Mass transfer modeling for viscous fluids in a disk-distributor rotating packed bed

Abstract

Rotating packed beds (RPBs) achieved notable application progress in high-viscosity processes. Mass transfer modeling for viscous fluids, laying the foundation for application research, was a significant and urgent challenge in RPBs. In our previous works, a disk-distributor RPB (DRPB) for facilitating high-viscosity processes was put forward by replacing the conventional nozzle distributor with a disk distributor. The basic flow parameters of viscous fluids in the DRPB have been obtained, involving liquid holdup, wetting efficiency, flow patterns, and liquid element characteristics. In the present study, a liquid-side volumetric mass transfer coefficient model for viscous fluids (143–15259 mPa·s) was further developed based on penetration and surface renewal theories. Via comprehensive analyses of the abovementioned flow characteristics, key model parameters were determined, including the specific area of liquid and the volume fraction of different flow patterns in packing. The experiments of devolatilization from viscous solutions were implemented to examine the mass transfer model. The deviation between the model-predicted and experimental acetone removal efficiencies was within + 15 % and −10 %, proving the reasonability of the mass transfer model.