Figure 1.

Polyethylene Tellerettes are a recent addition to commercially available packing materials

AARON J. TELLER'
Fenn College, Cleveland, Ohio
HARRY E. FORD
The Harshaw Chemical Co., Cleveland, Ohio

Packed Column Performance of Carbon Dioxide-

Monoethanolamine System

Flow pattern effects due to packing geometry, as well as inherent pack-

ing surface, make a significant contribution to mass transfer efficiency

CARBON dioxide is generally removed

from industrial gas streamb by absorption
in alkaline solution. Finding wide com-
mercial application today are aqueous
solutions of weak organic bases known as
the ethanolamines.
Monoethanolamine (MEA), because
of its high absorption capacity, is one of
the most widely used. I n industrial
installations the absorbing solution is
circulated continuously in a closed
circuit, first through an absorption tower
countercurrent to the gas from which the
carbon dioxide is removed. then through
a stripping column where the amine
carbonate is decomposed by heat, thus
liberating the carbon dioxide.
Excessive shipping costs for liquid and
Present address, University of Florida,
Gainesville, Fla.
solid carbon dioxide have made it
advisable to construct plants of relatively
small size; in fact, portable units are
enjoying popularity. Many commercial
installations, relatively small, utilize
packed columns. For a unit as compact
as possible and requiring a minimum of
investment and operating costs, good
process design necessitates adequate
information on the effect of flow rates and
packing geometry on performance.
Although the performance charac-
teristics of a commercial tray column
for this system have been presented by
Kohl (3), published information on
packed column operation a t atmospheric
pressure is very limited. T h e data of
Schneerson and Leibush (7), although
thorough, were obtained with a unit 1
inch in diameter and cannot be extrap-
olated to large column design. Gregory
and Scharmann (2) used a commercial
sized tower (11.75 inches diameter) but
limited carbon dioxide removal to that
from hydrogen a t 200 p.s.i.g.
T h e authors have compared three 1-
inch nominal sized packings for use
in the carbon dioxide-monoethanol-
amine system (see table on next page).
Ceramic Berl saddles and steel Raschig
-rings have long been used in absorption
processes and have received considerable
attention in the literature. Polyethylene
Tellerettes (formerly called Rosettes)
are a recent addition to the list of com-
merically available packing materials
(Figure 1).
Experimental Procedure
The pilot plant unit (Figure 2) con-
sisted of an absorption column for deter-
mining comparative packing perform-
ance and a stripping column for ther-

VOL. 50, NO. 8 AUGUST 1958 1201


Figure 2. The experimental unit consisted of an absorption column and a
stripping column
' mally dissociating the amine carbon-
ate formed during carbon dioxide
absorption by the monoethanolamine
solution. The absorption tower, 8 inches
in inside diameter, was fabricated of glass
sections and had a packed height of
5.67 feet The column was lined with
polyethylene nonwetting wall liner, 1 / 1 6
inch thick ( 9 ) . This construction de-
creased the channeling tendency of the
liquid along the column wall. Uniform
irrigation of the packing was afforded
by a multiple weir 8 inches above the
packed bed. The weir-type overflow
distributing tubes extended through a
woven wire mesh located above the
bed and below the gas outlet to decrease
carry-over of entrained liquid.
The atmospheric pressure regenera-
tion unit consisted of a glass stripping
column 8 inches in inside diameter con-
taining seven bubble trays. A 150-
gallon reboiler supplied vapor to the
feed plate of the stripper. A small
overhead water-cooled condenser re-
turned condensable vapors to the stripper
while the liberated carbon dioxide was
discharged to outside atmosphere. Four
55-gallon storage tanks acted as reser-
voirs for the regenerated amine solution.
Comparison of Packings
Tellerettes;
3 / 4 X 2 Inch
Polyethylene ;
1 Inch Nominal
yo free volume 83
Surface, sq. ft./cu. ft. 76
Weight, lb./cu. ft. 10
No. units/cu. ft. 1,125
No. interstitial points/cu.
ft., holdup points/cu. ft.
(dumped) 37,000
1202 INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
Solution storage \<;as sufficient to permit
operation of the absorption tower for a
minimum of 30 minutes a t maximum
liquor rates-ample time to determine
equilibrium conditions. A batch regen-
eration procedure was used in the recov-
ery of monoethanolamine.
Packing performance was evaluated
by absoiption of carbon dioxide in feed
concentrations of 8 to 12% (by volume)
in air by aqueous 18 to 20% (by weight)
monoethanolamine solutions. T h e car-
bon dioxide and air flows were measured
by separate orifice meters before mixing
and were blended in a 4-foot length of
pipe, 2 inches in diameter, packed with
plastic mesh before entrance to the ab-
sorption tower. Liquor rates were meas-
ured by rotameters. T h e feed solution
from the storage tanks was passed
through a system of heat exchangers,
permitting control of liquid feed tem-
perature between 110" and 120' F.
Provision was made for either heating or
cooling the solution.
Gas and liquid samples were taken a t
5- to 15-minute intervals until equilib-
rium conditions lvere established (gener-
ally 0.5- to 1-hour periods). Liquid
analyses were made in each case to
Raschig Rings;
1 X 1 X 1/16 Inch Berl Saddles;
Carbon Steel 1-Inch Ceramic
85 69
57 76
73 45
1,345 2,200
10,800 17,500
check the material balance. Material
balances were calculated with the
requirement of consistency of stream
composition within 10%. ,
Gas samples of 250-ml. volume were
taken by displacement of acidified
brine solution. Sample taps were
located above the entrainment separator
a t the top of the tower and just before
the inlet to the bottom of the tower.
Analysis was carried out in a highly
accurate Orsat analyzer, by utilizing a
gas buret with a n accuracy to 0.01 ml.
in the range of 94 to 100 ml. Duplicate
gas analyses were made on each sample.
T h e feed gas composition was set to
maintain a minimum exit gas composi-
tion in the range of 2 r 0 carbon dioxide,
to give maximum accuracy with the
chosen analytical procedure. Samples
of the liquid entering and leaving the
tower were taken by draw-off taps a t the
feed and exit rotameters. Uniformity
of composition was thus ensured. T h e
liquid samples were analyzed for moles
of carbon dioxide per mole of mono-
ethanolamine by determining the milli-
liters of carbon dioxide liberated per
milliliter of monoethanolamine solution
when 1 ml. of the latter was treated with
2 ml. of 85% phosphoric acid in accord-
ance with the procedure of Reed and
Wood ( 6 ) . T h e solution was titrated
to the orange end point with methyl
red indicator to determine monoethanol-
amine concentration.
The ring and saddle packings were
loaded into the tower by the conven-
tional method. The tower was first
filled with water and the packings were
slowly added (with tapping of the
tower) until the desired height was
obtained. I n the case of Tellerettcs,
because of the low density of polyethyl-
ene, the packing was added to the tower
in the absence of liquid and compressed
by tamping a t 6-inch intervals, assuring
maximum interlocking effect. I n the
interlocked state no hold-down bars are
necessary to maintain the packing in
stable position under flow conditions.
Tellerettes were easily removed by filling
the tower with water and agitating the
packing. They floated to the surface
and were removed.
Piping and heat exchangers were
made of carbon steel. Valves and
fittings contained no tin or copper
alloys. No evidence of corrosive action
was noticed during the evaluation,
although the monoethanolamine solu-
tion was discolored.
Discussion
The performance characteristics of
three commercial packings-1-inch poly-
ethylene Tellerettes, 1-inch ceramic Berl
saddles, and 1-inch steel Raschig rings-
were evaluated for operation in the
carbon dioxide-monoethanolamine sys-
tem under conditions in the range of
 P A C K I N G MATERIALS PERFORMANCE

