Question

in an experimental study co2 is absorbed in water using a wetted wall column.assuming that the penetration theory represents the rate oh absorption determine the time at which the concentration of co2 reaches one persent of the saturation value at a depth of 0.1 mm given that the diffusivity of co2 in water is 1.5*10^-9 m^2/s

Answer 1

design of absorption equipment, but the validity of this assumption has been in doubt since Higbie's pioneering gas‐absorption studies. Accurate measurements are reported herein of the absorption rates at 25°C. of carbon dioxide into short water jets in which the liquid was in laminar flow. The jets issued from circular nozzles of about 1.5‐mm. diam., flowed intact downward through an atmosphere of carbon dioxide at average velocities of from 75 to 550 cm./sec. over distances of 1 to 15 cm., and were collected in a receiver slightly larger in diameter than the nozzles. The measured absorption rates are in excellent agreement with predictions based on unsteady state diffusion theory, when one assumes interfacial equilibrium. It is concluded from these results and those of other investigators that equilibrium prevails at a freshly formed, relatively clean, carbon dioxide–water interface and that the same statement probably applies to the absorption of other slightly soluble gases in water.

Evidence is discussed which indicates that an accumulation of minute quantitities of surface‐active materials may seriously reduce the rate of gas absorption, either by affecting the hydrodynamic characteristics of the system or perhaps by offering resistance to the transfer of solute molecules across the interface.