-mm weir height, and... 

Other types of column are also being investigated in addition to the spray column. In a pulsed sieve plate column the same measuring techniques can be used as in a spray column. Concentration profiles and hydrodynamic parameters have been measured on columns of two sizes, namely 50 and 100 mm diameter, and the mass transfer coefficients evaluated. The results were similar to... 

---