Unit Operations and Laboratory

The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

School of Chemical Engineering

Preliminary
report Gas
Absorption (SP2)

Supervisor: Phillip Kwong

Group FB7

The Nhut Nguyen (group leader) a1736508

Ryan Nathan Anthony a1705528

Norshafinaz Azyla Abdul Halim a1722367

 Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

Abstract:

The educational purpose of this practical is looking at the correlation between mass
transfer coefficient with the fluid steam (gaseous and liquid). This experiment was
conducted in counter-current packed column and the type of packing used is ceramic
intalox saddles. Gas absorption is widely used in industries aims to control air
contamination quantity and separate the impurities out of gas mixture (distillation,
stripping and gas absorption). In this experiment, CO2 was chosen to contact with water
in counter-current packed tower. A form of power is presented to perform the
relationship was observed in experiment between the mass transfer coefficient and liquid
flow. The experimental result showed the similar trend compared to correlation defined
by Sherwood and Holloway. However, the form of power is around 0.558, which is lower than
the predicted number from Sherwood and Holloway who investigate the exponent of 0.7. There
are some error element effect on the accuracy of final result, which is calculated by 5.8 %. This
report also indicate various recommendation, small relative error and modification of the
apparatus in order to optimize the final goal.

The educational purpose of this practical is to examine the correlation between mass
transfer coefficient with the fluid steam (gaseous and liquid) in a packed column. Mass
transfer coefficient is expected to increase as the water and gas flow rate through the
column increase.

Gas absorption is widely used in industries aims to control air contamination quantity
and separate the impurities out of gas mixture. Gas absorption involves mass transfer
process in which the liquid and gaseous mixture contact together through a gas-liquid
interface, leading to the dissolution of solute part from gas mixture into liquid mixture. In
reverse process (desorption), the mass transfer occurs in opposite direction (i.e. the solute
part of liquid phase is transferred to gas phase). However, the principle for both process
is similar.

The gas absorption process is divided into two types include chemical and physical
absorption. It is classified as a chemical absorption process if there is one or more
chemical reactions occur between substance in feed steams. In this experiment, water and
CO2 are used as absorbent in a counter-current packed column, hence there is no
significant chemical reaction occurs.
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The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

The packed column and its application is widely considered in various process such:
distillation, liquid-liquid extraction and gas absorption. Packed column is used to create large
surface for contact between liquid and gas flow rate and then encourage the CO2 mass
transfer rate into liquid flow steam. In general, this equipment is hallow tube that fulfilled
with packing material, Gaseous and liquid steam will run from top and bottom of packed bed.

In the packed column, liquid and gas flow run counter-currently. The gas steam is flew up
through wetted packing and makes contact with liquid mixture, which run down through the
packing. One of advantage of this device is to maximize contact space for two steam, which
Counter-current flow is also applied to maximize the diffusion rate of carbon dioxide into
water mixture steam.

The aim of column packing is to optimize the mass transfer rate by maximizing the vapor
- liquid contact area as well as surface area, void space per unit volume. There are two
types of packing : random packing and structure packing. The packing are usually
extraordinarily shaped and hollow, which are placed randomly in packed column. On
other hand, structured packing are perforated corrugated metal which allows liquid can
easily flow through as well as gas steam across through void space (corrugations
phenomenon). This leads to the higher mass transfer rate than random packing. However,
this type of packing is normally expensive and tend to be corroded because it is metal (
not appropriate for university experiment lab). Therefore, in this experiment, Ceramic
intalox saddle and some another random packing which are showed in below figure are
considered. One of advantage from these packing is that they have good corrosion
resistant, wetting characteristic, and low pressure drop. It is worth to notice that
unsuitable packing has negative effect on mass transfer coefficient rate so that the
selection of different packing depend on properties of gas and liquid substance.

The size of packing is an important consideration for column design. Overall, the bigger
size of packing lead reduction and mass transfer coefficient and cost of packing. The
mass transfer coefficient is decreased leads to requirement of higher packing column.
Therefore, overall design cost seens to be not reduced if there is a growth of size
packing. Moreover, increasing the size of packing means that the pressure drop increase.
Hence, it is important to determine the optimum size of packing to reduce design cost,
pressure drop and gain reasonable mass transfer rate. Coulson and Richardson indicated
that the maximum size of random packing could be one- eight of column height.

