Gas Absorption

A Research Study Presented to the

Faculty of the Department of Chemical Engineering
School of Engineering and Architecture
Saint Louis University

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

By
Liis, Nemuel Cyzar F.
Sario, Glen G.
Alindayo, Aimee C.
Felipe, Leica Jane G.
Juganas, Jasmin – Clary C.
Ramos, Kathrynne L.

September 2019

i
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Gas Absorption ..................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................................... ii

LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................. iii

LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................... iv

ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................ v

Chapter 1: Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1

Chapter 2: Design and Methodology .................................................................................. 3

Chapter 3: Results and Discussion ...................................................................................... 3

Chapter 4: Conclusion and Recommendation..................................................................... 8

REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 10

APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 12

APPENDIX A: List and Uses of Apparatus ................................................................. 12

APPENDIX B: Definition of Terms ............................................................................. 13

APPENDIX C: Computations ....................................................................................... 14

APPENDIX D: Documentation .................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX E: Answer to Questions ............................................................................ 19

APPENDIX F: Graphs .................................................................................................. 21

ii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 3.1 Gas Absorption at Dry Column .........................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 3.2 Gas Absorption at Wet Column .......................................................................... 6

iii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Typical Packed Tower Packings: (a) Raschig ring, (b) Lessing ring, (c) Berl

Saddle, (d) Pall ring (Geankoplis C.J.,1993) .....................Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 1.2 Generalized Correlation for Pressure Drop in Packed Columns (Eckert, Chem.

Eng. Prog., 66(3), 39 (1970)) .............................................................................................. 2

Figure 2.1 Schematic Diagram of Air Pressure at Dry Column ......................................... 3

Figure 2.2 Schematic Diagram of Air Pressure at different Water Flow rates ................... 4

Figure 2.3 Schematic Diagram of Air pressure at Wet column .......................................... 4

Figure D.1 The Gas/Liquid Absorption column ............................................................... 15

Figure D.2 The Researchers measuring the manometer. .................................................. 16

Figure D.3 The Researcher controlling the air flow of the absorption column ............... 16

Figure D.4 The Researcher controlling the water flow of the absorption column ........... 17

Figure D.5 The Researchers controlling the parameters of the absorption column.......... 17

Figure D.6 The Researchers reading the parameters of the absorption column. .............. 18

Figure F.1 Pressure Differential as a function of Gas Flow rate. ..................................... 21

Figure F.2 Pressure Differential as a function of Gas Flow rate ..... Error! Bookmark not

defined.

iv
 ABSTRACT

THIS EXPERIMENTAL STUDY IS ALL ABOUT ABSORPTION. THIS

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY AIMS TO DETERMINE THE AIR PRESSURE
DIFFERENTIAL ACROSS THE DRY COLUMN AS A FUNCTION OF
FLOWRATE AND TO ESTABLISH THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE AIR
PRESSURE DROP ACROSS A WET PACKED COLUMN AS A FUNCTION OF
AIR FLOW RATE AND COMPARE IT WITH RESULTS OBTAINED IN A DRY
COLUMN. THE GRAPH SHOWS A LINEAR RELATIONSHIP WHICH
IMPLIES THAT AS THE PRESSURE DROP INCREASES THE AIR FLOW
RATE ALSO INCREASES. THE RESULTS OBTAINED WITH A DRY
COLUMN AND WET PACKED COLUMN; THE PRESSURE DROP OF AIR IS
HIGHER FOR WETTED COLUMN COMPARED TO DRY COLUMN BECAUSE
OF THE VOID SPACES IN THE PACKING MATERIAL IS FILLED WITH
WATER WHICH REDUCES THE CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA AVAILABLE
FOR AIR FLOW.

KEYWORDS: Absorption, Pressure, Air Flow, Water Flow

v
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Gas absorption is mass transfer operation where one or more species is removed

from a gaseous stream by dissolution in a liquid. The component that is extracted from the

gaseous stream is known as solute and the component that extracting the solute is known

as solvent. Carrier gas is the insoluble component present in the gas that is not absorbed by

the solvent. The transfer is based on the preferential solubility of solutes in the solvent (Gas

Absorption and Desorption, n.d.).

