SCHOOL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITI SAINS MALAYSIA

SEMESTER II, ACADEMIC SESSION 2021/2022

EKC 217 – Mass Transfer

Problem Based Learning (PBL) – Assignment 2

PREPARED BY:
ONG JENN SEU (153835)
ALICIA CHIN YING JIE (153071)
ELMO GALVEZ CASTRO (154454)
NG JIA WEN (153729)

PREPARED FOR:
PROFESOR IR. DR. ZAINAL BIN AHMAD

SUBMISSION DATE:
10TH JULY 2022
 Table of Contents

1.0 Methodology.................................................................................................. 1

2.0 Result and Discussion .................................................................................... 5

3.0 Conclusion ...................................................................................................... 5

4.0 References.................................................................................................... 13

5.0 Appendix ...................................................................................................... 15

1.0 Methodology

1.1 Assumptions for calculation

The following assumptions were made prior to calculation:

1. The inlet gas flow is a dilute mixture (2% hydrogen sulfide) and water used is pure
solvent in packed column with 1-in Raschig ring.
2. The flow rate of non-diffusing vapor (methane) and liquid (water) is constant.
3. Methane co-absorption by water does not happen during the process.
4. Film coefficients k’ya and k’xa are approximately equal to kya and kxa and are not
affected by mole fraction of hydrogen sulfide and flow rates.
5. The gas mixture of methane and hydrogen sulfide is an ideal gas whereas hydrogen
sulfide forms ideal solution when dissolving in water.

1.2 Finding of values of film coefficient k’ya and k’xa

To calculate the height of absorption column, the value of k’ya and k’xa are required. k’ya and
k’xa are the film coefficient which are expressed in the unit of kgmol/s.m3.mol fraction. For a
dilute mixture or low concentration of solute in the gas phase, these coefficients are essentially
constant. It is difficult to determine film coefficient without carrying out experiment using
wetted-wall tower. However, Geankoplis et al. (2018) suggested that a correlation of liquid
and gas film height of transfer unit can be used to approximate film coefficient k’ya and k’xa
for column height determination in subsequent calculation. This can be seen in Equation 1 and
Equation 3 with assumption that Raschig ring 1-in is used as packing. In Equation 1 and
Equation 3, Schmidt number or NSc can be calculated using density and viscosity extracted
from NIST data and diffusivity of hydrogen sulfide in methane and water can be determined
from Chapman-Enskog Equation (for diffusivity in gas) and Fuller’s Equation (for diffusivity
in water). Mass velocity Gx and Gy can be determined using the flow rate of methane and water
in the column and column cross-sectional area given, which is 5 m2. After determining height
of transfer unit, Equation 2 and Equation 4 are used to calculate film coefficient k’ya and k’xa.

𝐻𝐺 = 0.557 𝐺𝑦 0.32 𝐺𝑥 −0.51 𝑁𝑆𝑐 0.5 (1) 𝑉 (2)

𝑘′𝑦 𝑎 =
𝐻𝐺 𝑆
𝐺𝑥 0.22 (3) 𝐿 (4)
𝐻𝐿 = (2.35 ∗ 10 −3 )
( ) 𝑁𝑆𝑐 0.5 𝑘′𝑥 𝑎 =
𝜇𝐿 𝐻𝐿 𝑆

1
1.3 Simplified Design Method based on k’ya and k’xa

Since the values of mole fraction x1, y1, x2 and y2 were found through mass balance at
1.3 times the minimum flow rate of water as solvent, these values are then applied to the
calculation afterwards. The slope of the line which connects a point from the operating line to
the equilibrium line can be obtained through Equation 5. The interface value which is the
intersection point of this line and the equilibrium line are then obtained. For first iteration, the
value of x1 and y1 are used as in Equation 6. After getting the slope, a line is drawn from (x1,
y1) until it touches the equilibrium line. The intersection point (xi1, yi1) is obtained. For the
second iteration, the value of (1-x)iM and (1-y)iM are calculated by using the Equation 7 and
Equation 8. The values of (1-x)iM and (1 - y)iM are used to find the slope using Equation 5,
and a similar value to the first iteration will be obtained. Usually, for low concentration of gas
mixture, the values obtained for first iteration is sufficient and the second trial is not necessary.
The step is then repeated by using point (x2, y2) to find the slope, and the intersection point (xi2,
yi2) between the line and the equilibrium line is obtained.

