Determination of the interfacial area and mass transfer coefficients in the Taylor gas–liquid flow in a microchannel

The interfacial area in the Taylor (slug) gas–liquid flow in a microchannel was measured by the Danckwerts' (chemical) method, using CO2 absorption from the CO2/N2 mixture into KHCO3/K2CO3 buffer solutions, containing NaOCl as a catalyst. The rate of absorption was determined and the Danckwerts' plots were constructed. Reasonable agreement with the geometrical area measured photographically was obtained. This fact allowed to determine for the first time the mass transfer coefficients separately for liquid film and liquid caps. A correlation for the calculation of mass transfer coefficients has been proposed.

► The interfacial area in the Taylor gas–liquid flow in a microchannel was measured.
► The Danckwerts' method, using CO2 absorption into KHCO3/K2CO3 buffer was used.
► The rate of absorption was determined and the Danckwerts' plots were constructed.
► Reasonable agreement with the area measured photographically was observed.
► A correlation for the calculation of mass transfer coefficients has been proposed.