Q1: For absorbing a sparingly soluble gas in a liquid

ANS:B - liquid side mass transfer co-efficient should be increased.

Certainly! The mass transfer coefficient represents the rate at which a component transfers from one phase to another per unit area under a certain concentration gradient. In the context of absorbing a sparingly soluble gas in a liquid, increasing the liquid side mass transfer coefficient is advantageous for several reasons:

1. Enhanced Contact Surface: Increasing the liquid side mass transfer coefficient improves the contact between the gas and liquid phases. This is crucial because the absorption process occurs at the interface between the two phases. By enhancing this contact surface, more gas molecules can come into contact with the liquid, thereby increasing the rate of absorption.
2. Faster Dissolution Rate: The mass transfer coefficient governs the rate at which gas molecules dissolve into the liquid phase. By increasing the liquid side mass transfer coefficient, you effectively speed up this dissolution process. This is particularly important for sparingly soluble gases, where achieving high absorption rates can be challenging.
3. Reduced Mass Transfer Resistance: A higher liquid side mass transfer coefficient reduces the resistance to mass transfer within the liquid phase. This means that gas molecules encounter less hindrance as they diffuse through the liquid, leading to faster absorption rates. Reduced resistance results in a more efficient transfer of gas from the gas phase to the liquid phase.
4. Improved Efficiency: Increasing the liquid side mass transfer coefficient ultimately leads to greater efficiency in the absorption process. More gas molecules are absorbed per unit time, allowing for higher throughput and more effective utilization of the absorption equipment. This is particularly beneficial in industrial processes where maximizing efficiency is paramount.