Enhancement of dissolved oxygen transfer using circulation and mist flow generated by a rotating cone

Abstract

The flow characteristics of a liquid film rising along the outer surface of a rotating cone were determined experimentally. Previously, a rising liquid film was found to be atomized into a mist flow. In this study, the mechanism of mist formation was applied as a means to enhance oxygen mass transfer by atomizing the liquid and transporting oxygen from air to water through the atomized water droplets. Use of a rotating cone promotes the dual effects of mixing and mist flow, which leads to an increase in oxygen mass transfer because of the small diameter of mist droplets and the large surface area between liquid and gas. In addition, the flow pattern was found change from steady flow to unsteady flow as the rotation rate increases, and this greatly enhances the oxygen mass transfer.