Axial dispersion model in predictive mass transfer correlation for random pulsed packed column

Abstract

The continuous phase volumetric overall mass transfer coefficient in a ceramic intalox saddle pulsed packed extraction column using axial dispersion model was studied for two different liquid-liquid systems containing water/acetone/toluene and water/acetone/n-butyl acetate. The effects of pulsation intensity, continuous and dispersed phase flow rates on mass transfer coefficient were investigated. The experimental results indicated that the mass transfer coefficient was enhanced by increasing pulsation intensity and dispersed and continuous phase flow rates. The utilization of nonlinear least square method provided a new predictive correlation for the continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient. The developed mass transfer model was validated via the comparison of the modeling data with experimental results with 18.7% average absolute relative error (AARE). Furthermore, one empirical correlation was developed for prediction of the continuous phase overall mass transfer coefficient as the function of the aforementioned operating variables.