CHE 246

SEPARATION PROCESS

CHAPTER 3:

GAS ABSORPTION

ARBANAH MUHAMMAD
FACULTY OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
UITM PASIR GUDANG

1
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
 Describe gas-liquid equilibrium for ideal solution according to
Raoult's law.
 Differentiate packed and plate tower.
 Explain packing materials and flow arrangement in packed tower.
 Calculate the packed tower diameter and height of an absorption
towers.
 Demonstrate the material balance and calculate the number of
theoretical stages in a multistage counter current operation of a
plate absorption tower by a graphical method.
 Demonstrate effective team role and communication skills.

2
3
Contents
3.1 Definition, applications and notations used in gas absorption
3.2 Gas-liquid equilibrium for ideal solution according to Raoult’s Law
3.3 Equipment and description for gas absorption
3.4 Packed tower: description and flow arrangement
3.4.1 Packing materials – description and flow
arrangement
3.4.2 Pressure drop and flooding in packed tower
determination of tower diameter
3.5 Plate tower
3.5.1 Introduction to plate tower
3.5.2 Multistage counter current operation -
graphical method to determine number of
theoretical stages.

4
3.1 DEFINITION AND APPLICATION OF GAS ABSORPTION

 Gas absorption is mass transfer operation in which one or more species

(solute) is remove from a gaseous stream by dissolution in a liquid (solvent).

 The insoluble components present in the gas which is not absorbed is called
the carrier gas.

 Transfer is based on the preferential solubility of solutes in the liquid

(solvent).

 Example: Removal H2S (solute) from natural gas (carrier) using suitable
solvent such as an aqueous solution of an alkanolamine, (solvent). An
intimate contact between the gas and the liquid is achieve in the suitable
equipment or device like packed column, try column, spray tower etc.

 The reverse of absorption is called desorption or stripping

5
3.1 DEFINATION AND APPLICATION OF GAS ABSORPTION

- Commonly used in environment applications i.e:-

i. Removal/ recovery of NH3 in fertilizer manufacturing
ii. Control of SO2 from combustion source
iii. Control of odorous gases from rendering plants
iv. Removal of CO2 from air etc.

- Important terms:-
i. Feed (Absorbate) : the gas mixture which to be extracted
ii. Solvent (Absorbent) : the liquid which the feed is contacted
iii. Extract : the solvent-rich product
iv. Raffinate : the residual gas mixture which solute(s) has
been removed.

-The most widely used solvent (absorbent) are:-

i. Water
ii. Hydrocarbon oils
iii. Aqueous solutions of acids and base
6
3.1 DEFINATION AND APPLICATION OF GAS ABSORPTION

The ideal solvent (absorbent) should :-

a)has a high solubility for the solute (s) to minimize the need for solvent
b)has a low volatility to reduce the loss of solvent and facilitate
separation of solvent from solute(s)
c)be stable to maximize solvent life and reduce solvent make-up
requirement
d)be non corrosive to permit use of common materials of constructions
e)has a low viscosity to provide low pressure drop and high mass and
heat transfer rates
f)be non foaming when contacted with the gas to prevent the change in
absorber’s dimensions.
g)be non-toxic and non-flammable to facilitate the safety issue
h)be available, if possible within the process to prevent the usage of
external sources
i)be inexpensive (cheap) & commercially available.

7
CDIO Activity 1
In a group of 5 and within 5 minutes, choose one
criteria of a suitable solvent to be choose as the
absorbent in the Gas Absorption application.

(the info must include : example of solvent, the relationship of

the solvent with the absorption process)

Please present your works. Submit your jotter

note today 
8
3.2 Gas-liquid equilibrium for ideal solution using Raoult’s Law

 In any mixture of gases the solubility of each gas depends on partial

pressure

 Recall Raoult’s Law for ideal solution

pA = xA PA

Where:
pA = partial pressure of A in vapor phase
xA = mol fraction of A in liquid phase
PA = vapor pressure of pure A at certain Temp

9
 3.3 Two film theory of gases-liquid system

Figure 10.4.1

 Assuming solute A is diffusing from the bulk phase G to the liquid phase
L, it must pass through phase G  through the interface  through
phase L in series

 Concentration gradient must be exist to cause this mass transfer through

the resistances in each phase as show in Fig 10.4.1.

