Dissolved sulfur dioxide (SO2) was stripped from water using pure air. 2000 lb-mol/h liquid solution contains 0.02 mol% SO2 entered at the top of a stripping column packed with Metal Pall Rings 1 12 inch. Pure air enters from the bottom of the column at 500R and 150 lbf. 70% of SO2 was stripped by the air when operated at 1.8 times of the minimum gas flow rate required (1.8 Vmin). The equilibrium relationship for SO2 in the system is given as y = 4.23 x.

a) Calculate the flow rate of pure air required to perform the stripping process in lb-mol/h and the outlet composition of the gas and liquid stream.

b) Determine the diameter of the column based on 85% of gas flooding velocity allowable. The properties of the inlet solution can be assumed to be similar to the pure water at 30C.

c) Calculate the operating pressure drop.