Characteristics of gas–liquid dispersion and mass transfer in a multi-plunging jet absorber using gas–liquid two-phase jets

A new type of multi-plunging jet absorber using gas–liquid two-phase jets was devised. The jets were formed through ejector-type nozzles in a sheet of perforated plate. The effects of structural factors of the perforated plate, the number of nozzles and the nozzle arrangement on the product of liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient and gas–liquid interfacial area, the gas holdup, and the penetration depth of bubbles were investigated experimentally. The mass transfer mechanism of the bubble dispersed phase was considered using a coaxial bi-zonal model. The specific gas–liquid interfacial area and the volumetric liquid phase mass transfer coefficient in this absorber were compared with those of other gas–liquid contacting devices. Empirical equations regarding gas holdup and the bubble penetration depth were obtained. The mass transfer mechanism in the multi-plunging jet absorber could be explained by the coaxial bi-zonal model. The multi-plunging jet absorber was found to enhance performance by increasing the number of nozzles.

► A multi-plunging jet absorber using gas–liquid two-phase jets was devised.
► The mass transfer mechanism can be explained by the coaxial bi-zonal model.
► Enhanced absorber performance can be achieved by increasing the number of nozzles.