 The concentration in the bulk gas phase yAG decreased to yAi at the
interface liquid concentration xAi at interface falls to xAL
10
Two film theory of gases-liquid system

For equimolar counterdiffusion, the concentration of Fig 10.4-1

can be plotted on x-y diagram as in Fig 10.4.2

Figure 10.4-1

Figure 10.4-2

Point P bulk phase composition yAG, xAL

Point M, interphase concentration yAi and xAi

11
 Two film theory of gases-liquid system
EQUIMOLAR COUNTERDIFFUSION
For A diffusing from the gas to liquid and B in from liquid to gas,

N A  k y'  y AG  y Ai   k x'  x Ai  x AL 
Where:
' gas-phase mass transfer coefficient in kg mol/s.m2.mol frac.
ky
k x' liquid-phase mass transfer coefficient in kg mol/s.m2.mol frac.

Rearranging above Eq.

Slope of PM

y y AG  y Ai k 'x
slope    '
x x AL  x Ai ky

12
 Two film theory of gases-liquid system
DIFFUSION OF A THROUGH STAGNANT FOR NONDIFFUSING B

……Figure 10.4.3

Now
N A  k y  y AG  y Ai   k x  x Ai  x AL 
k y' k x'
ky  kx  Where
1  y A  iM 1  x A  iM
k y' 1  y A  iM 1  y Ai   1  y AG 

k x'
NA   y AG  y Ai    x Ai  x AL  ln 1  y Ai  / 1  y AG  
1  y A  iM 1  x A  iM
1  x A  iM  1  x AL   1  x Ai 
Then Slope of PM
ln 1  x AL  / 1  x Ai  
y  y AG  y Ai   k 'x  k x / 1  x A  iM
slope    ' 
x  x AL  x Ai  ky k y / 1  y A  iM
13
The previous definitions for molar flux NA require the
knowledge of the interface concentrations.

Since experimental sampling of the concentrations at

the interface is very difficult or virtually impossible.

it is more useful to define the mass transfer equation

using overall mass transfer coefficients KX and
KY :

14
 OVERALL MASS-TRANSFER COEFFICIENT
1. Equimolar Counterdiffusion
The overall mass transfer K y' is defined as

  
N A  K y' y AG  y *A  K x' x*A  x AL  Eq.1.7.1

N A  k y'  y AG  y Ai   k x'  x Ai  x AL  Eq.1.7.2

From Fig. 10.4.2


y AG  y *A   y AG  y Ai   y Ai  y *A  Eq.1.7.3
Between point E and M the slope m’
y Ai  y *A
m 
'
Eq.1.7.4
x Ai  x AL

Solving Eq.1.7.4 for y Ai  y *A  and substituting into Eq. 1.7.3


y AG  y *A   y AG  y Ai   m ' x Ai  x AL  Eq.1.7.5

Then, on substituting Eq.1.7.1 and 1.7.2 into Eq1.7.5 and canceling out N A
1 1 m'
  15
K y' k y' k x'
2. For diffusion of A through stagnant of nondiffusing B,
the overall mass transfer coefficient as follows
1 1 m'
 
Ky ky kx
1 1 m'
 '  '
K y / 1  y A  *M
'
k y /  1  y 
A iM k x / 1  x A  iM

  1  y   1  y 
*
Where…
1  y A *M A

ln 1  y  / 1  y  
AG
*
A AG

16
 MASS TRANSFER MECHANISM IN GAS ABSORPTION

Liquid phase Interphase Gas phase

yAG
yAi
xAi
xAL

Absorption of SO2 from the gas

mixture into water

17
3.3 EQUIPMENT AND DESCRIPTION FOR GAS
ABSORPTION

(describe a gas absorption)

Q&A

18
3.3 EQUIPMENT AND DESCRIPTION FOR GAS ABSORPTION
Trayed Tower Packed Column Spray Tower

Packings

Bubble Centrifugal
Column Contactor

19
3.4 PACKED TOWER: DESCRIPTION AND FLOW ARRANGEMENT
- Counter-current flows between the gas and liquid
phases
Liquid in

- Contacting liquid/ gas interface on packings

- Liquid flows over the surface of the packings with a

general
downward direction

-Gas flows through the interstices and voids of

packings
with a general upward direction

- Suit for the applications where high gas removal

efficiency
is required, i.e. control of SO2 and HCl in sulfuric
acid and
hydrochloric acid production.

Liquid out
- Packings’ types:-
Figure 3.4 : Packed column/ tower flows
and characteristics for absorption i. Random
20
ii. Structured
 3.5 Packing materials
3.5.1 Random Packings

- Provide large surface area for mass transfer

- Sizes range from 1 to 4 inches each

-Typical random packing materials

i) Ceramic Raschig rings
ii) Ceramic Berl saddle
iii) Metal Intalox IMPT
iv) Metal Pall Ring
v) Plastic Tellerette

- Design depends on corrosiveness of gas,

solvent, size of absorber, pressure drop and
cost.

