Prediction of mass transfer rates in spatially periodic flows

The application of mass transfer boundary layer theory to spatially periodi c flows is investigated. Numerical methods are used to solve the flow probl ems, and the solutions are used in conjunction with mass transfer boundary layer theory to predict mass transfer rates. This approach is advantageous because at large Schmidt numbers numerical solution for the concentration p rofiles requires very high numerical resolution in the boundary layer regio n. For the two prototype flows investigated, tube bank flow and Taylor-Coue tte how, the predictions agree reasonably well with the experimental result s. As a result, this approach should be useful for preliminary design calcu lations in spatially periodic systems. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.