The mass-transfer area of nine structured packings was measured in a 0.427 m ID column via absorption of CO 2 from air into 0.1 kmol/m 3 NaOH. The mass-transfer area was most strongly related to the specific area (125-500 m Áh). Surface tension (30-72 mN/m) had a weaker but significant effect. Gas velocity (0.6-2.3 m/s), liquid viscosity (1-15 mPaÁs), and flow channel configuration had essentially no impact on the mass-transfer area. Surface texture (embossing) increased the effective area by 10% at most. The ratio of mass-transfer area to specific area (a e /a p ) was correlated within the limits of AE13% for the entire experimental database a e a p ¼ 1:34

A comprehensive total reflux distillation study of sheet metal structured packings was carried out with the cyclohexane/n-heptane test mixture. The experiments covered a wide range of pressures, two corrugation angles, two surface areas, and two surface designs. Experimental results include pressure drop, capacity, and mass-transfer efficiency. The database generated has been used to evaluate generalized performance models developed independently at The

Mass-transfer efficiencies and hydraulic characteristics of a 10.2-cm packed extraction column have been investigated. The packings used were ceramic Raschig rings, metal Pall rings, ceramic Intalox saddles, corrugated sheet metal, and corrugated metal gauze. The performance of these packings was compared with that of an empty (spray) column. Two widely different chemical systems were used: toluene/acetone/water and 1-butanol/succinic acid/water. The influences of phase flow rates, direction of solute transfer, and phase dispersion were studied and found to be significant. Fundamental models were developed to account for flooding, dispersed phase holdup, and mass-transfer efficiency.

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