Department of Chemical Engineering Unit Operations Laboratory

Gas Absorption Theory

This web-page provides important information on absorption theory and related issues: o o o o o o o Gas Absorption Theory Computer Simulation Degrees of Freedom/Sensitivity Material and Energy Balances Properties Statistical Analysis Important Remarks

Gas Absorption Theory

The theory is well developed for the prediction of gas absorption column operations. This section provides an overview of some of the equations and theory associated with gas absorption. For additional theory development, see Resources. Several approaches can be taken:

Graphical (XY diagram) Shortcut Methods (absorption factor method) Rigorous plate-to-plate calculations

The graphical and shortcut methods are specifically for steady state operations. The rigorous plate-to-plate calculations can easily be performed with available computer aided engineering flowsheet simulation programs. Note also that mass transfer in packed columns is a form of continuous contacting rather than the staged operation model in most of the analysis methods. Justify the use of an ideal stage to model continuous contact operations. Operating Lines The absorption operations can be presented in terms of operating line diagrams. Note that if the L/V ratio is too small, the operating line will appear to be almost horizontal due to the low solubility of CO2 in water. To achieve a larger L/V ratio, operate at low gas flow rates and CO2 concentrations. Absorption Factor Method The number of ideal stages can be predicted in terms absorption factors and the inlet and outlet compositions.
Modified: 4/19/2007 Original Document: Kevin M. Sapp Jullie Lawson page 1/3 2007

Department of Chemical Engineering Unit Operations Laboratory

Computer Simulation
Using your knowledge and resources on Gas Absorption Theory, develop a theoretical basis for predicting the steady-state behavior of the packed column for your experimental conditions. Use these results to plan your experimental runs then compare your actual results with those predicted. Several computer programs are available to perform the necessary calculations, and return the stage-by-stage characteristics. Among the input parameters needed to use these simulators are the feed definition (flow rate, composition, temperature and pressure), number of stages, and efficiencies. HYSYS is an excellent programming resource for computer simulation of absorption columns. A tutorial is available online at http://hysys.che.ufl.edu/unit_op_lab_examples/index.html

Degrees of Freedom/Sensitivity
The main independent variables available for study in the experiments include:

Flow rates (water, air, CO2)

Consider effects of changes of these variables on key absorption performance indicators. Note that there are limits to the control of these variables with the equipment available, and not all of these variables will affect performance in a measurable way.

Material and Energy Balances

Use the experimentally determined compositions and flow rates to determine material balances. Resolve any data discrepancies and obtain closure on the material balances.

Properties
To obtain equilibrium data, use Henrys Law. The Henry's law constant, H, for the carbon dioxide - water system can be found in multiple Resources.

Statistical Analysis
Modified: 4/19/2007 Original Document: Kevin M. Sapp Jullie Lawson page 2/3 2007

Department of Chemical Engineering Unit Operations Laboratory

Apply appropriate statistical procedures to determine the apparent error in results.

Important Remarks
Whenever possible, measure variables several times and different ways to verify values. Verify whether the incoming water CO2 concentration can be assumed to be equal to zero. Since CO2 is sparingly soluble in water, operation of the scrubbing column requires a large water to air flow rate (L/V) ratio. If the L/V ratio is too small, the flow rate of CO2 in the effluent gas stream will be almost the same as in the incoming gas stream and the operating line will appear to be almost horizontal. To achieve a large L/V ratio, operate at low gas flow rates and CO2 concentrations. Under these conditions, the concentration of CO2 in the effluent gas stream will be significantly smaller than in the incoming gas stream.

Modified: 4/19/2007 Original Document:

Kevin M. Sapp Jullie Lawson

page 3/3 2007