A contribution to the experimental determination of mass transfer in counter-current flow through ceramic sponges

Ceramic sponges were explored with established test systems from literature concerning their mass transfer coefficients and effective interfacial area in counter-current flow. Absorption of carbon dioxide diluted with air in caustic soda solutions as well as desorption of carbon dioxide from water into air are used. An analysis of the measurement methods concerning reliability of the results for sponges was performed. The focus was set on effects like wetting of the sponge structure, which have to be taken into account for any further investigation of mass transfer characteristics in sponges.

► Effective interfacial area determined experimentally by absorption.
► Gas and liquid side mass transfer coefficients from absorption and desorption.
► Evaluation of recommended test systems concerning applicability for sponges.