Sample problem: dilute SO2 absorption into water

Sulfur dioxide (A) is absorbed into water in a packed column, where

bulk conditions are 50°C, 2 atm, yA= 0.085, and xA= 0. 001. Equilibrium data for SO2
between air and water at 50°C are

P SO2 (atm) C SO2 (lbmol/ft3)

0.0382 0.00193 Experimental values of the mass-transfer
coefficients are:
0.0606 0.00290
Liquid phase: kc= 0.18 m/h
0.1092 0.00483 Gas phase: kp= 0.040 kmol/hm2kPa
0.1700 0.00676

For mole-fraction driving forces, compute the mass-transfer flux:

(a) assuming an average Henry’s law constant and a negligible bulk flow effect;
(b) utilizing the actual curved equilibrium line and assuming a negligible bulk-flow
effect;
(c) utilizing the actual curved equilibrium line and taking into account the bulk-flow effect
(d) determine the magnitude of the two resistances and the values of the mole
fractions at the interface
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