基于表面更新模型探究填料润湿性对D2O-H2O传质性能的影响

    Investigation of Packing Wettability on D2O-H2O Mass Transfer Performance Based on Surface Renewal Model

    • 摘要: 水精馏作为一种有效的脱氢富氘方法,其分离效率直接影响D2O的纯度,其中填料性能是影响传质效率的关键因素。本研究系统探讨了填料表面润湿性对传质性能的影响,并基于表面更新模型建立了与传质相关联的等板高度(HETP)预测模型。结果表明:增强填料亲水性可改善界面更新,显著降低HETP值;适度提高气速可在不明显增加压降的情况下进一步增强传质效率,显示出亲水性与操作条件的协同作用。建立的HETP预测模型能够真实反映界面动态行为,与实验结果高度吻合,克服了传统双膜理论的局限。本研究为D2O-H2O精馏过程的填料设计与操作优化提供了理论依据,对同位素富集及高效精馏塔的设计具有重要参考价值。

       

      Abstract: Deuterated water(D2O), as an important chemical raw material, plays an irreplaceable role in the nuclear energy industry, particularly as a moderator and coolant in nuclear reactors. Water distillation is regarded as an effective method for dehydrogenation and deuterium enrichment, and its separation efficiency directly determines the purity of D2O. However, due to the extremely small vapor pressure difference between D2O and H2O, highly efficient gas-liquid contact and mass transfer within the column are required in the D2O-H2O distillation process. Among the various factors, packing performance is identified as a key determinant of mass transfer efficiency. The wettability of the packing surface is known to significantly influence liquid film spreading, interfacial renewal, and the effective mass transfer area. Although extensive studies on packing materials have been reported, the mechanism by which packing wettability regulates mass transfer behavior in D2O-H2O isotope distillation remains insufficiently understand, particularly when dynamic interfacial phenomena are taken into account. In this study, a combined experimental and theoretical modeling approach is employed to systematically investigate the effect of packing surface wettability on the mass transfer performance of D2O-H2O distillation. Copper-based packings with different hydrophilicities are prepared via surface modification, and their surface morphology, crystal structure, elemental distribution, wettability, and long-term stability are characterized. Under total reflux conditions, the height equivalent to a theoretical plate(HETP) is adopted as the primary evaluation metric to assess mass transfer performance. Furthermore, the influence of the packing surface contact angle and gas velocity on HETP and pressure drop is analyzed. An HETP prediction model associated with mass transfer is established based on the surface renewal theory. By introducing a wettability parameter, the model couples packing surface properties with liquid film renewal behavior, thereby elucidating the influence of dynamic gas-liquid interfacial renewal on the mass transfer process. The results show that enhancing the hydrophilicity of the packing improves interfacial renewal and significantly reduces the HETP value. A moderate increase in gas velocity further enhances mass transfer efficiency without a noticeable rise in pressure drop, indicating a synergistic effect between wettability and operating conditions. The proposed HETP prediction model shows excellent agreement with experimental data, with a coefficient of correlation(R2) of 0.996 and relative errors controlled within 20%, indicating good predictive accuracy and applicability. These findings demonstrate that, compared with the conventional two-film theory, the surface renewal model provides a more realistic description of the dynamic mass transfer behavior in D2O-H2O distillation. This study provides a theoretical basis for packing design and process optimization in the D2O-H2O distillation system and offers valuable guidance for isotope enrichment and the design of high-efficiency distillation columns.

       

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