GAS ABSO RPTION

(PAC KED C O LUMN AN D

TRAY TO W ERS)
PRESENTATION
OUTLINE
• Unit process Description
• Basic mass and energy balance
equations
• Basic design and operating
principles
• Uses of gas absorption
• Limitations of gas absorption
• Applications of gas absorption in
industries
• Differences with other unit
operations
ABSORPTIONS

The removal of one or more component from the mixture of gases by

using a suitable solvent is second major operation of Chemical
Engineering that is based on mass transfer.
In gas absorption, soluble vapors are more or less absorbed in the solvent
from its mixture with inert gas. The purpose of such gas scrubbing
operations may be any of the following;
a) For Separation of component having the economic value.
b) As a stage in the preparation of some compound.
c) For removing of undesired component (pollution).

Absorption is used to separate gas mixture; remove impurities, contaminants, pollutants, or

catalyst poisons from gas; or recovery valuable chemicals. Thus, the species of interest in the
gas mixture may be all components, only the component(s) not transferred, or only the
component(s) transferred. The opposite of absorption is stripping (also called desorption),
wherein a liquid mixture is contacted with gas to selectively remove components by mass
transfer from the liquid to the gas phase
TYPES OF ABSORPTION

1) Physical absorption,
In physical absorption mass transfer take place purely by diffusion and
physical absorption is governed by the physical equilibria.
No significant chemical reactions between the absorbent and solute.
Examples include almost all gas absorptions that use water or hydrocarbon
oils as absorbent, (e.g. absorption of acetone from acetone – air mixture by
water).
2) Chemical Absorption
In this type of absorption as soon as a particular component comes in contact
with the absorbing liquid a chemical reaction take place. Then, by reducing
the concentration of component in the liquid phase, which enhances the rate
of diffusion.
Examples include using NaOH as an absorbent to dissolve acid gas,
dissolving CO2 and H2S in aqueous solution of MEA.
PROCESS
DESCRIPTION

• Gas absorption also known as scrubbing is an

operation in which a gas mixture is contacted with a
liquid for the purpose of preferentially dissolving one or
more components of the gas and to provide a solution
of them in the liquid.
• Molecular diffusion- It requires the mass
transfer of the gas components from the gas
phase to the liquid phase.
Choice Of Solvent For Gas Absorption
The factors to be considered are
High absorption power
Which means that gas solubility should be high in the
solvent, which results in increasing the rate of
absorption and decreasing the quantity of solvent
.required
Highly Selective
The selectivity of solvent must be high in which solvent
.dissolve one and leave the others
Easy to recover
.Which means easily to be regenerated
Low volatility
The solvent should have a low vapor pressure to reduce loss of solvent in the gas
leaving the absorption column.
Small viscosity
Low viscosity is preferred for reasons of rapid absorption rates, improving flooding
characteristics in packed column, low pressure drops on pumping and good heat
transfer characteristics.
Cost
The solvent should be inexpensive, so that losses are not costly, and should be
readily available.
Other properties
Non-toxic, Non-flammable, Non-corrosive, Chemically stable, low freezing point

