Part III-1

10.6E Packed Columns

Continuous operation for countercurrent exchange between liquid and gas phases
Used for absorption (solute A from gas to liquid stream), and stripping (solute
from liquid to gas stream)
Similar types of analysis for absorption and stripping
Purpose for using columns: promote contact between 2 phases, i.e. increase a
(contact area per volume). a depends on the type of packing, the higher the a,
the better the mass transfer

Design of Packed Towers for Absorption

1. Deriving the Operating Line: Assuming solute A diffusing through a stagnant gas
into a stagnant liquid.
L= Liquid flow rate (
V=Gas flow rate (

!"#$
%

!"#$
%

or

or

!"#$
%"*

!"#$
%"*

Figure 10.6-9. Material balance for a countercurrent packed absorption tower.

Lets assume we also have inert phases, with flowrates L and V:

L- = L(1 x3 )

(1)

V - = V(1 y3 )

(2)

The inert phases can be viewed as carrier of solute

Part III-2

e.g. Absorption of acetone vapor into water

Note that L and V are constant in towers (because they undergo no transfer) but
L and V will be variable because of mass transfer of the solute.

Overall mass balance of component A gives me operating line equation:

L6 x6 + V8 y8 = L8 x8 + V6 y6
Mass in

Mass out

We also know that : L6 = L- + L96

(3)

(4)

Where, L- = kgmol inert liquid /s

L96 = kgmol of A/s

And that,
L-

L96
= x6
+ L96

(5)

Isolating for Lx2,

L96 =

x6
L
1 x6

(6)

Substituting Equation (6) into (4),

L6 = L- +
L6 = L-

x6
L
1 x6

1 x6 + x6
L=
1 x6
1 x6

(7)

(8)

Part III-3

Substituting Equation (8) into Equation (3):

L-

x6
y8
x8
y6
+ V= L+ V1 x6
1 y8
1 x8
1 y6

(9)

Equation (9) is the operating line equation, it relates concentration in two phases
undergoing mass transfer

Easier to deal with because it has only 2 flow rates, which are constant, unlike L
and V

Substituting:
X8 =

x8
y8
x6
y6
; Y8 =
; X6 =
; Y8 =
1 x8
1 y8
1 x6
1 y6

(10)

Where X,Y=Mole Ratios (i.e. moles of A / total moles)

Then the overall operating line
L- X6 + V - Y8 = L- X8 + V - Y6

(11)

Lets do one more mass balance, this time around the dashed line:

Figure 10.6-10. Location of operating lines: (a) for absorption of A from V to L stream,
(b) for stripping of A from L to V stream.
Simplification for dilute solutions:
1 x 1 y 1 and X x and Y y
Operating Line:
L- x + V - y8 = L- x8 + Vy

(12)

Part III-4

Rearranging:
y=

LLx
+
y

x
8
VV- 8

Equation (13) is in the form of y=mx+b, the slope is

OP
QP

and intercept is y8

(13)
OP
QP

x8

Reminder that this is the case for dilte solutions, graph on x vs y, NOT X vs. Y

Note that when we are dealing with absorption, inlet gas flow rate, V1, is usually
known (or set). Similarly, y1 is usually set and y2 is a design requirement. x2 is
also usually known (perhaps 0). Therefore, the liquid entering the column (L2) is
usually changeable.
However, there is usually a minimum liquid flow rate in the column, this can be
found form the x-y diagram

Figure 10.6-11. Operating line for limiting conditions: (a) absorption, (b) stripping.