After that, the value of y1, y2, yi1 and yi2 are substituted into the equation Equation 9.
Now, all the values required to find the column height are obtained. Therefore, Equation 10 is
applied to calculate the value of column height, z, where V is molar flow rate of gas and S is
cross sectional area of packed tower. If we wish to calculate the column height by using k’xa,
the similar steps can be applied by using the Equation 11. x1, x2, xi1 and xi2 are required in this
case. Equation 12 is then applied, where L is molar flow rate of liquid and S is cross sectional
area of packed tower. Both k’ya and k’xa were used to determine packed column height as we
need to verify the column height calculated from various methods.
′ /(1 − 𝑥) ′ /(1 − x)
−𝑘𝑥𝑎 𝑖𝑀 (5) −𝑘𝑥𝑎 (6)
𝑚= ′ /(1 − 𝑦) 𝑚= ′ /(1 − y)
−𝑘𝑦𝑎 𝑖𝑀 −𝑘𝑦𝑎
(1 − 𝑥1 ) − (1 − 𝑥𝑖1 ) (7) (1 − 𝑦𝑖1 ) − (1 − 𝑦1 ) (8)
(1 − 𝑥)𝑖𝑀 = (1 − 𝑦)𝑖𝑀 =
ln[(1 − 𝑥1 )/(1 − 𝑥𝑖1 )] ln[(1 − 𝑦𝑖1 )/(1 − 𝑦1 )]
(𝑦1 − 𝑦𝑖1 ) − (𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑖2 ) (9) 𝑉 ′ ( )( (10)
(𝑦 − 𝑦𝑖 )𝑀 = (𝑦 − 𝑦2 ) = 𝑘𝑦𝑎 𝑧 𝑦 − 𝑦𝑖 )𝑀
ln[(𝑦1 − 𝑦𝑖1 )/(𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑖2 )] 𝑆 1
(𝑥𝑖1 − 𝑥1 ) − (𝑥𝑖2 − 𝑥2 ) (11) 𝐿 ′ (𝑧)(𝑥 − 𝑥) (12)
(𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥)𝑀 = (𝑥 − 𝑥2 ) = 𝑘𝑥𝑎
ln[(𝑥𝑖1 − 𝑥1 )/(𝑥𝑖2 − 𝑥2 )] 𝑆 1 𝑖 𝑀

2
1.4 Validation of Column Height Using No. of Transfer Unit based on HOG and HOL

The height of the column can also be obtained by using the method of transfer units. In
this method, the column height can be evaluated based on gas phase or liquid phase. The
column height, z can be calculated by using the formula 𝑧 = 𝑁 × 𝐻, where N refers to the
number of transfer unit (NTU) which is dimensionless. H is the height of transfer unit (HTU)
with dimension of length. NTU is the measure of the difficulty of separation while HTU is the
measure of the effectiveness of separation by the particular packings. NTU is also similar to
the number of theoretical trays required in the trayed column, so a high purity product will
require a larger number of transfer units for a more complete separation to take place. HTU
incorporates the mass transfer coefficients, and the higher the efficiency of the mass transfer,
the smaller the value of HTU.

For gas phase, the equation 𝑧 = 𝑁𝑂𝐺 × 𝐻𝑂𝐺 is applied. First, the overall mass transfer
1 1 𝑚
coefficient, K’ya should be computed by using the formula 𝐾′ = 𝑘′ + 𝑘′ 𝑎. Next, the value
𝑦𝑎 𝑦𝑎 𝑥

(𝑦1 −𝑦1 ∗)−(𝑦2 −𝑦2 ∗)

of (y-y*)LM is obtained through the equation (𝑦 − 𝑦 ∗)𝐿𝑀 = (𝑦 −𝑦 ∗) , where y1* is the
ln [ (𝑦1 −𝑦1 ∗) ]
2 2

mole fraction of solute in vapor that is in equilibrium with the liquid of mole fraction x1 and
y2* is mole fraction of solute in vapor that is in equilibrium with the liquid of mole fraction x2 .
These values can be obtained through the equilibrium line obtained. Then, the number of
1 2 𝑦 −𝑦
transfer unit is found through the equation 𝑁𝑂𝐺 = (𝑦−𝑦∗) . The height of transfer unit, HOG
𝐿𝑀

𝑉
will then be calculated based on the formula 𝐻𝑂𝐺 = 𝐾′ . The values of NTU is then
𝑦𝑎 𝑆

multiplied by HTU to find the value of z.

