Experimental and Modeling investigation of heat and mass transfers in an airlift packed column humidifier

Background: the use of air humidification in order to produce pure water from saline or waste water take more and more importance since it allows to add value to non pure water. In this case, the aim of this study was to simulate of air humidification. Material Methods: The experimental device used, for the humidification of the air through its contact with water, is a vertical column filled with packing. It works on the principle of an air lift pump. Modeling equations for heat and material transfer between fluids have been established. Results: Established models are verified by experimental results. The humidification of the air is proportional to the operating parameters such as: the initial level of water in the column, the air flow, the temperature of the liquid and the height of contact between fluids. The air temperature and humidity profiles increase as a function of the packing height. Conclusion: Air humidification is effective if heat and mass transfers between fluids are high. The temperature of the liquid water has a greater effect than those of the other operating parameters on the shape of the air temperature and humidity profiles as a function of the height of the column.