At point P, the mass driving forces for absorption:

y y , x x, y yT , xT x are all zero so that there is no mass transfer. To solve for
Lmin substitute y1 and x1,max into the operating equation, Equation (12)

A key parameter is

If

If

OP
QP
OP
QP

OP
QP

, this depends on the economics

is high, L- > V - a large diameter column is needed (for pressure drop)

is low, L- < V - a high tower is needed (for sufficient contact)

As an approximation,

OP
QP

~1.5Slope of Equilibrium line

Part III-5

i.e (equilibrium line being linear)

Average slope of operating line
= 1.5
Average slope of equilibrium line
Mass Transfer Coefficients in Packed Towers (Height of Towers)

Measurement of A between L&V is difficult

Similarly, film coefficients (kx and ky) and overall mass transfer coefficients
(Kx and Ky) are difficult to obtain
Volumetric mass transfer coefficients are easier to deal with

Lets consider a column with cross-section S; and interfacial area a (m2/m3 of packing),
Thus,
dA = aSdz
Where,
dA is the area of contact
Sdz is the volume
a is the interfacial area

Lets define the following volumetric coefficients (small k and capital K):
k -a a =
K -a a =

kgmol
mol fraction

k -9 a =

kgmol
s mb packing mol fraction

K -9 a =

mb packing

kgmol
mol fraction

mb packing

kgmol
s mb packing mol fraction

For the case, where A is absorbed from stagnant B, the operating equation is used. For a
differential height of dz,
Moles of A entering liquid phase = moles of A leaving in gas phase
d L x = d(V y)

(14)

Part III-6

Using the mass equation with N3 :

N3 =

k -a
1 y3

T"

k -9
1 x3

The formulas for 1 y3

y3i y3T =

k y

kx

T"

and 1 x3

1 y3

T,"

1 x3

T,"

T"

T"

x3T x3O

(15)

are,

1 y3T 1 y3i
1 y3T
ln
1 y3i

(16)

1 x3O 1 x3T
1 x3O
ln
1 x3T

(17)

To obtain the amount of A transferred, multiply Equation (14) with the surface area,
k -a a
k -9 a
N3 d3 =
y3i y3T S dz =
x x3O S dz
1 y3 T"
1 x3 T" 3T

(18)

This is also given by Equation (13), so that

For the gas phase,

d Vy3i

k -a a
=
y y3T S dz
1 y3 T" 3i

(19)

For the liquid phase,

k -9 a
x x3O S dz
1 x3 T" 3T
Now, substituting V - = V(1 y3i ) and L- = L(1 x3O )

(20)

d Lx3O =

d Vy3i

V - y3i
y3i
V=d
=Vd
=
1 y3i
1 y3i
1 y3i

dy3i

(21)

Therefore,
k -a a
Vdy =
y y3T S dz
(1 y3i )6 3i
1 y3 T" 3i

(22)

Part III-7

And,
k -a a
V
dy3i =
y y3T S dz
1 y3i
1 y3 T" 3i

(23)

Integrating Equation (23), rearranging, and dropping subscripts A, G, and L:

j

z=

dz =
k

al
a*

V dy
k -a aS

1y

T"

1 y y yT

(24)

along the same lines:

j

z=

dz =
k

9l
9*

L dx
k -9 aS

1x

T"

1 x xT x

(25)

Two equations above are based on individual film coefficients (kx and ky), similarly, we
can derive the z equation for the overall coefficients (Kx and Ky).
j

z=

dz =
k

al
a*

V dy
K -a aS

1y

"

1 y y y

(26)

along the same lines:

j

z=

dz =
k

9l
9*

L dx
K -9 aS

1x

"

(27)

1 x x x

Where,
1y

"

1 y 1 y
1 y
ln
1y

"

1 x 1 x
1 x
ln
1x

(28)

And
1x

(29)

Unlike previous approaches, the variables are not usually constant: i.e. kxa, kya, Kxa,
Kya are variable, the equilibrium and operating lines are not linear (curved), analytical
integration is impossible. We will look into dilute and concentrated mixtures.

