Influence of surfactant upon SO₂ absorption with and without chemical reaction

Abstract

The influence of surfactants upon sulfur dioxide chemical absorption in a bubble column reactor has been analysed. This kind of substances (surfactants) can cause important influences over mass transfer processes due the amphiphilic behaviour of these compounds. This kind of behaviour produces the accumulation of surfactants at the gas-liquid interface influencing upon mass transfer processes. Different alkalis have been used to enhance sulfur dioxide transfer by the chemical reaction with absorbed gas in the liquid phase. The high gas solubility and gas absorption rate causes the surfactant presence to have a low influence upon sulfur dioxide absorption under some experimental conditions.