Power consumption and gas hold-up in a pulsed column

A resonant air-pulsed water column has been developed for gas absorption experiments: its internal diameter is 3 in. and the effective inertial length of oscillating column is 14·17 ft. The amplitude is up to 6 in. at frequencies from 0·9 to 1·4 c/s and experiments have been carried out with the column unpacked, packed with random 12 in. rings and fitted with baffle plates. The quantities measured have included pulse air consumption, power dissipation and gas hold-up when air is passed through the water. The observed pulse air consumption and power dissipation are in approximate agreement with theoretical predictions based upon a quasi-steady-state model. The gas hold-up due to a separate air supply in the baffled column is increased as much as threefold by pulsations, which appear to be more effective than conventional stirring when the superficial gas velocity exceeds about 0·04 ft/sec.