CHEM ENG 3036: Unit Operation laboratory

SP2 : Gas Absorption

Gas Absorption (SP2)

A IM

The dependence of mass transfer coefficient on liquid and gas rates in a packed
column is to be investigated.

T HEORETICAL N OTES

The transfer of a solute across a differential area of gas-liquid interface is

usually described by equation (1).

dN = Ky(y - y*) .dA = -Kx(x-x*).dA (1)

If the phase flow rates are denoted L and V mol/s, the number of moles
transferred is given by equation (2).

dN = -d(Lx) (2)

However, the change in liquid flow rate will be small.

dN = -Ldx (3)

Combining (1) and (3) :

-Kx(x - x*).dA = -Ldx

Or
Kx(x* - x)S a dh = -Ldx

Integrating from 0 to Z and x1 to x2 gives:

⎡x*-x ⎤ ⎡∆x ⎤
Z ⎢ 2⎥ 2⎥
Kx.S.a = In ⎢ * ⎥ = In ⎢ (4)
L ⎣x -x1⎦ ⎣∆x1⎦

The total number of moles transferred may be calculated as:

N = L(x1 - x2)

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CHEM ENG 3036: Unit Operation laboratory
SP2 : Gas Absorption

Ky.S.a.Z.(x1-x2)
= ⎡∆x ⎤
2⎥
In ⎢
⎣∆x1⎦

= Kxa.S.Z.∆xLM (5)

Finally, the liquid mole fraction in equilibrium with the vapour phase may be
calculated using Henry's law (equation (6)).

y.P = H.x* (6)

Using equations (5) and (6), Kxa may be calculated.

For absorption of pure gases, there is no gas-flow resistance, so kxA = Kxa,

where kx is the liquid film coefficient. How does kxa vary with liquid and gas
rates? How do your results compare with published values?

E XPERIMENTAL

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CHEM ENG 3036: Unit Operation laboratory
SP2 : Gas Absorption

FIGURE 1: Experimental Arrangement

A glass column packed with ceramic intalox saddles is used to absorb pure
carbon dioxide gas into water.

N OMENCLATURE

A interface area m2
a wetted area of packing m2.m-3
H Henry's Law Constant for the solute atm
h packing height m
Kx overall transfer coefficient (Gas) mol.m-2.s-1
Ky overall transfer coefficient (Liquid) mol.m-2.s-1
L liquid phase flow rate mol.s-1
N number of moles of solute transferred mol
P pressure atm
S cross-sectional area of the column m2
V gas phase flow rate mol.s-1
x solute mole fraction in liquid phase
x* equilibrium solute mole fraction in liquid phase
y solute mole fraction in gas phase
y* equilibrium solute mole fraction in gas phase
∆xlm log-mean driving force

Subscripts

1 refers to the bottom of the column

2 refers to the top of the column

R EFERENCE

Foust, A.S., Wenzel, L.A., Clump, C.W., Maus, L.; Anderson, L.B. Principles of
Unit Operations, 2nd ed., John Wiley and Sons, Chapt. 16.