Theoretical analysis and experimental verification of ozone mass transfer in bubble columns

Modeling the performance of ozone bubble columns for water and wastewater treatment was carried out using two models: the axial dispersion model and the back flow cell model (BFCM). Expressing these two models in terms of dimensionless operating parameters allowed the examination of their predictions of dissolved ozone, gaseous ozone, and superficial gas velocity profiles along the bubble column height. Pilot-scale experimental data from the literature were used to test the models' predictions of the dissolved ozone profiles for water treatment applications. The models have demonstrated reliable predictions of the dissolved ozone concentration profiles along the bubble column for water treatment conditions in the co-current and the counter-current flow modes. The axial dispersion model and the back flow cell model have proved to be adequate for describing the performance of ozone bubble columns, however, the BFCM was easier to formulate and solve.