Abstract
Effect of upward two-phase gas-liquid flow on the rate of liquid-solid mass transfer in a bubble column equipped with a horizontal tube bundle was studied by measuring the rate of the diffusion-controlled dissolution of copper in an acidified K2Cr2O solution. Variables studied included gas (nitrogen) flow rate, liquid flow rate, and the number of tube arrays. Data were successfully correlated by a dimensionless equation. The presence of surfactants reduced the rate of mass transfer by 3-17% depending on flow rates. The importance of the tube array as a built-in heat exchanger and a catalyst support was highlighted.