Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a cocurrent packed column: A theoretical study

A realistic model has bene developed for the hydrodynamics and mass transfer in a cocurrent packed column. It postulates that the liquid phase is divided into stagnant and dynamic regions. Unlike in other models, the stagnant phase is not completely mixed and its concentration profile is given by a Fickian-type model equation. The model considers axial dispersion in the dynamic phase and mass transfer between the stagnant and dynamic regions of the liquid phase. The resulting partial differential equations are solved numerically by the method of orthogonal collocation. Simulation results highlighting the effects of various parameters for a step input and a step decrease in tracer concentration are also presented. The model predictions for both the downflow and upflow modes of operation are compared with available experimental data and are found to agree well.