Project ForgeMass Transfer
Mass Transfer Operations
GATE 2009
Medium
The ratio of the liquid to gas flow rate in a counter-current gas absorption column is increased, at otherwise identical conditions. Which ONE of the following statements is TRUE?
- AThe operating line shifts towards the equilibrium curve
- The operating line shifts away from the equilibrium curve
- CThe concentration of the absorbed species increases in the exit liquid stream
- DThe operating line does not shift
Explanation
The absorption operating line has slope L/G. Increasing L/G steepens the line, moving it AWAY from the equilibrium curve — increasing the driving force and making the same separation easier (and, correspondingly, diluting/decreasing the exit liquid concentration since more liquid is used for the same absorbed amount).
Source: GATE CH 2009 (2009)
This question is part of a 15-day revision cycle — sign in and Project Forge will bring it back the day before you'd forget it.