For liquid phase, similar steps are repeated with different parameters. For liquid phase,
we have 𝑧 = 𝑁𝑂𝐿 × 𝐻𝑂𝐿 . The overall mass transfer coefficient, K’xa is computed by using the
1 1 1 (𝑥1 ∗−𝑥1 )−(𝑥2 ∗−𝑥2 )
formula = 𝑘′ + 𝑚𝑘′ 𝑎 . Next, the equation (𝑥 − 𝑥 ∗)𝐿𝑀 = (𝑥 ∗−𝑥 ) is applied,
𝐾′𝑥 𝑎 𝑥 𝑎 𝑦 ln [ (𝑥1 ∗−𝑥1 ) ]
2 2

where x1* is the mole fraction of solute in liquid that is in equilibrium with the vapour of mole
fraction y1 and x2* is mole fraction of solute in liquid that is in equilibrium with the vapour of
mole fraction y2. The number of transfer unit can then be obtained through the formula 𝑁𝑂𝐿 =
𝑥1 −𝑥2 𝐿
. After that, the height of transfer unit, HTU is obtained through 𝐻𝑂𝐿 = 𝐾′ and
(𝑥∗−𝑥)𝐿𝑀 𝑥𝑎 𝑆

finally the NTU is multiplied by HTU to find the column height.

3
1.5 Graphical Method

To find the number of stages required for plate column, graphical method can be
utilized to construct the x-y plots for the equilibrium relation for H2S in the gas-liquid mixture.
Before plotting the graph, we set y1 = 0.02 as composition of H2S in inlet gas flow, y2 = 0.0001
as maximum allowable composition of H2S in outlet gas flow, x2 = 0 for inlet liquid flow since
pure water solvent is used and x1 as composition of H2S in outlet liquid flow.

To obtain the x-y plot, The composition of gas and liquid phases of the 2-component
system can be represented in a graph. In the graph, there will be a straight line known as
equilibrium curve, and an operating line which is usually a curve line. However, if x and y are
very dilute, the denominators 1-x and 1-y will be close to 1, which results in an approximately
straight line with a slope of L/V for the operating line (Geankoplis et al., 2018). From the plot,
we can determine the number of stages required for the separation by constructing a staircase
that alternates between the operating line and equilibrium curve. It is started at (x 2, y2) and
stops at a terminal point, (x1, y1). The number of stages required for the separation can be
observed from the plot, which is equal to the number of vertical lines drawn between the
operating line and equilibrium curve.

1.6 Verification Using Analytical Method (Kremser Equation) and Aspen Plus

The Number of Stages calculated by Kremser-Brown-Souders Equation formula is

defined as the calculation for number of stages for dilute systems having straight operating line
in absorption algebraically. For our process, the composition of the gas and liquid is very dilute,
so in this case the operating line and equilibrium curve are both straight. Hence, the number of
theoretical stages required for a complete separation to take place can also be calculated by
using the Kremser Equation.
𝑦 −𝑚𝑥
ln [(𝑦1 −𝑚𝑥2 )(1−1⁄𝐴)+(1⁄𝐴)] 𝐿
2 2
For absorption, the equation applied is 𝑁 = , where 𝐴 =
𝑙𝑛𝐴 𝑚𝑉

is the absorption factor which is assumed constant. Noted that m is the Henry’s Law constant,
which is equal to the slope of the equilibrium line.

4
2.0 Result and Discussion

2.1 Summary of design of packed and plate column

Table 2.1 shows the height of packed column calculated using four different methods, which
are, simplified design method based on gas film coefficient, simplified design method based
on liquid film coefficient, number of transfer unit method with overall mass transfer coefficient
based on gas film and number of transfer unit method with overall mass transfer coefficient
based on liquid film.

Table 2.1: Summary of packed column height calculated using different methods

Method used Packed column height, z (m)

Simplified Design Method based on k’y a 18.42
Simplified Design Method based on k’x a 18.38
No. of Transfer Unit Method based on HOG 18.43
No. of Transfer Unit Method based on HOL 18.37
Aspen Plus Verification 19.52

For the height of packed column required, we observe that there is a small error between
simplified design method with number of transfer unit method verification and aspen plus
verification at around 5.7%. This is due to the fact the mass transfer coefficient predicted using
correlation from Geankoplis (2018) and the mass transfer coefficient generated from Aspen
Plus might be different. Also, Aspen Plus takes the co-absorption of methane into account
during calculation and the outlet flow condition might be different. However, outlet
composition of hydrogen sulfide in the outlet gas flow is still lower than 0.01 mol%. Thus, we
can conclude that both simplified design method and number of transfer unit method provide
a good estimation to the height required for packed column with small error.

