Mass transfer between isobutanol and water in concurrent flow through a packed column

Abstract

Local and mean rates of transfer of isobutanol into the water-rich phase and of water into the isobutanol-rich phase were measured in concurrent upward flow through a column packed with glass spheres. The use of a two-component system permitted determination of the individual-phase coefficients. These are the first rate measurements for concurrent flow in a packed bed. Because the flow rates are not limited by flooding, much higher rates of transfer are attainable than in countercurrent flow.