Packed towers are used for continuous countercurrent contacting of gas and liquid

in absorption (Geankoplis, 1993). The mechanism in packed tower is the gas and liquid

phases flows counter – currently where they interact on the packings interface. The liquid

flows in downward direction, over the surface of the packing, whereas the gas flows

through the space or voids of the packings in upward direction. The gas flow is driven by

pressure while the liquid flow is driven by the gravity force. The gas undergoes pressure

drop due to the liquid occupied some part of the open space and voids of the packing. Thus,

reducing the area available for the gas to flow. If the packing is dry with no liquid feed,

then maximum flow gas is available. The pressure differential increases as the liquid

flowrate into the tower increases

High flux will result in flooding. This occurrence happens at the upper limit of the

gas flow rate called flooding velocity since the liquid is blown out with the gas at the

flooding point. The gas start to hinder the liquid flow at loading point where accumulation

of liquid start appearing in the packing. Low flux will be resulting in channeling or

1
weeping. There are two types of packings types which is random and structured.

Figure 1.1 Typical Packed Tower Packings: (a) Raschig ring, (b) Lessing ring, (c) Berl

Saddle, (d) Pall ring (Geankoplis C.J.,1993)

One of the oldest specially manufactured types of random packings are Raschig

rings and still in general use. (Separation Columns (Distillation, Absorption and

Extraction)). They provide a large surface area within the volume of the column for the

interaction between liquid and gas. They also enhance the contact time between liquid and

gas. (iitb.vlab.co.in, 2011) The generalized correlation for pressure drops in packed column

(Eckert, 1970).

Figure 1.2 Generalized Correlation for Pressure Drop in Packed Columns (Eckert,

Chem. Eng. Prog., 66(3), 39 (1970))

2
 Chapter 2

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This experiment aims to air pressure differential across the dry column as function

of the air flow rate, and to calculate the rate of absorption carbon dioxide into water form

analysis of liquid solutions flowing down the absorption tower. The approach applied in

this experiment was an experimental and qualitative design. To conduct this experiment, it

was aided with Gas absorption column with CO Cylinder.

2

For the procedure of this experiment, a schematic diagram is shown below:

A. Air Pressure at Dry Column

Figure 2.1.: Schematic Diagram of Air pressure at dry column

3
B. Air Pressure at Different Water flow rates

Figure 2.2.: Schematic Diagram of Air pressure at Different Water flow rates

C. Air Pressure at Wet Column

Figure 2.3.: Schematic Diagram of Air pressure at Wet column

4
 Chapter 3

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The experiment Gas Absorption-Pressure Drop Measurement objective was to determine

the relationship of pressure differential across the dry column and wet column relative to

the air flowrate assigned for each group.

Table 3.1 Gas Absorption at Dry Column

Air Flow Rate, L/min Air Mass Flow Rate, Pressure Differential,
kg/m2s mmH2O
40 0.1789 1.2
60 0.2683 1.6
80 0.3578 2.8
100 0.4472 4.2
120 0.5367 5.0
140 0.6261 5.8
160 0.7156 6.2

Dry Column
10
Pressure Differential, mm

1
0.1 1
Gx, kg/m2s

Figure F.1 Pressure Differential as a function of Gas Flowrate

Table 3.1 presents the data recorded for the gas absorption at dry column. The

logarithm of the pressure differential and gas mass flowrate were computed and plotted

as shown in Figure F.1. It is noticeable that increase in the air flowrate resulted to higher

5
pressure differential. The log-log graph shows a linear relationship between the two

variables.

Table 3.2 Gas Absorption at Wet Column

Water Flow Rate, Air Flow Rate, Air Mass Flow Pressure
L/min L/min Rate, kg/m2s Differential,
mmH2O
20 0.0894 1
40 0.1789 4.4
2 60 0.2683 6.2
80 0.3578 11.1
100 0.4472 16
20 0.0894 3.2
40 0.1789 5.2
3 60 0.2683 7.2
80 0.3578 13
100 0.4472 19.4
20 0.0894 4.1
40 0.1789 6.1
4 60 0.2683 8.3
80 0.3578 15.3
100 0.4472 50

Wet Column
100
Pressure Differential, mm

10 2 L/min
3 L/min
4 L/min

1
0.05 0.5
Gx, kg/m2s

Figure F.2 Pressure Differential as a function of Gas Flow rate

Table 3.2 shows the data recorded for the gas absorption at wet column. This was

achieved by wetting the packings by incorporating water in the system, with different

6
flowrates. For each water flowrate, different air flowrates were used to better observe the

behavior of pressure for each given condition. At constant air flowrate and increasing water

flowrate, the pressure differential was also increasing. Meanwhile, at constant water

flowrate and increasing air flowrate, the pressure differential has the same response as to

the dry column. Moreover, when the one variable was maintained constant, the system

reached a limiting condition for which countercurrent flow is not already achievable. This

occurrence is also called flooding.