- Refer to Table 10.6-1 (P659) for details properties 21

3.5.2 STRUCTURED PACKINGS

- Packings are made in sections and fill

entire the column/ tower’s diameter.

-Design depends on corrosiveness of gas,

solvent, size of absorber, pressure drop
and cost.

-Typical structured packing materials;

i) Flexiceramic
ii) Mellapak
iii) Flexipac
v) Montz

- Refer to Table 10.6-1 (P659) for details

properties

22
 PRESSURE DROP AND FLOODING IN PACKED TOWERS GAS

 The liquid distributed on the top of a packed bed trickles down by gravity
 Flow of the gas is pressure-driven and the pressure is generated by a blower or
a compressor
 The gas undergoes pressure drop as it flows through the bed because of
 skin friction
 Frequent changes in the flow direction
 The maximum flow of the gas is available if the packing is dry, no liquid
throughput
 But when liquid flow the bed, a part of open space of the bed is occupied by the
liquid, and area available for gas flow decreases
 This is why the pressure drop increase with increasing liquid throughput.

23
 PRESSURE DROP AND FLOODING IN PACKED TOWERS
 There is upper limit to the rate of gas flow in a packed tower, called flooding velocity

 Above this gas velocity the tower cannot operate.

 At low gas velocity, the liquid flow downward through the packing, essentially influent by upward gas.

 As the gas velocity is increase.

 At a gas flow rate called loading point, the gas start to hinder the liquid down flow and local accumulation of
liquid start appear in the packing.

 Further increase gas velocity

 The liquid can no longer flow down through the packing and it blown out with the gas, this call flooding point,

24
 HIGHER At flooding point, the liquid cannot flow down through the
GAS MASS packing and it blown out with the gas.
VELOCITY
Further increase gas velocity

At a gas flow rate called loading point, the gas start to

hinder the liquid down flow and local accumulation of
liquid start appear in the packing

Ideal gas mass velocity

LOWER At low gas velocity, the liquid flow downward through

GAS MASS the packing, essentially uninfluent by upward gas
VELOCITY

25
ACTIVITY 1

As an assistant chemical engineer in the

Technical Department of GPP A, you are
required to suggest suitable Packed or Tray
column to your company to removed
corrosive gas from natural gas. Discuss
which is more suitable column to be used.

26
 3.5.2 SIMPLIFIED DESIGN OF PACKED COLUMN/
TOWER

Limiting conditions:-
Low flux (liquid flow rate)→ Channeling-packing surface may be dry or covered
by stagnant film of liquid

High flux (gas mass velocity )→ Flooding

In an actual, operating tower, the gas velocity is well below flooding.

The optimum economic gas velocity is ½ or more of the flooding velocity.

It depends upon a balance of economic factors including equipment cost,

pressure drop and processing variables.

Needs to determine the optimize design of column i.e.

i. Flooding pressure drop
ii. Diameter
iii. Height
27
 2.4.1.6 FLOODING PRESSURE DROP

Pflood = 0.115 Fp0.7 …. (2.1)

Where:-

Pflood = flooding pressure drop (in. H2O/ ft of packing)

Fp = packing factor (ft-1)

( 1 in. H2O/ ft of packing = 817 N/(m2)/ m of packing)

Eq 2.1 is valid for the packing factor, Fp from 10 – 60.

For higher values of Fp,>60, the pressure drop at flooding can be taken as
2.0 in. H2O/ ft of packing.

28
29
 2.4.1.7 DIAMETER OF COLUMN/ TOWER
Diameter of column is based on gas mass velocity (G’) calculation

Recommended design gas mass velocity (G’) range is from 65% - 80% of
flooding

The following procedure can be used to determined the limiting gas mass
velocity (G’) and the tower diameter
1. Select the suitable random/structured packing → Fp value
2. Find the liquid-to-gas mass flow rate ratio (L’/ G’)=Extract/Feed=LN/VN+1

3. Calculate the Pflood (Eq. 2.1)

4. Calculate the x- axis value
5. Interpolate data (x-axis & Pflood ) by using Figure 2
→ to find ordinate value (y-axis)
6. Calculate the limiting flux (gas mass velocity), G’
7. Calculate the column’s cross-sectional area ,A (Eq. 2.2) and

diameter, D (Eq. 2.3)