To scrutinize, column height indicates that packed column is suitable for operation since
Geankoplis (2018) state that the ratio of tower diameter to packing size must be 10 or greater.
For this operation, the ratio of tower diameter (2.523 m) to packing size is around 99.34. Thus,
it is proven that packed column in this design is suitable for operation, with the assumption of
column cross-sectional area of 5 m2 or diameter of 2.523 m.

5
Table 2.2 shows the number of stages required for plate column based on graphical method
and analytical method with Aspen Plus verification.

Table 2.2: Summary of plate column stages calculated using different methods

Method used No. of stages required for plate column

Graphical Method 16
Analytical Method (Kremser Equation) 16
Aspen Plus Verification 17

Based on Table 2.2, it is logical that the operation requires as many as 16 or 17 stages of plate
column as we absorb more hydrogen sulfide in methane to such high percentage of removal at
more than 99.5% and based on Figure 2.1, the gap between operating line and equilibrium line
tends to be narrower at the section with lower mole fraction of hydrogen sulfide.

For the number of stages required for plate column, almost all methods show the similar result
at between 16 and 17 stages. This shows that all methods for number of stages required for
plate column provides high accuracy results compared to the prediction of column height.
However, for Aspen Plus verification, the assumption that co-absorption of methane by water
does not occur is not applied. The result is based on the almost similar performance of the
column, which is, the mole fraction of hydrogen sulfide in the gas outlet is also lower than
0.0001 with minimum number of 17 stages although there are few amounts of methane being
absorbed into water. In fact, Thus, we can state that a plate column of between 16 and 17 stages
is valid for desired absorption to occur.

To decide the best column for the operation, it would be better to justify based on the literature.
Geankoplis (2018) states that diameter of random-packed tower should be 1.0 m or less and
diameter of plate tower should be more than 0.6 m. Since the diameter of column based on area
specified is 2.523 m, it would be better to use 17-stage plate tower for this operation.

6
2.2 Prediction of film coefficient

Table 2.3 shows properties of methane and water at 25oC and 35 atm extracted from NIST
(n.d.).

Table 2.3: Properties of methane and water at 25oC and 35 atm by NIST (n.d.)

Pressure (atm) 35
Temperature (oC) 25
Substances Methane Water
Viscosity (cP) 0.011668 0.88956
Density (kg/m3) 24.405 998.6
Molar mass (kg/kmol) 16.04 18.02

For the diffusivity of hydrogen sulfide in methane, Chapman-Enskog equation is used. To use
this equation, we interpolate or extract data of Lennard-Jones force constant, Boltzmann’s
constant, collision integral and average collision from McCabe et al (2005). σAB, ΩD, MA and
MB are average collision diameter between hydrogen sulfide and methane, collision integral,
molar mass of hydrogen sulfide and molar mass of methane, respectively. Average collision
diameter and collision integral has values of 3.6905 Å and 1.2313, respectively, based on
McCabe et al (2005).

0.001858 𝑇 1.5 𝑀𝐴 + 𝑀𝐵 0.5

𝐷𝐴𝐵 = 2 ( )
𝑃𝜎𝐴𝐵 𝛺𝐷 𝑀𝐴 𝑀𝐵

0.001858 (25 + 273)1.5 34.1 + 16.04 0.5

𝐷𝐴𝐵 = ( ) = 4.934 ∗ 10−7 𝑚2/𝑠
(35)(3.6905)2 (1.2313) (34.1)(16.04)

For the diffusivity of hydrogen sulfide in water, an equation suggested by Fuller et al. is used.
From McCabe et al. (2005), association parameter for water solvent, φ is 2.6 whereas molar
volume of hydrogen sulfide solute at normal boiling point, VA is 0.033 kg/kmol. MC and μC are
molar mass and viscosity of water solvent, respectively.

−16
(𝜑𝑀𝐶 )0.5 𝑇
𝐷𝐴𝐶 = 1.173 ∗ 10
𝜇𝐶 𝑽𝐴0.6

7
 −16
(2.6 ∗ 18.02)0.5(25 + 273)
𝐷𝐴𝐶 = 1.173 ∗ 10 = 2.074 ∗ 10−9 𝑚2 /𝑠
(0.88956 ∗ 10−3 )(0.033)0.6

For Schmidt number of gas, assume properties of pure methane since the concentration of
hydrogen sulfide is very low.

