Mass transfer studies on split-packing and single-block packing rotating packed beds

► Evaluates mass transfer performance of single-block and split-packing Higee designs. ► Experimental studies on gas-side and liquid-side resistance controlled systems. ► Split-packing Higee noticeably superior for gas-side resistance controlled systems. ► Better wetting by repeated redistribution of liquid explains the observed superiority. ► The first study to compare the mass transfer performance of alternative Higee designs.