Soluble surfactant effects on gas absorption of organic compounds

A literature search dating back to the beginning of this century turned up no previous work similar to ours. We discuss several methods and experiments involving the scrubbing of air streams. The objective of this work was the determination of surfactant affects on the solubility of certain organic compounds of varying solubility in water. A means of simulating a packed tower was devised to allow for bench scale evaluation and thus enabled a greater number of organic compounds to be examined with a greater variety of surfactants. Curves were plotted based on organic vapor concentration, surfactant concentration, organic type, surfactant type, and the initial organic in water concentration. Vapor pressure data was determined through use of gas chromatography techniques. Data was analyzed with respect to- surfactant type and considerations were given to surfactant critical micelle concentration and its effects on each organic compound. Trends in solubility differentials as a result of surfactant concentrations were observed and noted