From the data collected, it could be seen that pressure differential at the wetted

column was greater than that of the dry column. At the dry column, the air could move

almost freely through the voids but with the introduction of water to the system, the surface

area for which the air could move freely was reduced. The restriction of flow caused by

the water results to a greater force exerted by the gas, thus, the increase in pressure

differential.

In Figure F.2, steep lines are observed at higher air mass flowrate. This represents

the occurrence of liquid holdup. When the flowrate of air is being increased, the flow of

water is also being restricted. Liquid holdup happens when the air flowrate is high enough

that water is kept in one part of the column.

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 Chapter 4

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

In this experiment, gas absorption-pressure drop measurement was performed to

determine the air pressure across the dry column as a function of air flow rate and to

establish the relationship of the air pressure drop across a wet packed column as a function

of air flow rate.

From the data gathered in the measurement of air pressure using dry column with

varying air flow rates at 40,60, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 L/min, the graph shows a linear

relationship which implies that as the pressure drop increases the air flow rate also

increases.

The data is obtained in the measurement of air pressure with liquid flowing in the

column which indicates that the void spaces in the packing are filled with water which

makes the gas to flow in a reduced available cross-sectional area. The air pressure is

determined with varying air flow rates of 20, 40, 60 80 and 100 L/min at different water

flow rate of 2, 3, and 4 L/min. From the graph, it also shows a linear relationship which

implies that as the pressure drop increases the air flow rate also increases.

With these results obtained with a dry column and wet packed column, the pressure

drop of air is higher for wetted column compared to dry column because of the void spaces

in the packing material is filled with water which reduces the cross-sectional area available

for air flow.

In order to avoid erroneous data, it is recommended to strictly and carefully follow

the procedures in the manual. In performing across the dry column, the column must be

completely dry to avoid inaccuracy in the determination of air pressure differential while

8
in performing across a wet packed column; it is advised to drain the water completely

before measuring the air pressure drop.

9
 REFERENCES

Gas Absorption And Desorption. (n.d.). Retrieved 20 April, 2018, from Separation

Processes: http://www.separationprocesses.com/Absorption/GA_Chp03.htm

Geankoplis, C. J. (1993). Transport Processes and Unit Operations (Edition 3 ed.).

Minnesota, United States of America: Prentice-Hall International, Inc. Retrieved 20

April, 2018

Ajibola, B. K. (2010). Optimization of Flooding in an Absorption/Desorption Unit

Retrieved from

https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/20671/Balogun_Kamorudeen.pdf?s

equence=1&isAllowed=y

Packed Absorption Column. (2007, June 20). Retrieved October 31, 2019, from

https://www.chemicalforums.com/index.php?topic=17929.0.

Engineering Teaching & Research Equipment - Armfield . (2019). Retrieved from HEAT

AND MASS TRANSFER UNIT OPERATIONS:

http://discoverarmfield.com/en/products/view/uop7mkii/gas-absorption-column

toppr. (n.d.). Retrieved from What is Pressure? Definition, Formula, Unit, Examples:

https://www.toppr.com/guides/physics/force-and-pressure/introduction-to-pressure

Wikipedia. (2014). Retrieved from Absorption:

https://simple.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absorption

Wikipedia. (2019, August 23). Retrieved from Airflow:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airflow

10
Wikipedia. (2019). Retrieved from What is volume flow rate?:

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/physics/fluids/fluid-dynamics/a/what-is-

volume-flow-rate

11
 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

List and Uses of Apparatus

A. Liquid/Gas Absorption column- The gas absorption column is a scale unit

designed to study hydrodynamic and absorption processes in packed columns.

This system absorbs ammonia or CO2 from a mixture with air in a watery

solution that descends along the column.

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 APPENDIX B

Definition of Terms

A. Absorption- Absorption is a condition in which something takes in another

substance. It is a physical or chemical phenomenon or process, in which atoms,

molecules, or ions enter in the inner part of a gas, liquid, or solid material.

B. Pressure- Pressure is defined as the physical force exerted on an object. The force

applied is perpendicular to the surface of objects per unit area.

C. Air Flow- Airflow, or air flow is the movement of air from one area to another.

The primary cause of airflow is the existence of pressure gradients. Air behaves in

a fluid manner, meaning particles naturally flow from areas of higher pressure to

those where the pressure is lower.

D. Water Flow- The volume flow rate of a fluid is defined to be the volume of fluid

that is passing through a given cross sectional area per unit time. It used to describe

the area through which something is flowing, e.g., the circular area inside the

dashed line in the diagram below.

