Effect of an Inert Gas on Heat and Mass Transfer in a Vertical Channel With Falling Films

Abstract

The effect of inert (noncondensable) gases on the heat and mass transfer (absorption) for channel flow of water vapor in conjunction with falling aqueous LiBr films is investigated. The hydrodynamic flow of the gas in the channel is approximated as fully developed. This is a “fair” assumption because of the low Reynolds numbers resulting from the low prevailing absorber pressures. The film flow is also assumed to be hydrodynamically developed. This greatly simplifies the problem, as the momentum equation need not be considered. Otherwise the continuity, species, and thermal energy equations govern the problem. Numerical results for a nominal case are presented for the velocity, temperature, and species distributions in the gas and liquid phase regions, and for the interface absorption rate. The effects of varying several parameters (including inerts concentration) on the above variables are also presented. Comparisons are also made with limited data in the literature.