I.

Objectives
1. To measure the absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower,
using the gas analysis equipment provided.
2. To calculate the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide into water from analysis of
liquid solutions flowing down absorption column.

II. Materials/Equipment Needed

1. Gas Absorption Column
2. Carbon dioxide cylinder with integral pressure regulator, connected to regulator R
on the gas inlet on the apparatus.
3. Approximately 300 ml of 1.0 M caustic soda solution with safety gloves and
goggles. Small funnel and tubing for filling analysis equipment.
4. Standard 0.0277M sodium hydroxide solution prepared by diluting 27.70mL of
1M caustic soda standard solution to 1 liter with carbon dioxide free distilled
water. Prepare daily and protect from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by
keeping in a stoppered Pyrex bottle.
5. Standard 0.1M sodium bicarbonate solution prepared by dissolving approximately
0.1 gram of anhydrous sodium bicarbonate in carbon dioxide free distilled water
to 100 ml.
6. Phenolphthalein indicator prepared from carbon dioxide free distilled water i.e.
A.R. grade.
7. Hempl Apparatus for Gas Analysis
8. Fresh Tap Water
9. Thermometer
10. Barometer
 III. Equipment Set Up

IV. Theory

Gas absorption (also known as scrubbing) is an operation in which a gas mixture is contacted
with a liquid for the purpose of preferentially dissolving one or more components of the gas
mixture and to provide a solution of them in the liquid.
Nomenclature:
= molar flow rate of solute-free gas
1 = molar flow rate of rich gas
2 = molar flow rate of lean gas
= molar flow rate of solute-free liquid
1 = molar flow rate of strong liquor
1 = mole fraction of solute in rich gas
1 = mole ratio of solute with solute-free gas
2 = mole fraction of solute in lean gas
2 = mole ratio of solute with solute-free gas
1 = mole fraction of solute in strong liquor
1 = mole ratio of solute in strong liquor with the solute-free liquor
2 = mole fraction of solute in weak liquor
2 = mole ratio of solute in weak liquor with the solute-free liquor

Assumptions:
1. Evaporation of solvent is negligible
2. The solute-free gas is relatively insoluble in the solvent used. Therefore, solute free gas is
constant

V. Procedure
(A) Absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower, using the gas
analysis equipment provided

1. First fill the two gloves of the absorption analysis equipment on the left of the
panel with 0.1 M caustic soda. Wear gloves and goggles while doing this.
Adjust the level in the gloves to the 0 mark on the sight tube, using drain
valve C into a flask to do this. (See step A in the sketch overleaf).
2. Fill the liquid reservoir tank to three-quarters full with fresh tap water.
3. With gas flow control valves C2 and C3 closed, start the liquid pump and
adjust the water flow through the column to approximately 6 liters per minute
on flow meter F1 by adjusting flow control valve C1.
4. Start the compressor and adjust control valve C2 to give airflow of
approximately 10% of full scale on flow meter F2.
5. Carefully open the pressure-regulating valve on the carbon dioxide cylinder,
and adjust valve to give a value C3 on the flow meter F3 approximately one
half of the airflow F2. Ensure the liquid seal at the base of the absorption
column is maintained by, if necessary, adjustment of control valve C4.
6. After 15 minutes or so of steady operation, take samples of gas
simultaneously from sample points S1 and S2. Analyze this consecutively for
carbon dioxide content in these gas samples as shown in the accompanying
sketch and following notes.
7. Flush the sample lines by repeated sucking from the line, using the gas piston
and expelling the contents of the cylinder to the atmosphere. Note that the
volume of the cylinder is about 100 ml. Estimate the volume of the tube
leading to the device. Then decide how many times you need to suck and
expel.
8. With the absorption glove isolated and vent to the atmosphere closed, fill the
cylinder from the selected line by drawing the piston out slowly (Step B).
Note volume taken into cylinder V1, which should be approximately 20 ml for
this particular experiment (See Warning note below). Wait at least two
minutes to allow the gas to come to the temperature of the cylinder.
9. Isolate the cylinder from the column and the absorption glove and vent the
cylinder to atmospheric pressure. Close after 10 seconds (Step D).
10. Connect cylinder to absorption glove. The liquid level should not change. If it
does not change, briefly open to atmosphere again.
11. Wait until the level in the indicator tube is on zero showing that the pressure
in the cylinder is atmospheric.
12. Slowly close the piston to empty the cylinder into the absorption glove.
Slowly draw the piston out again (Steps E and F). Note the level in the
 indicator tube. Repeat steps E and F until no significant change in level
occurs. Read the indicator tube marking = V. the represents the volume of the
gas sampled.
13. Repeat the experiments for trials 2 and 3.

VI. Results and Discussion

Readings at Inlet Readings at Outlet

Trial From Hempl Apparatus From Hempl Apparatus

From Flowmeter
Number and Sample Pt. S and Sample Pt. S

F3 (L/min) F2 (L/min) V1 (mL) V2 (mL) V1 (mL) V2 (mL)

1 10 20 40 0.9 40 0.8

2 10 20 60 1.0 60 1.1

3 10 20 80 1.3 80 1.4

Nomenclature:
F3 = flowrate of carbon dioxide
F2 = flowrate of air
V1 = volume of gas taken in Hempl apparatus
V2 = amount of gas absorbed in Hempl apparatus

VII. Conclusion
Based on the results from the experimental data obtained, the mass transfer of the
solute CO2 to its solvent water in the down coming tube was higher than that of the
mass transfer in the sump tank. It was confirmed with its mole fraction. The mass
transfer coefficient in liquid phase and gas phase is inversely proportional to the
difference in its bulk mole fractions to its interface mole fractions.
VIII. References

GEANKOPLIS, C. J. Principles of Transport Processes and Separation Processes,

4th Edition, Prentice Hall, New Jersey (2003). pp: 636-644.