Enhanced mass transfer in micro‐capillary two‐phase flow. Issue 1 (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lakshmanan, Peter; Ehrhard, Peter
• Is Part Of: Proceedings in applied mathematics and mechanics. Volume 16:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 603
• Page End: 604
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Applied mathematics -- Periodicals; Engineering mathematics -- Periodicals; Mathematical physics -- Periodicals; 519
• DOI: 10.1002/pamm.201610290
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1617-7061

Abstract

Abstract: Process design of multi‐phase unit operations on the micro‐scale relies on the detailed knowledge of the hydrodynamics and mass transfer of discrete disperse fluid particles. The present work examines gas bubbles in micro‐capillaries. For the case of bubbles rising in vertical capillary, the hydrodynamics and concentration fields are determined over a wide field of parameters ( Re, Sc, d bubble / d capillary ) using a combination of level‐set and body‐fitted mesh methods. Drag coefficients and Sherwood numbers are computed from the results and can be used to derive empirical correlations for each parameter and mode of operation. These correlations allow for the individual optimization of the mass transfer process in micro‐capillaries. The results are compared to experimental data and available correlations in literature with generally good agreement. It can be shown that mass transfer can be enhanced by using small geometries like micro‐capillaries. (© 2016 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)