ABSORPTION OF OXYGEN IN COUNTERCURRENT MULTISTAGE BUBBLE-COLUMNS .1. AQUEOUS-SOLUTIONS WITH LOW VISCOSITY

The mean relative gas hold up εa, and the volumetric mass transfer coefficients, kLa, were measured by steady state method in a six stage countercurrent bubble column 20 cm in diameter and 381 cm high. Perforated plate trays 0.5, 1.0 and/or 3.0 mm in bore hole diameter were applied. The height of the stages were varied from 10 to 50 cm. Distilled water, salt-, methanol-, ethanol-, η -propanol-, glucose-solutions and the combination of salt and alcohol and glucose solutions were used as media. The trays with the smallest bore hole diameter and free cross sectional area are the most efficient with regard to kLa. With small bore hole diameter and free cross sectiord area of the tray as well as with coalescence suppressing media the optimal stage height is large, with large hole diameter and free cross sectional area of the tray as well as with coalescence promoting media the optimal stage height is small. © 1979.