𝜇𝑣 0.011668 ∗ 10−3 𝑘𝑔/𝑚. 𝑠

𝑆𝑐𝑣 = = = 0.9690
𝜌𝑣 𝐷𝐴𝐵 (24.405 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 )(4.934 ∗ 10−7 𝑚2 /𝑠)

For Schmidt number of liquid, use properties of pure water.

𝜇𝑙 0.88956 ∗ 10−3 𝑘𝑔/𝑚. 𝑠

𝑆𝑐𝑙 = = = 429.52
𝜌𝑙 𝐷𝐴𝐶 (998.6 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 )(2.074 ∗ 10−9 𝑚2 /𝑠)

For mass velocity of gas,

𝑉𝑀𝐵 𝑉𝑀𝐵
𝐺𝑦 = 𝜌𝑣 𝑢𝑣 = 𝜌𝑣 ( )=
𝜌𝑣 𝑆 𝑆

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1ℎ 𝑘𝑔
(100 )( ) [(0.98)(16.04) + (0.02)(34.1) ]
ℎ 3600 𝑠 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐺𝑦 = = 0.0911 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 𝑚2
5 𝑚2

For mass velocity of liquid,

𝐿𝑀𝐶 𝐿𝑀𝐶
𝐺𝑥 = 𝜌𝑙 𝑢𝑙 = 𝜌𝑙 ( )=
𝜌𝑙 𝑆 𝑆

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1ℎ 𝑘𝑔
(71.539 ) (3600 𝑠) [18.02 ]
ℎ 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝐺𝑥 = = 0.0716 𝑘𝑔/𝑠 𝑚2
5 𝑚2

For height of transfer unit based on gas film,

𝐻𝐺 = 0.557 𝐺𝑦 0.32 𝐺𝑥 −0.51 𝑁𝑆𝑐 0.5 = 0.557 (0.0911)0.32 (0.0716)−0.51 (0.9690)0.5

= 0.9774 𝑚

For height of transfer unit based on liquid film,

𝐺𝑥 0.22 0.0716 0.22

𝐻𝐿 = (2.35 ∗ 10−3 ) ( ) 𝑁𝑆𝑐 0.5 = (2.35 ∗ 10−3) ( ) (429.52)0.5
𝜇𝐿 0.88956 ∗ 10−3
= 0.1279 𝑚

For film coefficient based on gas and liquid,

8
 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1ℎ
𝑉 (100 ) (3600 𝑠)
𝑘′𝑦 𝑎 = = ℎ = 0.005685 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑠 𝑚3
𝐻𝐺 𝑆 (0.9774 𝑚)(5 𝑚2)

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1ℎ
𝐿 (71.539 ) (3600 𝑠)
𝑘′𝑥 𝑎 = = ℎ = 0.031076 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑠 𝑚3
𝐻𝐿 𝑆 (0.1279 𝑚)(5 𝑚2 )

Film coefficients k’ya and k’xa have values of 0.005685 kmol/s m3 and 0.031076 kmol/s m3,
respectively.

2.3 Determination of column height using simplified design method

Based on minimum flow rate of water as solvent at 55.03 kmol/h, we can obtain the minimum
flow rate of water of 71.539 kmol/h by multiplying 55.03 kmol/h by 1.3. After that, we can
find the composition of hydrogen sulfide in liquid outlet.

𝑦1 𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥1
𝑉′ + 𝐿′ = 𝑉′ + 𝐿′
1 − 𝑦1 1 − 𝑥2 1 − 𝑦2 1 − 𝑥1

0.02 0 0.0001 𝑥1
(98) + (71.539) = (98) + (71.539)
1 − 0.02 1−0 1 − 0.0001 1 − 𝑥1

𝑥1 = 0.027067

To summarize the mass balance of absorption column, refer to Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Summary of mass balance of absorption column

Gas phase (Methane) Liquid phase (Water)

Inlet flow rate (kmol/hr) 100.000 71.539
Outlet flow rate (kmol/hr) 98.010 73.529
Mole fraction of inlet 0.020000 0.000000
Mole fraction of outlet 0.000100 0.027067
Inert flow rate (kmol/hr) 98 71.539
Column cross-sectional area (m2) 5
Equilibrium composition relations: y = 0.68x

9
For simplified design method based on gas film, first calculate the slope of the line from (x1,y1)
to a point in equilibrium line.