Equation (1) is used to calculate the mass transfer coefficient :

dN = Ky (y-y*)dA = Kx (x-x*)dA (1)

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The Nhut Nguyen a1736508
In case of L and V mole/s are mole number of liquid and gas flow rate, the total number of
mole is absorbed is described by equation:

dN = -d(Lx) (2)

The number of mole in liquid flow rate can be assumed to be constant during absorption
process, equation (2) become:

dN = -Ldx (3)

Base on first and third equation we have:

-Kx(x - x*).dA = -Ldx (4)

We can determine the difference in area by the equation:

dA= S.a.dh (5)

Base on the fourth and fifth equation we have:

-Kx(x - x*). S.a.dh = -Ldx (6)

Integrating from 0 to Z (packing height) and x1 to x2 gives:

𝑍 𝑥 ∗ −𝑥2 ∆𝑥2
Kx.S.a. = Ln[ ] = Ln[ ] (7)
𝐿 𝑥 ∗ −𝑥 1 ∆𝑥1

The total number of mole transferred can be determined as:

N = L(x1 - x2) (8)

Replace the value L from seventh equation and substitute that into eighth equation we have:

𝐾𝑦 .𝑆.𝑎.𝑍.(𝑥1 −𝑥2 )
Ν= ∆𝑥2 = Kx.S.a.Z.∆𝑥𝐿𝑀 (9)
𝐼𝑛[ ]
∆𝑥1

It is obvious to notice that wetted area of packing is effected by condition operating process
and column construction. For pure gas absorption, Kx.a will equal to Kx.A because the
resistance from gas flow could be ignored.

Where : Kx is the liquid film coefficient

Water and CO2 are substance of liquid and gas flow rate in this experiment. The CO2 stream
need to flow through a saturator before entering the packed column. This make sure it did not
pick up any additional water. And then the time data which is measured when the bubble
travel through two fixed point in bubble meter could define the gas inlet and outlet flow rate.
 Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508
It could be assumed that no pressure drop across the packed column, the equation of ideal
gas law is used to calculate the number of mole of CO2 which is transferred from gas to
liquid flow rate.

Henry’s law plays an important role in calculating the amount of given gas dissolved and
driving force of mass transfer. The temperature and pressure in this experiment could be
considered as room temperature and pressure. Therefore, the Henry’s law could be applied to
quantify amount of CO2 transferred into water. At equilibrium stage, the mole ratio between
the vapour phase and liquid phase can be determined by the equation:

y.P = H.x*
It is also important to determine the temperature of gas steam entering the packed column
because Henry’s Law equation depends on the temperature. In this case, the temperature of
entering gas is 301 K, which means the Henry’s constant is aroung 1368 atm/mole.frac.

Theoretical mass transfer coefficient

In this practical, the form of power is useful to perform the correlation between water-gas
system and mass transfer coefficient of gas. For the liquid phase, the equation below presents
Sherwood and Holloway correlation the contact between two phase in packed column:

For the counter-current packed column utilizes random packings, a specificed Sherwood and
Holloway correlation was developed for the absorption relates to dilute-liquid water system.
This correlation is presented by equation below:

Assuming that ½ inch Berl saddles and the ceramic intalox saddles has the same
construction and properties. The value al of 0.00067 can be applied for this practical.
is a viscosity of water, taking the value of 0.00112 Pa.s at standard temperature and
pressure
is Schmidt number with the value of 0.94 for CO2 at standard temperature and
Pressure

In case of random packing, the gaeous and liquid have significant impact on the growth of
pressure drop and appearance of flooding point. Some obvious contribution for this
phenomenon was discovered by Sherwood, Carman/Kozeny-Darcy, and Ergun. While this
might go beyond the purpose of gas absorption practical, clear understanding of packed
column properties is valuable to find out.

