Unit 1

Absorber Design Project- Memo 1 Due: 18/11/2014

Memo 1: Background & Equilibrium distribution data

The first memo is a written document. This memo should contain background
information derived from literature about your solvent (and competing
solvents) and as well as published thermodynamics parameters for your
process. This information will serve as a first draft for the introduction to your
final report.
1. Literature Search and Background
1.1.
Process Background: This section will form the basis for the
introduction of your final report. Initially, use the general references
cited in the Reference List for this work (e.g., Kirk-Othmer, etc.), as
well as some information from at least one recent patent on your
technology (http://www.uspto.gov; section on Current State of the Art).
Please cite all references used.
1.1.1.
What is the typical composition of natural gas? You can
check the literature or contact some professionals in the industry.
1.1.2.
Explain why natural gas has to be treated before any
applications.
1.1.3.
Include a description of the major uses of natural gas. In
those applications, what is the maximum contaminates (CO 2,
H2S,) concentration are allowed.
1.1.4.
Investigate what solvents are used to remove your target.
Compare between them and develop your argument of the
solvent of your choice.
1.1.5.
Review the processes of your solvent and typical process
conditions (inlet compositions, operating pressure, and
temperature, and typical absorber recovery).
1.1.6.
Comment on the most typical absorber types employed for
this solvent.
1.1.7.
Clearly state What, Why, and How:
1.1.7.1. What is the problem your are trying to solve and Why you
have to solve it? (statement of problem)
1.1.7.2. How are you going to solve it? (Objectives)
1.2.
Thermodynamics: Conduct a Chemical Abstracts literature
search for the equilibrium distribution data of your solute-solvent
system. You may obtain copies of these literature data from articles
from the library, interlibrary loan or the E-Journals from ScienceDirect
(Elsevier) or the ACS journals. If you have trouble finding the articles of
interest, contact Dr. Rashid for assistance.
You can use Aspen (a simple flash drum or a separator will do) to
develop your own equilibrium distribution data. Contact senior
students, they can help!

Unit 1

Absorber Design Project- Memo 1 Due: 18/11/2014

Group Duties: Provide a tentative listing of duties for each group member
for this project.
Hand Calculations: Give hand calculations of each representative
calculation in an appendix to this short memo. You are not required to type
these hand calculations.

Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri