Experimental investigation on mass transfer coefficient in airlift reactor involving Boger fluid

Abstract

In the realm of aerobic processes, both the average shear rate and mass transfer coefficient play crucial roles, directly influencing the proliferation of microorganisms. Moreover, the behaviour of fluids in biochemical processes may diverge from the typical Newtonian model, thereby impacting the efficiency of airlift reactors. This study delves into the influence of elasticity on the mass transfer coefficient, specifically examining the effects using a Boger fluid comprising glycerol 55% (v/v) and polyacrylamide 0.04% in tap water. Boger fluid is chosen due to the presence of elasticity whereas, its viscosity closely resembling that of a Newtonian fluid composed of glycerol 65% (v/v). The investigation revealed a lower mass transfer coefficient for the Boger fluid compared to both tap water and the glycerol 65% (v/v) solution. Furthermore, an empirical correlation has been proposed to forecast the mass transfer coefficient involving the Boger fluid. The experimental and predicted data comparison demonstrates a strong alignment, with an error margin of approximately ±10%.