 N: the number of transferred moles of solute mole

 Kx: the overall gas mass transfer coefficient mol/(m2.s)
 Ky: the overall liquid mass transfer coefficient mol/(m2.s)
 x: solute mole faction in liquid phase
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The Nhut Nguyen a1736508
 x*: solute mole faction in liquid phase at equilibrium stage
 y: solute mole faction in gas phase
 y*: solute mole faction in gas phase at equilibrium stage
 A: the interface area
 ∆𝑥𝐿𝑀 :log-mean driving force

Figure. A general diagram for the gas absorption process experiment

1. Rotameter :
⁕ Adjust expected volumetric flow rate for water and gas
2. Bubble meter:
⁕ A calibrated tube uses a stopwatch to measure the time the inlet and out gas flow
rate
3. Pump:
⁕ Supply water for headed tank
4. Manometer:
⁕ The pressure drop record
5. Packed column:
⁕ Place where the absorption process occurs (pure CO2 is absorbed into water)
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6. Saturator:
⁕ Saturate the Carbon dioxide before entering the equipment
7. Water tank:
⁕ Water supply
8. Valve:
⁕ Adjust gas and water flow rate

1. Ensure CO2 control valve checked to be fully closed

2. Open slowly isolation valve of CO2 bottle for contacting with regulator
3. Adjust the regulator to control pressure of approximately 100kPa for CO2 flow rate.
4. Another regulator aims to adjust the pressure of CO2 entering the apparatus to
25kPa. It is located on the rear of apparatus.
5. Filling purified water for the supply tank at the rear of apparatus.
6. Turning on the water pump, which allows water is pumped to header tank. Header
tank is the main water supplement for the packed column
7. Wet the inlet and outlet bubble-meters to prevent the appearance of dust

1. Slowly open the water control valve and then use water rotameter to set a water flow of 5
cm/s and increases more 5cm/s for each next experiment.
2. Slowly opening the CO2 control valve to allow the gas enter the system. Using gas
rotameter to allow CO2 flow rate enter the column start with 0.5 L/ min and increase of 0.3
L/ min for each next experiment.
3. Let the CO2 and water flow rate run from 3 to 5 minutes to achieve the steady condition
in the packed column.
4. In order to produce flat-evenly bubble between inlet and outlet bubble column, elevate the
reservoir to gas junction.
5. Using the thermocouple to measure the inlet and outlet of CO2 temperature.
6. Using U-tube manometer to record the pressure of CO2 leaving saturator.
7. Digital stop watch is used to record the period when a bubble travel through the distance
between the inlet and outlet point in bubble meter.
8. Repeating this experiment with change of different flow rate of CO2 and water.

1. Close the water and CO2 isolation valve and then CO2 cylinder valve
2. Closing carefully the CO2 supply regulator
3. Turn off the water pump
4. Turned off thermocouple

• Mass transfer coefficient is determined as the dependent variables

• Water flow rate, CO2 flow rate are the controlled variables
• Time of travel of bubble in bubble meter is defined as independent variables
Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508
Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508
Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508
 Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