𝑘 ′ 𝑥 𝑎/(1 − 𝑥1 ) 0.031076/(1 − 0.027067)

𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 ≅ − ′ =− = −5.506
𝑘 𝑦 𝑎/(1 − 𝑦1 ) 0.005685/(1 − 0.02)

Using interpolation, we can find the equilibrium composition of xi1 = 0.027806 and yi1 =
0.015933. By using the equilibrium composition, we find the new equilibrium composition
with second iteration.

(1 − 𝑥1 ) − (1 − 𝑥𝑖1 ) (1 − 0.027067) − (1 − 0.027806)

(1 − 𝑥)𝑖𝑚 = = = 0.972564
ln [(1 − 𝑥1 )/(1 − 𝑥𝑖1)] ln [(1 − 0.027067)/(1 − 0.027806)]

(1 − 𝑦𝑖1 ) − (1 − 𝑦1 ) (1 − 0.015933) − (1 − 0.02)

(1 − 𝑦)𝑖𝑚 = = = 0.982032
ln [(1 − 𝑦𝑖1 )/(1 − 𝑦1 )] ln [(1 − 0.015933)/(1 − 0.02)]

𝑘 ′ 𝑥 𝑎/(1 − 𝑥1)𝑖𝑚 0.031076/(0.972564)

𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 ≅ − ′ =− = −5.520
𝑘 𝑦 𝑎/(1 − 𝑦1 )𝑖𝑚 0.005685/(0.982032)

From second interpolation, we found that xi1 = 0.027804 and yi1 = 0.015932. Since differences
between first and second iterations are small, the equilibrium composition is taken as final
value.

For xi2 and yi2, same method is employed as for xi1 and yi1. For the first iteration, we also need
to find slope from (x2,y2) to a point in the equilibrium line.

𝑘 ′ 𝑥 𝑎/(1 − 𝑥2 ) 0.031076/(1 − 0)
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 ≅ − = − = −5.466
𝑘 ′ 𝑦 𝑎/(1 − 𝑦2 ) 0.005685/(1 − 0.0001)

Using interpolation on the graph, we find the equilibrium composition of x i2 = 0.000017 and
yi2 = 0.000009. For second iteration, we also find the slope again.

(1 − 𝑥2 ) − (1 − 𝑥𝑖2) (1 − 0) − (1 − 0.000017)
(1 − 𝑥)𝑖𝑚 = = = 0.999992
ln [(1 − 𝑥2 )/(1 − 𝑥𝑖2 )] ln [(1 − 0)/(1 − 0.000017)]

(1 − 𝑦𝑖2 ) − (1 − 𝑦2 ) (1 − 0.000009) − (1 − 0.0001)

(1 − 𝑦)𝑖𝑚 = = = 0.999945
ln [(1 − 𝑦𝑖2 )/(1 − 𝑦2 )] ln [(1 − 0.000009)/(1 − 0.0001)]

𝑘 ′ 𝑥 𝑎/(1 − 𝑥2 )𝑖𝑚 0.031076/(0.999992)

𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 ≅ − ′
=− = −5.466
𝑘 𝑦 𝑎/(1 − 𝑦2 )𝑖𝑚 0.005685/(0.999945)

10
From second interpolation, we get the equilibrium composition of x i2 = 0.000017 and yi2 =
0.000009. Since the answer is the same as first iteration, the solution is converged completely
as taken as final answer.

To calculate the average flow rate of both liquid and gas phase, we use the following formula.

𝑉1 + 𝑉2 100 + 98.010
𝑉𝑎𝑣 = = = 99.005 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/ℎ𝑟
2 2

𝐿1 + 𝐿2 71.539 + 73.529
𝐿𝑎𝑣 = = = 72.534 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/ℎ𝑟
2 2

To find (y - yi)M.

(𝑦1 − 𝑦𝑖1 ) − (𝑦2 − 𝑦𝑖2 ) (0.02 − 0.015932) − (0.0001 − 0.000009)

(𝑦 − 𝑦𝑖 )𝑀 = =
𝑦1 − 𝑦𝑖1 0.02 − 0.015932
ln [𝑦 − 𝑦 ] ln [0.0001 − 0.000009]
2 𝑖2

(𝑦 − 𝑦𝑖 )𝑀 = 0.001045

Find the column height based on film coefficient of gas.

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1 ℎ𝑟
𝑉𝑎𝑣 (𝑦1 − 𝑦2 ) (99.005 ) (3600 𝑠) (0.02 − 0.0001)
𝑧= = ℎ𝑟 = 18.42 𝑚
𝑆 𝑘 ′ 𝑦 𝑎 (𝑦 − 𝑦𝑖 )𝑀 2 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
(5 𝑚 ) (0.005685 ) (0.001045)
𝑠 𝑚3

For simplified design method based on liquid film, find (xi - x)M.

