Development of a mass transfer machine for gas/liquid operations in the absence of gravity

A mass transfer machine for gas/liquid operations under low gravity was developed. It consists of two flat rotors, the inner surfaces being ribbed in radial direction. Due to the rotation of the machine, the liquid introduced in the center, is repeatedly dispersed on the edges of the ribs, which are arranged in series. Transport, dispersion and separation of liquid and gas are effected by centrifugal forces. The fluid dynamics were investigated for countercurrent, transition and cocurrent flow. The mass transfer investigations were carried out by desorption of CO2 from water into air. The machine is well suited for air cleaning in spacecraft or submarine labs.