Part III-8

10.6F Case 1: Adsorption of Dilute Gas Mixtures

Criteria for diluteness: xA < 0.1 (10mol%)

V, L will be constant, as well as kx, ky, which will change by a lesser amount
Also 1-x and 1-y constant, most of the time they are equal to 1
z=

k -a aS

1y

z=

z=

T"

a*

1y

9l

k -9 aS
1x
1 x T"

9*

"

al
a*

1y

1x

"

dx
xT x

(31)

dy
y y

(32)

dx
x x

(33)

3Q
9l

L
K -9 aS

(30)

3Q

V
K -a aS

dy
y yT

3Q

1y

z=

al

1x

9*
3Q

With dilute solutions, both the operating line and the equilibrium line will be linear (ideal
behavior is observed).
y yT = ky + b, where b and k are constants

Part III-9

So that,
al

dy
y8 y6
=
y yT
y yT "

a*

(34)

Where,
y yT

"

y8 yT,8 (y6 yT,6 )

ln

y8 yT,8
y6 yT,6

(35)

Similarly,
y y

"

y8 y8 (y6 y6 )
y y8
ln 8
y6 y6

(36)

Then,
z=

V
k -a aS

1y
Substituting that

8ma no
8ma

T"

y8 y6
y yT "

1y

(37)

3Q

1 for dilute solutions,

z=

V y8 y6
k -a aS y yT "

(38)

Rearraging,

V y8 y6 = k -a aSz y yT

"

(39)

Rewriting,

Total Mass Transfer

Driving Force
Contact Area

V
y y6 = k -a az y yT
S 8
L
x x6 = K -9 az xT x
S 8

"

(40)

"

(41)

Part III-10

V
y y6 = k -a az y y
S 8
L
x x6 = K -9 az x x
S 8

"

"

The L and V terms in Equation (40) to (43) are defined as follows,

V=

V8 + V6
L8 + L6
;L =
2
2

(42)
(43)

Part III-11

Part III-12

Part III-13

10.6G Design of Packed Towers Using Transfer Units

Transfer Unit: Basic unit of a packed tower

Hi , Hri is the height of a transfer unit, in meters
Ni , Nri is the number of transfer units, unitless

For diffusing through stagnant B, General solution:

y1

z = Hi

y2

(1-y)im
dy=HG NG
(1-y)(y-yi )

x1

z = HO

x2
y1

z = Hri

y2
x1

z = HrO

x2

(1-x)im
dx=HL NL
(1-x)(xi -x)

(45)
(45)

(1-y)*m
dy =HOG NOG
(1-y)(y-y * )

(46)

(1-x)*m
dx=HOL NOL
(1-x)(x * -x)

(47)

Where,
Hi =
HO =
Hri =
HrO =

V
k -a aS
L
k -9 aS

=
=

V
K -a aS
L
K -9 aS

=
=

k a a

V
1y

T" S

k 9 a

L
1x

T" S

K a a

V
1y

K 9 a

L
1x

" S

(48)
(49)
(50)
(51)

" S

Advantages of using H is that it is more constant than the mass transfer coefficients:
e. g. k -a a V k.y

V8.k
Hi k.y ~ V k.b
V

(52)

Also, note that average values of (1-y)im, (1-x)im etc has to be used
z = Ni Ni = HO NO = Hri Nri = HrO NrO

Parameters that determine the height of the column:

-

The larger the amount of absorption, (y1-y2), the taller the column
The smaller the amount of driving force, (y-yi), the taller the column

(53)

Part III-14

In the case of dilute solutions, (concentration of A<10%)

al

z = Hi Ni = Hi
z = HO NO = HO

a*
9l
9*

z = Hri Nri = Hri

z = HrO NrO = HrO

dy
y yT
dx
xT x

al
a*
9l
9*

dy
y y
dx
x

(54)

(55)

(56)

(57)

and again for straight operating and equilibrium lines (substitute for the integral):
al
a*

dy
y8 y6
=
y yT
y yT "

Summary of all the points used for calculations in absorption towers:

(58)

Part III-15

Part III-16

Part III-17

Part III-18

Part III-19

Part III-20

Part III-21

Part III-22

Part III-23

10.7 Case 2: Application for Concentrated Gas Mixtures

Dilute solutions when xA < 0.1 and straight operating/equilibrium line

Concentrated solutions when xA > 0.1, integration of z equation required
o Can be done graphically or numerically
z=

al
a*

z=

T"

9l
9*

(59)

1 y y yT
L dx

k -9 aS

1x

T"

(60)

1 x xT x

al
a*

z=

1y

9l
9*

z=

V dy
k -a aS

V dy
K -a aS

1y

"