(𝑥𝑖1 − 𝑥1) − (𝑥𝑖2 − 𝑥2 ) (0.027804 − 0.027067) − (0.000017 − 0)

(𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥)𝑀 = 𝑥 −𝑥 =
ln [𝑥𝑖1 − 𝑥1 ] 0.027804 − 0.027067
ln [ ]
𝑖2 2 0.000017 − 0
(𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥)𝑀 = 0.000191

Find the column height based on film coefficient of liquid.

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1 ℎ𝑟
𝐿𝑎𝑣 (𝑥1 − 𝑥2 ) (72.534 ) (3600 𝑠) (0.027067 − 0)
𝑧= = ℎ𝑟 = 18.38 𝑚
𝑆 𝑘 ′ 𝑥 𝑎 (𝑥𝑖 − 𝑥)𝑀 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
(5 𝑚2 ) (0.031076 (
) 0.000191 )
𝑠 𝑚3

From the calculation using both film coefficient based on gas film and liquid film, we obtain
tower height of 18.42 m and 18.38 m, respectively. Since the result is almost similar to each
other, the result is said to be valid and verified.

11
2.4 Verification of column height using number of transfer unit method

To calculate the column height using number of transfer unit based on HOG, first we know that
the average gas flow rate is 99.005 kmol/h. First, we compute the overall mass transfer
coefficient based on gas film.

1 1 𝑚
′
= ′ + ′
𝐾𝑦 𝑎 𝑘𝑦 𝑎 𝑘𝑥 𝑎

1 1 0.5730
= +
𝐾𝑦′ 𝑎 0.005685 0.031076

𝐾𝑦′ 𝑎 = 0.005146 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑚3 𝑠

Then, to calculate number of transfer unit based on gas film.

𝑦1 − 𝑦2
𝑁𝑂𝐺 =
(𝑦 − 𝑦 ∗ )𝑀
𝑦1 − 𝑦2 𝑦1 − 𝑦1 ∗
= ln ( )
(𝑦1 − 𝑦1 ∗ ) − (𝑦2 − 𝑦2 ∗ ) 𝑦2 − 𝑦2 ∗
0.02 − 0.0001 0.02 − 0.573(0.027067)
= ln ( )
(0.02 − 0.573(0.027067)) − (0.0001 − 0.573(0)) 0.0001 − 0.573(0)
𝑁𝑂𝐺 = 17.2435

After that, calculate the height of transfer unit based on gas film.

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1ℎ
𝑉𝑎𝑣 (99.005 ) (3600 𝑠)
𝐻𝑂𝐺 = ′ = ℎ = 1.0689 𝑚
𝐾𝑦 𝑎 𝑆 (0.005146 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 ) (5𝑚2 )
𝑚3 𝑠

By multiplying number of transfer unit and height of transfer unit based on gas film.

𝑧 = 𝑁𝑂𝐺 𝐻𝑂𝐺 = (17.2435)(1.0689 𝑚) = 18.43 𝑚

12
To calculate the column height using number of transfer unit based on HOL, first we know that
the average gas flow rate is 72.534 kmol/h. First, we compute the overall mass transfer
coefficient based on liquid film.

1 1 1
= +
𝐾𝑥′ 𝑎 𝑘𝑥′ 𝑎 𝑚𝑘𝑦′ 𝑎
1 1 1
′
= +
𝐾𝑥 𝑎 0.031076 (0.573)(0.005685)
𝐾𝑥′ 𝑎 = 0.002948 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙/𝑚3 𝑠
Then, to calculate number of transfer unit based on gas film.

𝑥1 − 𝑥2
𝑁𝑂𝐺 =
(𝑥 ∗ − 𝑥)𝑀
𝑥1 − 𝑥2 𝑥1 ∗ − 𝑥1
= ln ( )
(𝑥1 ∗ − 𝑥1) − (𝑥2∗ − 𝑥2 ) 𝑥2 ∗ − 𝑥2
0.02
0.027067 − 0 ( ) − 0.027067)
= ln ( 0.573 )
0.02 0.0001 0.0001
( ) − 0.027067) − ( − 0) −0
0.573 0.573 0.573
=13.4393
After that, calculate the height of transfer unit based on liquid film.

𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 1ℎ
𝐿𝑎𝑣 (72.534 )( )
𝐻𝑂𝐿 = ′ = ℎ 3600 𝑠 = 1.3669𝑚
𝐾𝑥 𝑎 𝑆 (0.002948 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙 ) (5𝑚2 )
𝑠 𝑚3
By multiplying number of transfer unit and height of transfer unit based on liquid film.

𝑧 = 𝑁𝑂𝐿 𝐻𝑂𝐿 = (13.4393)(1.3669 𝑚) = 18.37 𝑚

13
2.5 Determination of number of stages of plate column using graphical method

Figure 2.1 shows the calculation of the number of stages required by plate column using
graphical method. It is shown that around 15.6 or 16 stages are required for plate column to
carry such operation.

Figure 2.1: Number of stages of plate column using graphical method

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 c

2.6 Verification of number of stages of plate column using analytical method

For analytical method of number of stages of plate column, Kremser equation is used. First, we
calculate absorption factor.

𝐿1 73.529
𝐴1 = = = 1.2832
𝑚𝑉1 (0.5730)(100)

15
 𝐿2 71.539
𝐴2 = = = 1.2738
𝑚𝑉2 (0.5730)(98.010)

𝐴 = √𝐴1 𝐴2 = √(1.2832)(1.2738) = 1.2785

After that, absorption factor is applied to Kremser equation for final solution.
𝑦 − 𝑚𝑥0 1 1
ln ( 𝑁+1
𝑦1 − 𝑚𝑥0 (1 − 𝐴) + (𝐴))
𝑁=
𝑙𝑛𝐴
0.02 − 0.5730(0) 1 1
ln ( (1 − )+( ))
0.0001 − 0.5730(0) 1.2785 1.2785
=
𝑙𝑛1.2785
N = 15.4 stages or 16 stages
To summarize, based on analytical method, plate column requires 16 stages for the operation.

2.7 Verification of number of stages of plate column using Aspen Plus

For Aspen Plus verification, ABSBR model is used to simulate the absorption process specified.
Based on Figure 2.2, streams 1, 2, 3 and 4 are liquid inlet, liquid outlet, gas inlet and gas outlet,
respectively. By looking at the mole fraction of hydrogen sulfide or HYDRO-01 in stream 4,
it is shown that the mole fraction is lower than 0.01 mol%. This can be achieved by having a
plate column with 17 stages as shown in Figure 2.3. This result has only small error compared
to graphical and analytical methods. We can say that graphical and analytical methods give a
good estimation to the number of stages required for a plate column. Thus, the result of number
of stages was further verified.

Figure 2.2: Stream result of plate absorption column

16
 Units 1 3 2 4
Description
From B2 B2
To B2 B2
Stream Class CONVEN CONVEN CONVEN CONVEN
Phase Liquid Phase Vapor Phase Liquid Phase Vapor Phase
Temperature C 25 25 29.1382099 25.26935945
Pressure bar 35.46375 35.46375 35 35
Molar Vapor Fraction 0 1 0 1
Molar Liquid Fraction 1 0 1 0
Mass Density kg/cum 993.9570001 23.46714359 873.4913809 22.63520444
Average MW 18.01528 16.4035424 18.23651565 16.04614191
Mole Flows kmol/hr 71.539 100 80.63017534 90.90882466
Mole Fractions
WATER 1 0 0.886309358 0.000832934
METHA-01 0 0.98 0.088994719 0.999070668
HYDRO-01 0 0.02 0.024695923 9.64E-05
Mass Flows kg/hr 1288.795116 1640.35424 1470.413454 1458.735902

Figure 2.3: Design result of plate absorption column

Name B2
Property method IDEAL
Use true species approach for electrolytes YES
Free-water phase properties method STEAM-TA
Water solubility method 3
Number of stages 17
Condenser NONE
Reboiler NONE
Number of phases 2
Free-water NO
Top stage pressure [bar] 35
Total feed stream CO2e flow [kg/hr] 39304.762
Total product stream CO2e flow [kg/hr] 39304.762
Net stream CO2e production [kg/hr] 0
Utility CO2e production [kg/hr] 0
Total CO2e production [kg/hr] 0

3.0 Conclusion

17
4.0 References

Geankoplis, C. J., Hersel, A. A., & Lepek, D. H. (2018). Transport Processes and Separation
Process Principles. USA: Pearson Education

McCabe, W. L., Smith, J. C., & Harriott, P. (2005). Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering.
New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

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