14/4/2024

Duhok Polytechnic University

Technical College Of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Department

CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE UNIT

Unit Operation ( Practical ) Prepared by :

Stage “4”
Group “B” Mahdi Salih Yaseen
Experiment No."5"
Date of exp : 14/4/2024
Date of submission : 28/4/2024

Lecturer
Mr. Kawar Abid

2023 - 2024
 Objective

❖ The experiment objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of NaOH solution as an absorbent

and provide insights into the parameters impacting CO2 capture efficiency and process
optimization. This will help create more effective carbon capture methods.

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Introduction

Rising atmospheric CO2 levels brought on by human activity, especially the burning of fossil
fuels, have raised worries about climatic instability and global warming. Technologies for carbon
capture and storage (CCS) provide a workable solution to cut CO2 emissions and lessen the effects
of climate change. Chemical absorption is a well-known technique for extracting CO2 from flue
gases and other sources. It involves the reaction of CO2 with alkaline solutions, such as NaOH.

Caustic soda, or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is a strong base that forms sodium carbonate
(Na2CO3) by an exothermic reaction with CO2. High kinetics define this reaction, which is
usually conducted in an absorber column where CO2-rich gas meets NaOH solution. This process
captures CO2 and transforms it into a stable carbonate molecule.
Equipment Materials
❖ Clamp. CaCl2
❖ Conical Flask. NaOH
❖ Cylinder. Distilled Water
❖ Vacuum Pump.
❖ Candle.
❖ Burette.
❖ Stand.
❖ Beaker.
❖ Balance.
❖ Filter Paper.
 Procedure

The first step is to get all the supplies and solutions ready for the experiment. Weigh ( 0.8g ) of (
NaOH ) and combine it with ( 2g ) of ( CaCl2 ) with ( 500ml ) of ( D.W ) and ( 0.8 ) 0f ( NaOH )
with ( 250ml ) of ( D.W ). Light the candle and place a funnel on top of it to bring the heat , Then
use a vacuum pump to extract ( CO2 ) from the burning candle. The ( CO2 ) is drawn in through
the pipe and transferred to a cylinder filled with ( NaOH ) and ( D.W ) solution. After the cylinder
overflows , then turn off the vacuum pump and bring the solution inside the cylinder. Finally,
titrate the solution with the ( CaCl2 ) in the burette until it turns white then wait for the solution to
precipitate and it’s color becomes white.

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Discussion
1) How does the concentration of sodium hydroxide affect the efficiency of CO2
capture ?
Answer :- The concentration of sodium hydroxide affects buffering capacity, reaction
kinetics, CO2 solubility, and equilibrium considerations, all of which have an immediate
impact on the efficiency of CO2 collection. In order to achieve high CO2 capture
efficiencies, the ideal NaOH concentration should be chosen by taking into account real-
world limitations related to solution characteristics and system performance.

2) How does temperature and pressure affect the absorption of CO2 by sodium
hydroxide solution ?
Answer :- Complex relationships exist between temperature, pressure, and CO2
absorption by NaOH solution. These relationships rely on solubility, reaction kinetics, and
equilibrium considerations, among other things. In order to maximize CO2 absorption
efficiency and meet real-world restrictions related to process design, energy needs, and
equipment considerations, the ideal operating parameters (temperature and pressure) for
CO2 capture using NaOH solution should be identified.
 3) What are the alternative methods for CO2 capture, and how does absorption
using sodium hydroxide compare ?
Answer :- One well-known technique for capturing CO2 is absorption utilizing
sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which has benefits in terms of commercial availability and
absorption capacity. On the other hand, depending on particular process requirements
and environmental considerations, various technologies such amine scrubbing,
membrane separation, adsorption processes, and mineralization offer complementary
options with varied degrees of efficiency, energy requirements, and applicability.

4) How can you produce pure CO2 by the same principle of CO2 capturing by
NaOH absorption ?
Answer :- Pure carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced via a process of absorption followed
by regeneration when using the CO2 capture by NaOH absorption method. Sodium
carbonate (Na2CO3) is created during the absorption step when CO2 is added to a
NaOH solution. The other gases are mainly unaffected while the CO2 is absorbed into
the solution. The CO2-rich Na2CO3 solution is separated from the unreacted gases
during absorption.

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Conclusion

The results of the experiment demonstrate the potential of NaOH solution as an absorbent for CO2
capture. They also emphasize the significance of reaction kinetics and process optimization in the
development of effective carbon capture methods. By expanding our understanding in this area,
we support the continuous initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change
by developing cutting-edge carbon capture and storage techniques. In order to really apply NaOH-
based CO2 capture systems in industrial and environmental applications, more research and
development are required.