The most widely absorbent (solvent) used are water, hydrocarbon oils, and
aqueous solutions of acids and bases. While the most common stripping
agents used are water vapor, air, inert gases, and hydrocarbon gases .
Absorption Equipments
(A) Plate Towers:-
1-Multistage contact.
2-High separation , high capacity.
3-Relatively large diameter.
4-Cooling is done by
providing the plate
with cooling coils.
5- High pressure drop.
6- Easy to be clean.
(B) Packed Columns
1-Differential contact.
2-Used for highly
corrosive materials.
3- Small diameters <70-80 cm
4-Not easy to clean.
5-Packing materials are
made from(ceramics ,
bricks, wood, gravels,
stones , steel ,……)
To increase surface area of contact between the two phases in-6
packed columns, make more than one section which increase
the performance of
.the tower
cooling is done by dividing -7
the column to many sections
out side the column
as seen in the opposite(
.)Figure
 PACKED
BEDS
The gas-liquid contact
in a packed bed is
continuous and not
stage-wise as in a plate
column
The performance of a
packed bed is very
dependent on the
maintenance of good
liquid and gas distribution
over the packed bed
The packed column is a vertical, cylindrical pressure
vessel containing one or more section of packing
material over who's the liquid flows down wards by
gravity as a film or as droplets between packing
elements. Gas flows upwards through the wetted
packing contacting the liquid. The sections of packing
are contained between a lower gas – injection support
plate, which holds the packing, and an upper grid or
mish hold – down plate, which prevent packing
movement. A liquid distributor, placed above the hold
– down plate, ensures uniform distribution of liquid as
it enters the packing section.
DIFFERENC ES BETW EEN PAC KED
C O LUMN S AN D TRAY TOWERS
• There’s lower pressure drop in packed columns than in tray towers
• Less liquid entrainment in packed columns than in tray towers
• Lower residence time in packed columns than in tray towers
• Tray columns are easier to clean than packed beds
• Tray columns have lower liquid rates and require more stages than an
equivalent packed column
(C) Spray Column:-
1- Continuous contact.
2- Low pressure drop.
3- Low efficiency.
4- Low cost(empty).
5- Gas phase controlling.
6- Considered as one stage.
-:Wetted wall Column )D(
Single tube wetted wall column used
in labs for measuring mass transfer
.coefficient
-:Tubular Reactor )E(

used for highly -1

.exothermic reactions
for highly heats of-2
.reactions
proper for heat -3
.transfer control
low mass transfer -4
due to small surface
.area of contact
-:U-Tube Absorber )F(
Specially for highly corrosive -1
materials(HCL)
Small surface area of contact -2
.between two phases
.Simple in construction-4
Use any material of-5
construction( ceramic, cast iron,
silicon,……)to over come
.corrosion problems
Very difficult in casting and-6
.welding
Centrifugal type of)G(
-:absorption

.Single stage absorber -1

Co-current contact-2
Used for highly viscous-3
.liquids
.Used for foamy liquids-4
Liquids are sprayed by-5
.centrifugal force
Provied good contact-6
.between two phases
Operating and initial cost-7
.are very high
Equilibrium Relations:-
Mass transfer between G/L depends
highly on the equilibrium between
G/L. Different gases and liquids yield
separate solubility curves , which
must be determined experimentally
for each system. If the equilibrium
pressure of a gas at a given liquid
concentration is high, as case (A) in
the opposite figure, the gas is said to
be relatively insoluble in liquid ,
while if its low, as for curve (B) , the
solubility is said to be high.
Effect of temperature on the
-:equilibrium curve
The solubility of any gas is
influenced by the temperature. If
the temperature of the system at
equilibrium is raised , the solubility
of a gas decreases . As shown in the
opposite figure as temperature
increases for the same solute (gas)
the solubility decreases from (10-
60)oC and the absorption power
. decreases
Absorption process is usually
accompanied by evolution of heat. Effect of temperature on the equilibrium curve

So It is necessary to fit coolers to the

absorber to keep its temperature
.sufficiently low
Types of Equilibrium Relations :-
For dilute concentrations of many
gases the equilibrium relationship is
given by Henry’s law which relates
the partial pressure developed by a
dissolved solute(A) in a liquid
solvent (S) by the following
equation:-
PA = H xA

Where:-
H is Henry’s constant expressed as
kPa / mole fraction solute in liquid,
PA is the partial pressure of solute in
kPa,
xA is the mole fraction of the gas in
Henry’s law holds very well when the
partial pressure of the solute is less
than atmospheric. Above
atmospheric pressure , H may be
.independent of the partial pressure
The variation of H with temperature is
.strongly nonlinear function
-:For ideal systems Raoult’s law is valid
PA = PoA xA
Where
. PA , is the partial pressure of solute
.PoA , is the vapor pressure of solute
xA , is the mole fraction of the solute in
.the liquid phase
 PA = H A x A
PA H x
= A A (by dividing each tearm by PT )
PT PT
y A = m* x A (where x A andy A are mole fractions)

