Development of the Rotating Liquid Sheet Contactor: Fundamental Studies and Modeling of Single Liquid Sheets from Slotted Tubes

A new gas–liquid contacting device based on the formation of continuous rotating liquid sheets (RLS) has been developed. The device overcomes the gas velocity limitation set by the flooding point of conventional packed beds, maintains the intensity of gas–liquid contacting, and significantly reduces the total pressure drop of the contacting device. Control of the flight path and stability of liquid sheets are the main challenges in the design and implementation of the RLS contactor. This study systematically investigated the formation and stability of liquid sheets from slot geometry, the effect of slot width, slot length, projection angle, contact angle, and surface tension. The presence of an internal overhang was found to be a key factor. Large radius stable sheets were formed in specific operating zones depending on the various slot geometries utilized. A flight path model was developed to enable design and operation of the parallel closely spaced liquid sheets.