Mass transfer coefficients of decane to emulsions in a bubble column reactor

The absorption of n-decane in water-silicone oil emulsions was studied in a laboratory-scale bubble column at different gas flow rates for the whole r ange of emulsion compositions. The volumetric mass transfer coefficients to the emulsions were estimated assuming that the gas phase contacts preferen tially the non-aqueous phase. This assumption was supported by the experime ntal results. The Flory-Higgins equation was used for calculating the vapor pressure of n-decane dissolved in silicone oil. It was established that th e volumetric mass transfer coefficient based on the emulsion volume is inde pendent of the emulsion composition. These results indicate that a small fr action of silicone oil may be enough to provide a strong enhancement of vol atile organic compounds and oxygen absorption, improving the economic aspec ts of the use of emulsions for biodegradation of volatile organic compounds . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.