Absorption of NO2/N2O4 in nitric acid

Laboratory-scale measurements were performed on the absorption of NO2 gas into diluted nitric acid. The concentration of NO2 gas, which represents an NO2/N2O4 equilibrium, varied from 1000 to 20000 ppm, the carrier gas being nitrogen. The concentration of nitric acid ranged from 15 to 60 mass-%. The absorption experiments were carried out in a double stirred cell, with a defined gas/liquid interface as the mass transfer area. The liquid phase was conducted periodically and the gas phase continuously. Mass flow rates were determined. The well-known film model of absorption was used for analyzing the experimental results. Only the N2O4 species was considered to pass the gas/liquid interface. The measured data yielded values of H(k D1)1/2 as well as their variation with temperature and nitric acid concentration.