Mass transfer to falling wavy liquid films at low Reynolds numbers

Abstract

Liquid phase mass transfer coefficients for films in wave motion are considerably larger than predicted by previous theory. The increase in interfacial area due to waves cannot explain the discrepancy satisfactorily. A model for the absorption process has been proposed which takes into account eddies formed within the film by the passage of waves. Harriott's random eddy modification of the penetration theory is applied, together with an approach suggested by Levich for calculating the distance to which the eddies approach the surface. The predictions of the liquid phase mass transfer coefficients are in agreement with experiments in the published literature.