Mass-transfer studies in a novel multiliquid-inlet rotating packed bed

End effect is a significant phenomenon in a rotating packed bed (RPB). The mass transfer accomplished in the end zone can be one magnitude higher than what is achieved in the bulk zone of the packing. In order to make full use of the end effect, a novel multiliquid-inlet rotating packed bed (MLI-RPB) was developed, which artificially created the extra end zones in the bulk zone along the radial direction of the rotor. The effective interfacial area (a) and liquid-side volumetric mass-transfer coefficient (k_La) of the MLI-RPB were measured using a system of CO₂ chemisorption into NaOH solution. Mass-transfer experiments were also conducted in a traditional RPB with the same size as the MLI-RPB. Compared with the traditional RPB, higher values of a and k_La were obtained in the MLI-RPB, showing a great potential for the industrial applications.