THEORETICAL PREDICTION OF VOLUMETRIC MASS-TRANSFER COEFFICIENTS IN BUBBLE-COLUMNS FOR NEWTONIAN AND NON-NEWTONIAN FLUIDS

A theoretical model for volumetric mass transfer coefficients in bubble columns has been developed. It is based on Higbie's penetration theory and Kolmogoroff's theory of isotropic turbulence. The capability of the proposed model is discussed in the light of experimental data obtained from a 40-L bubble column and a 1000-L pilot plant fermenter using Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, and available data in the literature. Good agreement with these data over a wide range of conditions suggests a general applicability of the proposed model.