Experimental study and parameterization of interfacial gas absorption

Experiments of simultaneous absorption of carbon dioxide and helium, in transient absorption regimes, have been carried out in a gas‐liquid flume for stratified‐type cocurrent flows. There was a need to improve a method of chromatographic analysis for helium and CO 2 titrations in the gaseous phase and the liquid phase; this led us to study simultaneous absorption of CO 2 and He independent of dynamic conditions. In addition the dominant wave characteristics were studied and the interfacial friction velocity was measured. It was confirmed that, for two gases presenting a large contrast in diffusivities, gas absorption rates are related directly to the physical properties of the gases. The mass transfer coefficient varies with the − 1/2 exponent of the Schmidt number for a large interfacial stress and a clean interface whereas it varies with the − 2/3 exponent for weaker winds.