Pervaporation mass transfer with liquid flow in the transition regime

Abstract

In this work, the mass transfer of a model volatile organic compound through silicone rubber membrane tubes has been investigated for the transition between laminar and turbulent flow regimes. Results showed that a flow transition region occurred over the expected Reynolds number range, from 2300 to 5500. Two correlations have been established for flow during transition and early turbulence: Sh=1.1 Re 0.35 Sc 0.33 , for 2800< Re≤5500, and Sh=0.010 Re 0.93 Sc 0.33 , for 5500< Re<10,000. A cost analysis showed that significant reductions in total costs are obtained for operating conditions in the nonlaminar regime, although membrane burst pressure may prevent working at cost optimal Reynolds numbers.