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 APPENDIX C

Computations

ρ water = 1000 kg/m3 Hc =1.46 m

ρ air = 1.1855 kg/m3 Ac = 4.4179 x 10-3 m2
µ water= 1 x 10-3 Pa s Packing Factor = 420 m3/m2
Dc = 7.5 cm = 0.75 m ε = 0.6

GAS FLOWRATE, 𝑮𝒚
𝑮𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝝆𝒂𝒊𝒓
𝑮𝒚 =
𝑨𝑪
𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔
40 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1000 𝐿)( 60 𝑠 )(1.1855 3 )
𝐺𝑦1 = 𝑚 = 0.1789 𝑘𝑔⁄
−3
4.4179 × 10 𝑚 2 𝑚2 𝑠
𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔
60 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1000 𝐿)( 60 𝑠 )(1.1855 3 )
𝐺𝑦2 = 𝑚 = 0.2683 𝑘𝑔⁄
−3
4.4179 × 10 𝑚 2 𝑚2 𝑠
𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔
80 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1000 𝐿)( 60 𝑠 )(1.1855 3 )
𝐺𝑦3 = 𝑚 = 0.3578 𝑘𝑔⁄
−3
4.4179 × 10 𝑚 2 𝑚2 𝑠

LIQUID FLOWRATE, 𝑮𝒙
𝑮𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝝆𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓
𝑮𝒙 =
𝑨𝑪
𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔
2 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1000 𝐿)( 60 𝑠 )(1000 3 )
𝐺𝑥1 = 𝑚 = 7.5451 𝑘𝑔⁄
−3
4.4179 × 10 𝑚 2 𝑚2 𝑠
𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔
3 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1000 𝐿) ( 60 𝑠 ) (1000 3 )
𝑚 𝑘𝑔
𝐺𝑥2 = 11.3176 ⁄𝑚2 𝑠
4.4179 × 10−3 𝑚2
𝐿 1 𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑔
4 𝑚𝑖𝑛 (1000 𝐿)( 60 𝑠 )(1000 3 ) 𝑘𝑔
𝐺𝑥3 = 𝑚 = 15.0901 ⁄𝑚2 𝑠
4.4179 × 10−3 𝑚2

14
 APPENDIX D

Documentation

Figure D.2: The Gas/Liquid Absorption column

15
 Figure D.3: The Researchers measuring the manometer.

Figure D.4: The Researcher controlling the air flow of the absorption column.
16
 Figure D.5: The Researcher controlling the water flow of the absorption column

Figure D.6: The Researchers controlling the parameters of the absorption column.

17
Figure D.7: The Researchers reading the parameters of the absorption column.

18
 APPENDIX E

Answer to Questions

1. What causes the difference between the dry and wet column pressure drop at fixed

conditions?

The pressure drop across a dry column is lower as compared to that of a wet column

due to lower friction with the absence of water. When the packings are wet, the gravitational

force of water and the opposite force of the gas moving in an upward direction affects the

pressure differential in a wet column.

Another factor that may affect the difference between the pressure differential in a

dry and wet column is the pore space cross-sectional area. In dry conditions, the cross-

sectional area in the packing material is larger. With the addition of water, the available cross-

sectional pore area may be reduced. Therefore, gases attempting to push through a smaller

area create a larger pressure differential.

2. In case the column is operated at maximum loading, what will be the effect of a decrease

in the Gx/Gy ratio during operation? What will be the effect of an increase in the liquid

viscosity? How can those trends be explained?

If the liquid-to-gas ratio decreases in a column operating at maximum loading, the

column becomes flooded with the liquid. To optimize a column’s efficiency, it is desired to

operate close to flooding conditions. However, flooding causes a dramatic increase in pressure

differential which results in an inefficient operation and may potentially damage the

equipment.

19
 An increase in viscosity of the liquid would require more energy to be moved by

means of mechanical force and this would also require an increase in the gas flowrate for mass

mechanics to occur. Additionally, an increase in viscosity would result in a greater pressure

drop as the cross-sectional pore area decreases.

In conclusion, flooding and an increase in viscosity cause a dramatic increase in

pressure differential. Both these factors would result in an inefficient operation of the column

and may potentially damage the equipment used. Therefore, it is advised to control these

parameters to increase efficiency and avoid damaging the equipment.

20
 APPENDIX F

Graphs

Dry Column
10
Pressure Differential, mm

1
0.1 1
Gx, kg/m2s

Figure F.8 Pressure Differential as a function of Gas Flow rate

Wet Column
100
Pressure Differential, mm

10 2 L/min
3 L/min
4 L/min

1
0.05 0.5
Gx, kg/m2s

Figure F.9 Pressure Differential as a function of Gas Flow rate

21