1y y

(61)

L dx
K -9 aS
1 x x x
1 x "

(62)

To integrate Equations (58) to (61): follow the following steps

1. Plot the operating and equilibrium lines
x6
y8
x8
y6
(63)
+ v= L+ v1 x6
1 y8
1 x8
1 y6
Usually x1,y1 is known, and x or y might be given. Sometimes, it makes sense to
get x2,y2 so that the beginning and end of a line is determined (note that x,y are
bulk concentrations)
To get the details of the line, individual (x,y) has to be determined
Plot these points
2. The values for kya and kxa are obtained from empirical equations, being
functions of Gyn and Gxm (kg total gas/sm2 and kg total liquid/sm2), mass flow
rates per unit surface area. The values of n and m are between 0.2-0.8.
Use the operating line to calculate V and L for different y and values in
the tower and convert to Gy&Gx. Then calculate kya and kxa. If the
difference etween these values at the top and bottom of the tower is small,
an average value can be used
3. The equilibrium values (xi,yi) need to be found at the same points for which kya
and kxa are calculated. To do this, join a specific point on the operating line to
the point on the equilibrium line, by using the following slope (start at P1)
k 9 a k -9 a/ 1 x T"
Slope =
=
k a a k -a a/ 1 y T"
To do this, (1-x)im, (1-y)im has to be determined, this is found by trial and error
L-

Part III-24

A first guess is 1 x T" ~ 1 y T" ~1.0

A better guess is: 1 y T" ~ 1 y ; 1 x T" ~ 1 x
Use these values first, then solve for (xT , yT ), then use the newly found
(xT , yT ) to obtain the values of 1 x T" and 1 y T"
- Remember that:
1 x (1 xT )
1 x T" =
1x
ln
1 xT
This is repeated until (xi,yi) remain constant, keep in mind that all this work is just
for a single point! This process must be repeated to a number of points along the
operating line.
-

4. At P2, determine a new slope from Slope =

!{ |
!} |

!P{ |/ 8m9 no
.
!P} |/ 8ma no

Repeat this for

several intermediate points on the operating line. Note the slopes at P1 and P2 are
the extremes, all the intermediate points will have slopes that are somewhere in
between the extreme slopes
5. In this example, yi and kya is used
al
V dy
z=
k a aS
a*
1 y y yT
1 y T"
Plot the graph of f(y) vs y between y1 and y2

Part III-25

V dy

f y =

k -a aS

1y

T"

1 y y yT

Numerical integration can be used to solve for the integral, we can use the
trapozoidal rule:
~

f x dx b a
|

f a +f b
2

(64)

Part III-26

Table 10.7-1. Calculated Data for Example 10.7-1

y

Gy

Gx

kya

kxa

xi

yi

1y

(1 y)iM

y yi

f(y)

0.02

6.66104

0.042

0.213

8.138

0.03398

0.848

0.00046

0.009

0.98

0.985

0.011

19.25

0.04

0.00033

6.80104

0.04201

0.2226

8.147

0.03504

0.849

0.00103

0.0235

0.96

0.968

0.0165 12.77

0.07

0.00086

7.02104

0.04203

0.2378

8.162

0.03673

0.85

0.00185

0.0476

0.93

0.941

0.0224

9.29

0.13

0.00201

7.51104

0.04208

0.2712

8.196

0.04032

0.853

0.00355

0.1015

0.87

0.885

0.0285

7.16

0.2

0.00355

8.16104

0.04215

0.3164

8.241

0.04496

0.857

0.00565

0.1685

0.8

0.816

0.0315

6.33

Where,
f y =

V dy
k )( aS
1 y y y.
1 y ./

Part III-27

Part III-28

Part III-29

10.8 Estimating Mass Transfer Coefficients for Packed Towers:

kya and kxa comes from empirical correlations among NRe,NSc, and packing
type
Reliability of k estimates: 25%

Its the HG that is obtained from these observations H" =

$
%'& ()