Various errors need to be defined for more accuracy of experiment in the future

a. After the gas flow rate was changed, the packed column seems to not be under equilibrium condition.
However, the data was taken at that time, which has negative influence on the accuracy of pressure
drop measurement and then the incorrect measurement in liquid velocity.
b. The fluctuation of gas flow rate when reading the data from rotameter is significantly considered. The
float heavily decides the rotameter performance. However, it is difficult to control the float movement
during the experiment, which results in the poor rotameter performance.
c. The CO2 saturated flow which was measured by the bubble meter is also the main source of inaccuracy
in this practical. This is because the tube might be folded and pinched the when the detergent reservoir
is elevated, which would prevented the flow of detergent through the hose. Moreover, once the bubbles
appeared in the columns, it was observed that the reduction of the detergent reservoir lead to reduction
of the bubble speed in the column. This is the most clear when do the experiment at low flow rates.
Hence it must be ensured that the reservoir must be kept stable while the bubbles are going up the
column. Unfortunately, this may not be possible due to the human response. Some errors may have
been put into the results in cases of the detergent reservoir was not kept stable while the bubbles were
moving up the column.
d. Although dust needs to be cleaned before the experiment, it might be still in the bubble meter. That
prevents correct time performance from the bubble.
e. Human error is one of main inconsistence source. The experiment is set up and operated by human,
hence the errors are unavoidable. For example, it is impossible for human to get a correct value when
using stop watch to determine the time the bubble was moving up through the bubble meter. Moreover,
the distance between two fixed point ( in both outlet and inlet bubble) might be not measured
consistently. That would result in certainly inaccuracy in important calculation and the expected plots.
f. Fluctuation measurement in manometer fluid levels is another significant error. The manometer fluid
level seems to oscillate randomly at some period of the practical. It has obvious effect on the pressure
drop which is in steady state and suddenly vibrates, it is most obvious in higher fluid flow rate. Once this
oscillation gains the certain levels, the recording of pressure drop would be defined by the average of
oscillation value. It is determined as a significant error on calculation of number of gaseous mole flow
rate transferred to liquid flow and then incorrect mass transfer coefficient.
g. The flooding phenomenon need to be seriously considered during experiment process. The explanation
for this phenomenon is that there is a certain amount of packing were broken in the packing column.
Sherwood indicated that flooding normally occur in the low porosity erea. When it occur, the void space
in the bottom of column decrease, which lead to flooding.

Suggested improvements

a. The pressure gauge is highly recommended instead of U- manometer. This device will prevent the
fluctuation and oscillation errors when reading the data. This is because the U-tube monometer was
effected by the initial fluctuation. Using the pressure gauge would avoid reading and parallel errors.
b. A mechanical device should be used instead of bubble meter in order to reduce human errors. The
explanation was discussed in the source of errors.
c. Potential errors can be avoid by checking carefully the condition of apparatus before begin the
experiment.
 Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

Conclusion

1. The overall mass transfer coefficient, KX, was observed to have a power dependence on the
liquid flow rate, raised to the power of 0.5528. Although it differs from the value given by
Sherwood, this compares favorably to the theoretical value (figure 5).
2. There was no relationship between the overall mass transfer coefficient K X and the gas flow
rate. Whilst no direct dependence was observed, supporting the work of Sherwood and
Holloway, further work is required to examine a potential relationship between KX, the liquid
flow rate and the gas flow rate.
3. The average uncertainty due to uncertainties in measurements is around 2%. Other sources of
error existed, further reducing the accuracy of the results.
4. Some modifications to the experimental equipments would reduce the errors in the obtained
data and improve the apparatus efficiency.
 Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

University of Adelaide 2014, CHEM ENG 3036: Gas Absorption Laboratory

script, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide

Foust, AS, Wenzel, LA, Clump, CW, Maus, L & Anderson, LB, Principles of Unit
Operations, 2 edn, John Wiley and Sons, Chapt. 16.
 Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

Appendix A: Raw data sheet

Experiment 1: Setting water flow rate of 5 cm

CO2 flow Temperature Pressure Time for the bubble to Time for one bubble to
rate difference travel through the inlet travel through the outlet
[L/min] bubble- meter bubble -meter
0.5

0.8

1.1

1.4

1.7

2.0

Experiment: Setting water flow rate of 10 cm

CO2 flow Temperature Pressure Time for the bubble to Time for one bubble to
rate difference travel through the inlet travel through the outlet
[L/min] bubble- meter bubble -meter
0.5

0.8

1.1

1.4

1.7

2.0
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The Nhut Nguyen a1736508

Experiment 3: Setting water flow rate of 15 cm

CO2 flow rate Temperature Pressure Time for the bubble to Time for one bubble to
[L/min] difference travel through the inlet travel through the outlet
bubble- meter bubble -meter
0.5

0.8

1.1

1.4

1.7

2.0

Experiment 4 : Setting water flow rate of 20 cm

CO2 flow rate Temperature Pressure Time for the bubble to Time for one bubble to
[L/min] difference travel through the inlet travel through the outlet
bubble- meter bubble -meter
0.5

0.8

1.1

1.4

1.7

2.0
Unit Operations and Laboratory
The Nhut Nguyen a1736508