Several correlations to predict mass transfer coefficients in separation towers exist in the literature (i.e., Onda et al , Billet and Schultes [2]). However, when these correlations are applied to existing columns using the rate-based methodology, they do not accurately predict the performance across the range of normally encountered operations. Thus, a more accurate correlation is needed for the gas side, the area for mass transfer, and for the liquid side, discussed in this paper. A modified correlation for the liquid-side mass transfer correlation was developed using more than 400 unpublished stripping data points (screened from an original data set of more than 800 points), taking into consideration the influence of packing depth and gas velocity. The exponents of the parameters in the constituting correlation change with the operating regime of the packed tower (indicated by the L/G ratio). This correlation was tested with previously unpublished data to check the accuracy of the improved model using the system IPA/Water with 38 mm metal Pall rings in a 31.1 cm inside diameter column.
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