Conversion from mole fraction to mole ratio:-

nA
mole fraction of A in gas phase y A = ,
nA + nB
nA
mole fraction of A in liquid phase x A =
n A + nS
nA
mole ratio of A in gas phase y A = ,
nB
nA
mole ratio of A in liquid phase x A =
nS
 PA = H A x A
nA m* n A
=
nA + nB n A + nS
n A /n B m*n A /n S
=
n A /n B +n B /n B n A /n S +n S /n S
YA m* X A
=
YA +1 X A +1
YA m*X A
=
YA +1-YA X A +1- m*X A
m*X A
 YA 
X A +1- m*X A
or
m*X A
YA  (an equilibrium relation at certain temperature and pressure)
X A (1- m*)+1
-:Factors affecting absorption process
-: A- Choice of solvent flow rate
-:Usually given
.gas flow rate(Gin) -1
.feed composition(yin) -2
.solvent composition( xin )-3
degree of separation= sharpness of-4
.separation
recovery= (Yin – Yout )/ Yin
in which we can calculate the outlet gas
.composition
Yout = Yin (1 – recovery)
Here we want to calculate proper
solvent rate(Lin)
 By using mole or mass ratios we must remove the amounts of
-:solute from gas and liquid flow rates as flows
Ginert = G’ = G in ( 1 – yin) . Where yin is feed mole fraction
L inert = L’ = L in ( 1 – x in). Where xin is solvent mole fraction
:By making material balance on the absorber
G’ Yin + L’ Xin = G’ Yout + L’ Xout

G’ ( Yin – Yout ) = L’ ( Xout – Xin)

L’ / G’ = (Yin – Yout) / (Xout – Xin) [ Operating line equation]

Operating line is a line between two points (Xin,Yout) and

’and has a slope - L’/G )Xout, Yin(
As the amount of solvent decreases (L’) the slope of the operating
.line decreases and goes down and the number of stages increases
 -:The effect liquid amount on the number of stages
As the amount of liquid solvent decreases the driving force
decreases and the number of stages increases thus the tower
cost increases till operating line cuts or touch the equilibrium
curve at this point we reach pinch point which means no
.separation
But if we increase the amount
of liquid solvent ,the slope of
the operating line goes up
and the driving force
increases which means small
number of stages is
required( also small number
of transfer units). This
means that we must make
optimization for liquid
amount as shown in the
.opposite figure
We have to use L/G > ( L/G)Min
Opt =[ 1.2 to 2.5 ] (L/G) Min )L/G(
-:Temperature)B(
In general absorption process is
an exothermic process , it
improves by lowering
temperature. Thus we make
good cooling for liquid
solvent before entering the
column. Increasing
-:temperature results in
equilibrium curve goes up -1
and absorption power
.decreases
Notice that for the same Y the
separation increases with
decreasing temperature as
.shown in the opposite Figure
X3 < X2 < X1
For same (L/G), Number of stages (or NTU) increases , means tall column and high-2
.cost ,which is bad conditions
for same(L/G) , driving force decreases and separation-3
becomes difficult ,which is a bad conditions
In some cases even refrigeration is
economic, this happen when
losses in solvent is high ( to
.minimize losses = economic)
Some times average slight
increase in temperature is
permissible and have +ve
-:effect when
.Solvent has high viscosity -1
Case of chemical reaction, in -2
which rate of absorption is
affected positively by increasing
.temperature
The highest temperature (T Max)
in the absorber can be found at
.the bottom of the column
-:Pressure)C(