Empirical equation:
- /

3.5
H" = G, G. N)2

Where,
H" is the gas film coefficient (dilute mixtures)
Independent of P, slightly dependent of T (T appears in NSc equation)
G, and G. are the mass flow rates / area
N)2 is the Schmidt Number
, , are tabulated constants depending on the packing type:
Table 10.8-1 Gas Film Height of a Transfer Unit HG in Meters

(65)

Part III-30

It is possible to extrapolate HG(A) to HG(E), i.e. another solute as long as its the same
system utilized - same flow rate/packing etc.
H" : = H" ;

N)2 :
N)2 ;

3.5

(66)

For Liquid film coefficients (in dilute mixtures)

G.
H< =
<
Where,
N)2 is the Schmidt Number
< is the viscosity
G. is the mass flow rates / area
and are tabulated constants

3.5
N)2

(67)

Part III-31

Stripping: Mass transfer from a liquid to gas, the mathematical approach to solving height
as well as other parameters are similar to the absorption case.

The y vs x diagram will appear as follows

Usually unknown quantities are: Lx,x2,x1,y1, so that V is usually to be determined. Vmin

comes from the maximum slope in x-y diagram
H
vEFG
=

L
SlopeE(.

Sometimes, if y2max is known, then the mass balance would be used the obtain vmin

(68)

Part III-32

z=

,U
,V

z=

FE

1x

FE

1 y yF y
(70)

1 x x xF
V dy

(71)

K H, aS
1 y y y
1 y E

.U
.V

(69)

L dx
k H. aS

,U
,V

z=

1y

.U
.V

z=

V dy
k H, aS

L dx
K H. aS

1x

1x x

(72)

Same equations as before, except the integration changed from y1 to y2 and (yi-y) as
driving force. z is the height of the stripping tower.

Absorption

Stripping

y yF

yF y

xF Z

x xF

y y

y y

x x

x x

Part III-33

9.3 Humidification Operations

Operation that deals with interaction of a gas phase containing A and a liquid
phase of A. A = water in humidification
o Analysis is applicable to any A

Background information and Definitions (Chapter 9 Review):

Humidity (H): kg of water in 1kg of dry air (expression in terms of moles is rare)
H=

m ; p;
m; P;
18.02 P;
=
=

m\ p\ m\ (P_ p; ) 28.97 P_ P;

o Where mA is the molar weight of water, and mB is the molar weight of Air,
p is the partial pressure, and PT is the total pressure
o If a gas phase is saturated with the vapor of A, an equilibrium is
established between the vapor and liquid phase of A. In this case, PA=PVap,
For air and water system (Hs is the saturation humidity)
P$(g
18.02
(73)
Hf =

28.97 P_ P$(g
o If you consider a mole basis, then
p;
(74)
H=
P; p;
Percent Humidity:
H
(75)
Hg = 100
Hf
Where H is the actual humidity, and Hs is the saturated humidity (at the same
T&P)

Relative Humidity:
Hh = 100

p;
P$(g

Note that Hg Hh

Dew Point: The temperature at which a given mixture of air and water vapor
would be saturated
o Temperature at which p; = p$(g
o e.g. T=26.7C, pVap=3.5 kPa
So in a container where the water pressure (vapor) is 3.5kPa, the dew
point is 26.7C. if the temperature is 50C, you will not have any
condensation but upon lowering the temperature, condensation (i.e
saturation of vapor phase) will occur when T=26.7C

(76)

Part III-34

Humid Heat (cS): Amount of heat (J) required to raise the temperature 1kg air
(dry) plus the water vapor present by 1 K (or 1C)
(77)
C) = C\ + Hc;
o Where, cB is the specific heat of dry gas (air). kJ/kg dry air K
cA is the specific heat of vapor A (water) kJ/kg H2O
o For air/water system,
(78)
c) = 1.005
+ 1.88H
o And the heat required to raise a mass (wB) of dry gas and its
accompanying vaport by a temperature of T is:
(79)
Q = w \ c) T
Humid volume: Volume (m3) of 1 kg air (dry) plus the vapor content it contains at
101.325kPa and the given gas temperature
1
1
22.41
(80)
vr =
+
H
T
m\ m;
273
Where T is in Kelvin
o For air/water system:
1
1
22.41
(81)
vr =
+
H
T
28.97 18.02
273
o If the pressure if not at 1atm:
1
1
T 1.013105
(82)
vr =
+
H

