PURDUE UNIVERSITY

SchoolofChemicalEngineering
ChE435002016
HEIGHT OF AN OVERALL GAS-PHASE TRANSFER UNIT IN AN AMMONIA ABSORBER

The performance of an absorber is usually analyzed with the NTU-HTU method. Values of the height of a
transfer unit (HTU) are determined by the mass transfer characteristics of the packing, the flow rates of the
gas and liquid, and the equilibrium distribution of the solute between the two phases. Most often values of
HTU are determined experimentally and may be used to develop empirical correlations.

Objective
Conduct an experimental program to determine the height of an overall gas-phase transfer unit (H OG) as a function of
the mass velocities of the gas and liquid phases.

Method Measurement Part

1. Investigate ranges of air and water flow rates
well below the flooding limit.
2. For each combination of air and water flow
rates, determine the number of overall gas-phase
transfer units (NOG).
3. For each combination of air and water flow
rates, determine the height of an overall gas-
phase transfer unit (HOG). Compare your results
with those predicted by empirical correlations.
Apparatus
Our pilot plant facility has a small packed
column absorber which is available for your
use. The column (10 cm I.D.) is packed with
approximately 5 L, 4.3 kg, of ceramic
Raschig rings.
Air is fed to the bottom of the column and
water to the top. Gaseous ammonia can be
injected into the inlet air stream shortly before
it enters the column and its flow rate is
monitored with a rotameter. A gas sample tap is
located in the headspace at the top of the
column. An ammonia analyzer with an infrared
detector continuously withdraws a sample of
this stream with a calibrated air pump. The
sample stream must be free of liquid water, so
it is sent through a water trap. This instrument
is designed to detect trace (ppm) amounts of
ammonia in air so do not use it to calibrate the
ammonia rotameter. High spikes of ammonia
in air will result in several hours of wasted
time until the air clears the sample stream.
The liquid product stream from the absorber column
should be analyzed for ammonia. You should titrate
the weak base with standardized acid using a methyl
orange indicator. The original process equipment
handout from 1999 is available, but the equipment
has been extensively revised since that time.
Determine pressure drop/flooding conditions in the
column under varying gas and liquid flow rates.
Apply statistical and error analysis to your data.
Report your results and conclusions in a 2-page
memorandum.
Analysis Part
Once this initial measurement stage is concluded
you will proceed to the analysis part of your project.
Conduct a literature search to obtain background
information and data that will help you prepare for
the Planning Conference in which you will present
an experimental design and a plan to proceed with
your project.
The results of your experimental findings and
analysis will be presented in a 5 page report. Details
on the writing of this report are given in the course
Syllabus.
Safety
Ammonia is a powerful chemical. Carefully read
and review the MSDS before beginning any
experimental activity. Cylinders of ammonia gas
are potentially dangerous because of the quantity of
material. Before starting work, be sure the exhaust
duct over the gas exit is working.

2016
References
Cooper, C. D., and F. C. Alley, Air Pollution Control, Waveland Press, Prospect Heights, IL, 1994.
McCabe, W.L., J.C. Smith, and P. Harriott, Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering, 7th ed, McGraw-Hill, New
York, 2005.
Houze, R.N., Notes on Mass Transfer, Purdue University, 2006

Wankat, Ph. C., Separation Process Engineering, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall, 2012.

2016