30
Column’s cross-sectional:-

Acolumn = m/G
Total gas flow rate (kg/s) ….(2.2)
gas mass velocity, G’(kg/m2.s)
Column’s diameter:-
Dcolumn = 4 x Acolumn ….(2.3)


31
QUESTION 1

It is desired to remove 97 mol% of acetone from a gas stream by scrubbing with pure water in a packed tower filled
with 1 in plastic Nor-Pac (Cf = 21.35ft-1 or 70m-1). The gas stream at 100 kg/s containing 10 mol% of acetone and 90

mol% of inert air. The process design specifies a liquid to gas mass flow ratio, L’/G’ of 1.08. The process is to be
operated isothermally at 298 K and a total pressure 101320 Pa. The generalized correlation for pressure drop in
packed column is given in Appendix 1.
Data Given
R = 8314 m3.Pa/(kgmol.K)
Mwinert gas = 29.9 kg/kgmol ; Mwacetone= 58kg/kgmol

Density of water (ρL) at 298 K = 1000 kg/m3

Viscosity of water (µL) at 298 K = 0.89

N/mx2 10 kg/m.s
-3

Conversion units 1 inH2O/ft = 817

m
a) Calculate the gas pressure drop in the packings
Ans 800 (N/m2)/m

b) Calculated the gas mass velocity, G’ (kg/m 2s) at the flooding.

Ans 2.238 kg/m2.s
c) Using 50% of the flooding velocity , Determine the new
i) Gas mass velocity
Ans 1.119 kg/m2.s
i) Liquid mass velocity
Ans 1.2085 kg/m2.s
i) Gas pressure drop
Ans 120 N(m2)/m
i) Column diameter
Ans 10 67 m
32
Figure 2.2 (a): Generalized correlation for pressure drop in packed column (Imperial unit)
33
Figure 2.2 (b) : Generalized correlation for pressure drop in packed column (SI unit)

34
 TOWER HEIGHT
Height of packings required can be evaluated
either based on the gas-phase or the liquid-
phase.

The packed height (z) is calculated using the

following formula:

z=NxH

where

N = number of transfer units

(NTU) – dimensionless

H = height of transfer units (HTU) -

dimension of length

35
For the gas-phase, we have:
z = NOG x HOG

y1  y 2 V V
N OG  H OG  
(y  y* ) M K y ' aS K y a (1  y) *M S

( y1  y )  ( y 2  y )
* *
(y  y ) M
*
 1 2

Ln[( y1  y1* ) /( y 2  y )]*

2

(1  y1* )  (1  y1 )
(1  y) *M 
ln[(1  y1* ) /(1  y1 )]
36
 Similarly for the liquid-phase we have:
 z = NOL x HOL

x1  x 2 L L
N OL  H OL  
(x  x * ) M K x ' aS K x a (1  x ) *M S

(x1  x )  (x 2  x )
* *
(x  x ) M
*
 1 2

Ln[( x 1  x 1* ) /( x 2  x )]*
2

(1  x 1* )  (1  x 1 )
(1  x ) *M 
ln[(1  x 1* ) /(1  x 1 )]
37
38
Example 10.6-4

Acetone is being absorbed by water in a packed tower having a cross-

sectional area of 0.186 m2 at 293 K and 101.32 kPa (1 atm). The inlet air
contains 2.6 mol % acetone and outlet 0.5%/ The gas flow is 13.65 kg mol
inert air/h. The pure water inlet flow is 45.36 kg mol water/h. Given the
Ky’a=2.183X10-2 kg mol/s.m3.mol frac

39
yA2=0.005 V2
L2= 45.36 kgmol/h AT = A + A*
xA2=0. V1=??
A
V1yB1=VB1
V1(1-0.026)=13.65
V1=14.0144

AT=V1yA1 = 14.014x 0.026=0.3644

BT=13.65

AT A* yA2=A /(A + BT)

V1=?? L1 0.005=A / (A+13.65)
VB1 13.65kgmol/h xA1=? A=0.06859
yA1=0.026
A*=AT-A
A*=0.3644-0.06859
A*=0.2958

xA1=A */(A* + total water)

xA1=0.2958/(0.2958+ 45.36)
xA1=0.00648 40
 V y1  y 2
z  H OG N OG  x
K y ' aS ( y  y * ) M
V1  14.0144 / 3600  0.003893
V2  V1  A*  (14.0144  0.2958) / 3600  0.003811
V1  V2 3
V  3.852x10
2

( y1  y1* )  ( y 2  y *2 )
(y  y* ) M 
Ln[( y1  y1 ) /( y 2  y 2 )]
* *

(0.026  0.0077)  (0.005  0)