28.97 18.02
273
P_
Enthalpy (Hy) total enthalpy of 1 kg of air plus its water vapor (J/kg), sensible
heat of the air water vapor mixture plus the latent heat of the vapor at To (the
reference temperature).
o Sensible heat: Energy for heating/cooling only
o Latent heat: Energy associated with phase change, without T change
o In General:
(83)
H, = cf T Tv + H 3
Where, cs is the humid heat, H is humidity, and 0 is latent heat
o For air/water system (where T0 = 0C)
(84)
H, = 1.005 + 1.88H T + 2501.4H
Wet Bulb Temperature: Steady state no equilibrium temperature for small amount
of water is contracted under adiabatic conditions by a continuous stream of gas.
o i.e., no heat transfer to or from the system
H does not change because of small amount of H2O
Evaporation of water causes a drop in temperature

Part III-35

A heat balance on the wet cloth/wick can be made:

q = M; N; z A

(85)

Where, q is the amount of heat lost by evaporation (amount of heat absorbed by

the bulb), MA is the molecular weight of water, NA is the mass flux of water, w is
the latent heat of vaporization at Tw, A is the surface area.
N; =

k H,
y y = k , (yz y)
x\| z

(86)

Mole fraction (y) is related to humidity by:

H
M;
y=
1/M~ + H/M;

(87)

Since H is small;
y=

M\
H
M;

(88)

Combining Equations (84) to (87),

q =  k , z (H H) A

(89)

Rate of convective heat transfer from the gas stream at T to the wick at Tw is:
q = hA T Tz

(90)

Where h is the heat transfer coefficient.

Thus the heat balance is:
h/(M\ k , )
H H
=
T T

Where h/(m\ k , ) is known as the psychrometric ratio,

The psychrometric ratio is defined as h vs ky, or Ratio between heat

and mass transfer coefficients.

For water/air mixtures,

0.96 <

h
< 1.005
m\ k ,

The humidity chart is provided on eClass

(91)

Part III-36

Humidity Chart Exercise

Humid air at 40C has a wet bulb temperature of 20C. Calculate,

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Humidity in Air
Percent Humidity
Dew Point
Humid Volume
Humid Heat
Enthalpy

SOLUTIONS ARE PROVIDED IN A SEPARATE PDF

Part III-37

10.5A/B Cooling Towers

The water cannot be cooled < TW

The driving force for vaporization: p$(g |_ p$(g |_
In practice: Tv Tz + 3K
The water flow rate is almost constant
e.g. for T ~8K, the change in flow rate of water ~1.5%
Air flow could be natural (buoyancy due to high temperature) or forced
Typically, it is the gas phase resistance that controls the mass transfer
Interfacial contact area is important (as high as possible)

Next, we will look at the Temperature and Concentration Profiles at Interface at the
1. Top of the column
2. Middle of the column
3. Bottom of the column

Case 1: Top of the Column

Part III-38

Case 2: Middle of the Column

Perhaps TL < TG (dry bulb temperature in gas)

Water is still evaporating TF < T< , T"
Latent Heat = Sensible heat in liquid + sensible heat in gas

Case 3: Bottom of The Tower

Sensible heat in gas = latent heat in gas

TL<TG, but TL>Tw

Part III-39

Equations for Heat and Mass Transfer:

L Water flow kg/sm2

TL Water temperature C,K
G Dry air flow kg air/ sm2
TG Air temperature C,K
H Humidity of Air kg water/ kg dry air
HY Enthalpy of Air J/Kg dry air

Adiabatic process
Packed cooling tower with air flowing upward and water downward
a (interfacial area) not known, so that we will combine it with the mass transfer
coefficients (e.g kGa)
Recall:
H, = 1.005 + 1.88H T + 2.50410 H; T is in degrees Celsius
Operating line on a Hy vs T diagram
o Energy balance:
G H, H, = L c< (T< T< )

