Calculation of Heat and Mass Transfer Coefficients in a Packed Tower Operating With a Desiccant-Air Contact System

Abstract

Packed towers can be used for solar regeneration of aqueous solutions and dehumidification of air using aqueous solutions. These processes involve simultaneous heat and mass transfer with heat effects. In order to design a packed tower for aqueous solution-air contacting operations, heat and mass transfer coefficients for each phase are required. For the present study, aqueous calcium chloride solution is used; ceramic Raschig rings and Berl saddles are used as the packing material. In this paper air phase transfer coefficients are correlated with flow rates of air and liquid and the temperature of air, whereas liquid phase coefficients are correlated with rates of air and liquid flow, and the temperature and concentration of the liquid.