(y  y ) M
*

Ln[(0.026  0.0077) /(0.005  0)]
( y  y * ) M  0.01025 41
 V y1  y 2
z  H OG N OG  x
K y ' aS ( y  y * ) M
3.852x10 3 0.026  0.005
z  H OG N OG  2 2
x
2.183x10 (0.186m ) 0.01025
z  H OG N OG  1.944m

42
2.3.2 TRAY COLUMN/ TOWER DESIGN
- Counter-current contacting of gas and liquid
- Contacting occurs in liquid on trays
i. Liquid flows parallel to the tray
ii. Gas flows perpendicular to the tray

- Types of tray:-
i. Sieve tray
ii. Bubble caps tray
iii. Valve trays

- Types of design column

i. Absorber
ii. Stripper
- Determination of theoretical stages

Figure 2.3 : General configuration of tray

column/ tower
43
 2.3.2.1 TYPES OF TRAY

 Sieve tray is flat perforated plate design that became the workhorse tray in the 1950’s.
The perforations can range form 1/8 inch and larger, but generally average 1/2 inch. Sieve trays offer
relatively good anti-fouling and pressure drop characteristics compared to other trays. Sieve trays
operate under a specific velocity range and therefore would not be a choice if radical turndown is
required.

44
 Bubble cap trays are typically used in applications with low liquid loading and large variations in
vapor loading. They have lower capacity (10-20%) than properly designed valve or sieve trays however
they are superior in their leak-proof characteristics. Bubble caps come in a wide range of designs,
shapes and sizes.

45
 The general-purpose valve tray contains a movable valve that covers the holes to regulate changes in
flow conditions. These valves offer varying performance benefits based on specific design requirements.
It is recognized by its integrally formed legs and can be offered flush-seated and non-rotating.

46
3.6 Multistage Counter Current Operation
3.6.1 No. Of Theoretical Stages (Grpahical)
- Determination by graphical method (McCABE-THIELE)
i. Equilibrium line
ii. Operating line

2.3.2.3.1 OPERATING LINE

Figure 2.4 : Schematic diagram
for trayed absorption column/
tower
- The material balance for the diagram’s boundary in Fig 2.4 can be written as:-
Overall mass balance : LO + VN+1 = LN + V1 ……(2.4)
Mass balance on comp. A : LOxAO + VN+1yAN+1 = LNxAN + V1y1 ……(2.5)
Solving for yN+1
yAN+1 = LNxAN + V1y1 - LOxAO ……(2.6)
VN+1 VN+1

OPERATING LINE
y = mx +c
47
- The operating line also can be expressed in terms of INERT FLOWRATES as below:-

xAO yAN+1 xAN yA1

L’ 1 - xAO + V’ 1-y = L’ 1 - x + V’ 1- y ……(2.7)
AN+1 AN A1

OPERATING LINE

(A) (B)
Figure 2.5 : Location of operating lines (A) for absorption of A from V to L stream;
(B) For stripping of A from L to V stream. 48
 ▲

►
▲

►
▲

►
▲
►

Figure 2.6 : Iterations of theoretical stages in a counter-current multi-stage column

49
A plot of the operating line (Eq 2.7) as y vs x will give
the curve line. If x and y are very dilute, the
denominators 1-x and 1-y will close to 1, and the line
will be approximately straight.

bottom
cooordinate
The no of (xAN, yANt1)

theoretical trays
is determine by
simply stepping
off the no of
trays as done in
fig 2.6 Top cooordinate
(xo, yA1) 50
EXERCISE –consider the solute (A) is very dilute

A tray tower is used to remove 90 mol% acetone from air using pure water in an
absorption column. The gas stream flow rate is 40 kmol/h contain 11mol% acetone and
the water flow rate is 100 kmol/h. The equilibrium data for this system can be
represented by the following equation:
y=1.9x
Determine:
a) Molar flow rate in raffinate and extract
Ans; raf (V1)=36.04 kmol/h; ext (LN)=103.96 kmol/h
b)Composition in raffinate and extract
Ans; raf (yA1)=0.0122; ext (xAN)=0.038
c) Number of theoretical stages
Ans; 3.61 stages

51
Example 10.6-2 (text book)

-consider the solute (A) is not a dilute solution

Apply eq 2.7
xAO yAN+1 xAN yA1
L’ 1 - xAO + V’ 1-y = L’ 1 - x + V’ 1- y ……(2.7)
AN+1 AN A1

52