Measurement of Continuous-Phase Mass Transfer Coefficient at Droplet Surface in Liquid-Liquid Mixing Vessel by Chemical Reaction Method

Abstract

The continuous-phase mass transfer volumetric coefficient k_La in a liquid-liquid mixing vessel was measured by using the hydrolysis reaction of both n-amyl and n-hexyl acetates with sodium hydroxide. Droplet diameter was also observed by using a videorecorder via a microscope during the reaction period, allowing the continuous-phase mass transfer coefficient, k_L, to be determined. The coefficient obtained was 2–5 times larger than that obtained from the correlation by Calderbank–MooYoung. Dimensionless correlation of the mass transfer coefficient with the droplet diameter and the power input per unit volume was confirmed experimentally to be close to that for the solid suspension system.