(92)

o L assumed to be constant, c< is the heat capacity of the liquid

o The overall heat balance:
G H, H, = L c T< T<
o Heat balance for a volume (Adz) element:
(93)
LC< T< + dT< T< = G H, + dH, H,
L C< dT< = GdH,
This assumes that latent heat is much greater than sensible heat (i.e. min
temperature gradient)
o Considering the sensible heat transfer from the bulk liquid to the interface
(94)
h< adz T< TF = GdH, = LC< dT<
h< is the volumetric heat transfer coefficient, Ti is the interface
temperature

Part III-40

o Consider the sensible and latent heat transfer from the bulk gas to the
interface
The latent heat is given by:
q
= M\ k " aP3 HF H" dz
A
Similar to a previous equation, but based on volumetric element
The sensible heat is given by:
qf
= h" adz TF T"
A
Thus,
GdH, = M\ k " aP3 HF H" dz + h" adz TF T"
o For Air/Water system,
h" a
cf
M\ k , a
From previous knowledge (Table 7.2-1)
Pk " a = k , a
Then,
h" a
cf
 k " aP

(95)

(96)
(97)
(98)

(99)
(100)

Then Equation (96) becomes,

GdH, = GdH, = M\ k " aP3 HF H" dz + cf M\ k " aP TF T"

Simplifying,
GdH, = M\ k " aPdz cf TF T3 + HF 3 cf ( 3 ) + H" 3
Recall that H, = cf T T3 + H3
GdH, = M\ k " aPdz(H,F H, )
Then the tower height is:
r&U
dH,
G
z=
M\ k " aP r&V H,F H,

(101)

(102)

(103)

(104)

Part III-41

10.5C Solution Method for Design of Water Cooling Towers:

1. Plot the equilibrium curve saturated air enthalpy at various temperatures
o See handout/eClass
o Calculated from H, = cf T T3 + H3

2. Calculate Hy1 enthalpy of entering air. TG1 and H1 is usually known, so use the
same equation for Hy to get Hy1.
TL1 is known desired leaving water temperature,
TL2 is typically known

3. Draw operating line,

<
The slope of the line is: c< , Hy2 can also be obtained from the energy balance
"

Part III-42

4. The operating line needs to be related to the equilibrium line (remember Hyi
appear in the integral), to do this, equate Equation (93) to (102).
H,F H,
h< a
Slope =
=
k " aM\ P
TF T<
Take a line from the operating line and draw a line to the equilibrium line with
slope

(
% (E

to get Hyi and Ti.

5. Graphical Integration

o Plot
vs. Hy, find the value of the integral (i.e. trapezoidal rule):
r& r&

r&U
r&V

1

H,F H,

o Then find the height of the cooling tower by using

z=

G
M\ k " aP

r&U
r&V

dH,
H,F H,

Part III-43

Part III-44

Hyi

Hy

Hyi Hy

1/(Hyi Hy)

94.4 103

71.7 103

22.7 103

4.41 105

108.4 103

83.5 103

24.9 103

4.02 105

124.4 103

94.9 103

29.5 103

3.39 105

141.8 103

106.5 103

35.3 103

2.83 105

162.1 103

118.4 103

43.7 103

2.29 105

184.7 103

129.9 103

54.8 103

1.82 105

Part III-45

Minimum Value of Air Flow:

Using overall mass transfer coefficients

G
z=
m\ K " aP

r&U
r&V

dH,
H, H,

(105)

Find Hy* by going straight up from the operating line (for absorption towers, it is
straight down)
Sometimes kGa is not available, but KGa is readily available
Solutions should be identical when compared to the film mass transfer
coefficients

Using Transfer Units for Design:

z = H"
z = H"
The

r&U r&
r&V r& r&

r&U

H" ~

dH,
H, H,

H" ~

r&V
r&U
r&V

and

G
M\ k " aP

dH,
H,F H,

r&U r&
r&V r& r&

G
M\ K " aP

term gives the number of transfer units

Parameters H" and H" gives the height of each transfer unit (m)
Thus,
z = H" N" = H" N"