DYNAMICS OF CONTINUOUS COUNTERCURRENT MASS-TRANSFER PROCESSES .2. SINGLE-COMPONENT SYSTEMS WITH NONLINEAR EQUILIBRIA

Based on the differential model presented in Part I, this paper discusses the effects of nonlinear equilibria on the propagation dynamics of continuous countercurrent mass-transfer processes by the aid of a numerical solution and two approximations. A nonlinear equilibrium tends to sharpen or spread concentration waves as in fixed-bed sorption; it also substantially affects the direction and velocity of wave propagation. More importantly, it plays a critical part in the propagation of a disturbance over a nonuniform steady-state profile. This dynamic phenomenon can be qualitatively predicted by the theory of interference for fixed-bed sorption with proper adjustments.