Generalized similarity transformation method applied to partial differential equations (PDEs) in falling film mass transfer

• Published in: Computers & chemical engineering Vol. 101; pp. 73 - 80
• Main Authors: Ali Aroon, Mohammad, Khansary, Milad Asgarpour
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 09.06.2017
• Subjects: Absorption; Falling film; Modeling; Similarity transformation; Solid dissolution; Falling film; Absorption; Solid dissolution; Modeling; Similarity transformation
• ISSN: 0098-1354; 1873-4375
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2017.02.047

•Selection of the combined variable in method of combination of variables which has been reviewed critically in this paper.•A general combined variable was introduced for the governing PDEs transformation.•A generalized analytical solution was obtained and evaluated for two cases of gas absorption and wall dissolution. The governing equation describing wetted wall column is partial differential equation (PDE) which can be solved by similarity method. The selection of the combined variable to transform the PDE to an ordinary differential equation is very important subject in this method and mainly is selected based on experiences. But, in this work, a general combined variable was introduced for the PDEs transformation leading to a generalized analytical solution. The obtained analytical solutions were compared to literature and examined using some reported experimental data. According to the results, the deviations of calculated and collected experimental values were small which demonstrates accuracy and reliability of the presented method besides its highly computationally consistency and easy-to-use features.