DYNAMICS OF CONTINUOUS COUNTERCURRENT MASS-TRANSFER PROCESSES .3. MULTICOMPONENT SYSTEMS

Approximations of a differential model have been extended to multicomponent systems by adapting an equilibrium theory for fixed beds to countercurrent processes. The analysis focuses on the propagation of disturbance waves on nonuniform steady-state backgrounds and takes into account the critical column-end effect observable only under nonequilibrium conditions. This simplified approach provides a better understanding of physical phenomena and a handy tool for quick predictions of dynamic response patterns, the knowledge of which is useful for upgrading the control and design of countercurrent columns.