As pressure increases absorption power

increases
PA = HA xA( Henry’s law)
PA / PT = (HA / PT) xA
yA = m* xA

-:Increasing pressure results in

the equilibrium curve goes down -1
which improves the absorption
.process
Notice that for the same (Y) the
separation increases with increasing
pressure as shown in the opposite
figure
X3 < X2 < X1
For same (L/G), Number of stages (or NTU) decreases ,means short column and low-2
cost which is good conditions
Driving force increases and separation becomes more easier which means good-3
.separation
-:Physical vs chemical absorption
There are 2 types of absorption processes: physical absorption and
chemical absorption, depending on whether there is any chemical
.reaction between the solute and the solvent (absorbent)
When water and hydrocarbon oils are used as absorbents, no
significant chemical reactions occur between the absorbent and
the solute, and the process is commonly referred to as physical
.absorption
When aqueous sodium hydroxide (a strong base) is used as the
absorbent to dissolve an acid gas, absorption is accompanied by
a rapid and irreversible neutralization reaction in the liquid
phase and the process is referred to as chemical absorption or
.reactive absorption
More complex examples of chemical absorption are processes
for absorbing CO2 and H2S with aqueous solution of mono -
ethanolamine (MEA), di -ethanolamine (DEA), di-
ethyleneglycol (DEG) or tri-ethyleneglycol (TEG), where a
reversible chemical reaction takes place in the liquid phase.
-:Chemical reactions can increase
.the rate of absorption -1
.increase the absorption capacity of the solvent -2
increase selectivity to a certain components of the gas, and-3
.convert a hazardous chemical to a safe compound
-:Physical absorption
-:Chemical absorption
A solute of gas (A) is absorbed from a mixture by solvent liquid(B),
which combines with (A) according to the equation A + B→ AB.
As the gas approaches the liquid interface, it dissolves and
reacts at once with (B). The new product(AB),thus formed ,
.diffuses towards the main body of the liquid
The concentration of (B) at the interface falls; this results in
diffusion of (B) from the bulk of the liquid phase to the
interface. Since the chemical reaction is rapid,(B) is removed
very quickly, so that it is necessary for the gas (A) to diffuse
through part of the liquid film before meeting (B). There is a
zone of reaction between A and B which moves away from the
gas-liquid interface. The final position of this reaction zone will
be such that the rate of diffusion of (A) from the gas-liquid
interface is equal to the rate of diffusion of (B) from the main
.body of the liquid
PROCESS
DESCRIPTION
C O -C URRENT AN D C O UN TER-
C URRENT GAS ABSORPTION
 C O -C URRENT GAS
ABSO RPTION

• The gas and liquid are

both introduced from
the same side of the
column

• The operating line

has a negative
slope

• It is rarely used in
industries as it is less
efficient than counter-
current.
• It requires an infinitely
tall column to produce
liquid and
C O UN TER-C URRENT GAS
ABSO RPTION
• The gas is introduced from the bottom while the liquid is introduced from
the top.
• As we gradually move up the column, the gas component (A)
is continuously transferred from the gas phase to the liquid phase.
• Moving up the column, there’s a decrease in total gas flowrate and a
decrease in concentration of A in the gas phase.
• Moving down the column, there’s an increase in total liquid flowrate and
an increase in concentration of A in the liquid phase
 MASS BALANCE OF COUNTER-CURRENT
GAS ABSORPTION
Assuming steady state : mass
in =mass out
Thus, G.y + L1.x1 = L.x + G 1.y1

For dilute systems, the solute

content is relatively small
compared to the absorbent
and non-soluble inert, so
constant flowrate is assumed.

