STRIPPING OF TCE FROM WATER AT LOW AIR-WATER RATIOS

Trichloroethylene was removed from water by air stripping in a packed column using low air/water ratios, and the measured removal efficienci es were used to correlate the height of a transfer unit using a model which takes into account both liquid- and gas-phase resistance to mass transfer. The resulting correlation was used to optimize the design o f a combined air stripper and offgas treatment system. Estimated overa ll cost savings of up to 26% compared to conventional air strippers ca n be realized by use of the optimum air/water ratio.