Study of axial dispersion in a reciprocating plate column.

Axial dispersion coefficient was measured in a reciprocating plate column with 5 cm internal diameter and 120 cm of active length, using the technique of tracer response in a non-stationary phase. Experiments were realised in water, as continuous phase, and the operation variables studied were: amplitude (0,4 and 6 cm) and reciprocating frecuency (0-1,85 hz), continuous phase superficial velocity (0,15-0,46 cm/s), hole diameters of stain-less steel plates (0,3 y 0,8 cm), as well as the spacing among them (5 y 10 cm). The results showed that the axial dipersion coefficient is strongly dependent of amplitude and reciprocating frequency. Coefficient values were from 1 until 16,21 cm(2)/s. In general, the coefficient increased when plates spacing decreased and continuous phase superficial velocity and hole diameters increassed. Experimental data were registered and an empirical correlation was proposed for axial dispersion coefficient.