G 1=G=
G2
L1=L=L
2
MASS BALANCE
(CONT’D)
• The equation
becomes:
• Gy=L . x +G. y1-L.
x1
• Rearranging, we
get

• This is the equation of the operating line with gradient (L/G), the liquid
to gas ratio.
DETERMINATION OF MINIMUM LIQUID
RATE

.
FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED IN
DESIGNING A N ABSORPTION COLUMN
• Minimum Liquid Flow Rate
• Gas Flow Rate
• Loading Point
• Flooding Point
• Pressure Drop Along Transfer Units in the column
• Optimum operating condition for the packed column is located between the
loading point & the flooding point
• Diameter and Height of Column (Number of Transfer Units, Height of Transfer
Units)
DETERMINATION OF NUMBER OF
STAGES
USES O F GAS
ABSO RPTION
• Co 2 capture Uses of absorption:-
1- Purification of gases (H₂S from HC’s).
• Removing pollutants 2-Separation of gases (separation of dry gas
from gases [C₁,C₂]
• Recover valuable gases from LNG [C₃,C₄].
3- Production of useful liquid product:-
HCL (g) + H₂O (liq) → HCL (liq)
2NO₂(g) + H₂O (liq) → HNO₃ + HNO2
SO₃ (g) + H₂O (liq) → H₂SO₄
Applications of absorption:

1- Hydrogen sulfide(H2S) is removed from hydrocarbon gases by washing with alkaline solution

(Amines).

2- Washing ethanol vapors from carbon dioxide from molasses fermenter tanks with water to

remove ethanol.

3- Acetone can be recovered from acetone-air mixture by passing the gas stream into water in

which acetone is dissolved while air is passed out.

4-Carbon dioxide present in air is absorbed by sodium hydroxide (NaOH solution) in which

chemical absorption takes place.

5- Nitrogen oxides are absorbed in water to give nitric acid.

6- Removal of ammonia coming from coke ovens by water

LIMITATION S O F GAS
ABSO RPTION
• Gas solubility
• Temperature of both the gas and the solvent
• Flooding of the column
• Corrosiveness of the solvent to be used
INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION S O F GAS
ABSO RPTION
• Refineries to separate gas components
• For scrubbing in chemical industries
• Control of emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere, retaining polluting
substances such as sulfur, chlorinated and fluorinated compounds; said
control is based on the elimination of sulfur dioxide from combustion gases
with aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxyl and the elimination of
nitrogenous oxide with solutions of oxidizing agents.
• Recovery of gaseous stream products for production purposes
DIFFERENC ES BETW EEN GAS
ABSO RPTION & DISTILLATION

GAS ABSO RPTION DISTILLATION

• Used to separate • Used to separate components
components present in present in a liquid mixture
a gas mixture • Thermal heat is used for
• Liquid is used for separation
separation of gas mixtures • Separation depends on
• Degree of separation volatilities of the components
depends on the selection of present in the liquid mixture
solvent and solubility of gas
REFERENC
ES
• Separationprocesses.com. 2021. Introduction to Gas Absorption. [online]
Available at:
<http://www.separationprocesses.com/Absorption/GA_Chp03.htm> [Accessed
9
February 2021].
• Sinnott, R. and Coulson, J., 2005. Coulson & Richardson's Chemical
Engineering. 6th ed. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Seader, J. and Henley, E., 2001. Separation process principles. 2nd ed. New
Delhi:Wiley India.
• Sinnott, R. and Towler, G., n.d. C hemical Engineering Design.
• Treybal, R., 1980. Mass Transfer Operation. 3rd ed. Auckland: McGraw-Hill.
REFERENC
ES
• Towers of Absorption of Gases, one of the Ways Separate the Chemical Mixtures
— Steemit. [online] Steemit.com. Available at: <
https://steemit.com/steemstem/@frankjavier/towers- of-absorption-of-gases-
one-of-the-ways-separate-the-chemical-mixtures> [Accessed 2 February
2021].
• Google.com. 2021. Google Image Result for
https://5.imimg.com/data5/AN/DU/MY- 35572/packed-bed-absorption-
tower-500x500.png. [online] Available at:
<https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https://5.imimg.com/data5/
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