Wind Effects on Gas‐Liquid Transfer Coefficients

Abstract

A relationship between the transfer coefficient of sparingly soluble gases and wind velocity is developed in terms of the liquid film and surface renewal concepts. When a wind blows over water, shear is exerted at the interface, which establishes the structure of the boundary layers in both media. The dynamic characteristics of these interfacial regions influence the rate of transfer between air and water. The functions relating the viscous sublayer and roughness height with the wind shear provide the basis for the development of equations which define the transfer coefficient for both smooth and rough surface conditions. The relationships are applied to the exchange of volatile organic chemicals which are characterized by liquid film control.