4 7
E I-IN.lELLERE1 A. On cor- 6
rected 5
Hm,, G
661 lb./ 4
hr.-sq. ft.
3

b
2
B. On cor-
rected
1.5
HTU,,, G
1000 2000 3000 4000 woo moo 970 Ib./
L CB./(HR.)(SQ.FT.) hr.-sq. ft.
1000 2000 3000 4000 6030 8000
L LB./(HR.) (SQ.FT.)
4
C. On cor-
recfed
Kw

D. HTU,,, G A I-IN BCRLSADDLES

t i -
661 Ib./

[
hr.-sq. ft.

'
(3

IS
I-lN.TELLERETTES
0 I-IN.RASCHlG RINGS
A I-IN.BERL
Gi.861SADDLES 1000 2000 3000 4000
L LB./(HR) (SQ.FT.)
6000 8000

20
1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000
L LB./(HR)(SQ. FT.) 15
Figure 3. Effect of liquid rate. Absorption by mono-
ethanolamine solution varies with type of packing
IO
those in industrial installations. Liquid 0
rates were varied from 1500 to 6000
8
1
lb./(hr.)-(sq. ft.) for gas rates of 661
and 970 lb./(hr.)-(sq. ft.). 6
I t appeared desirable to investigate b 5
the area of commercial operation where
minimum transfer rates have been ob-
E. HTU,,, G
970 Ib./ 4
served. T h e data of Schneerson and 1000 2000 3000 4000 6000 8000
hr.-sq. ft. L LB./(HR.)(SQ. FT.)
Leibush (7) were correlated by Kohl
(3) and presented by the equation
The mass transfer characteristics and
evaluations of the three packings are Gas phase COZconcentration, Z-lO%
indicated in Tables I and I1 and Liquid phase Cot concentration, 0.16-0.45
mole COdmole MEA
Therefore, within the limits of eco- Figure 3. Temperature, 100-120° F.
nomic operation-11O0 to 120' F. and T h e performance of 1-inch Berl saddles MEA concentration, 3.2M
2 to 4 M monoethanolamine solution- is almost identical with that of the 1-inch
the minimum transfer coefficients occur steel Raschig rings. T h e polyethylene G; = 574 lb./(hr.)-(sq.
ft.)
a t the bottom section of the tower, Tellerettes achieved 23 to 72% more
where the concentrations of carbon effectiveness in mass transfer rates as a HTU,,
Tellerettes 640 L-o.61
dioxide in the liquid and gas phases are function of flow conditions. Berl saddles 809
a t their maxima. L,og-log plots of uncorrected HTU,, us. Raschig rings 809
This area of operation was investigated liquid rate indicated a high degree of
in a relatively short tower (5.67 feet of linearity, except in the case of Tellerettes Gi = 861 lb,/(hr.)-(sq.
ft.)
packing) by maintaining the gas feed a t Gi = 861 lb./(hr.)-(sq, ft.). Empiri-
in the range of 8 to 12% carbon dioxide cal relationships indicating the variation Tellerettes 1900 L 4 . 7 4
Berl saddles (max. L = 2500)
and the feed liquor in the range of 0.14 of the transfer height with liquor rate 2900 L-0.73
to 0.18 mole of carbon dioxide per mole have been determined for the following Raschig rings 3040 L-'.?'
of monoethanolamine. conditions :

VOL. 50, NO. 8 AUGUST 1958 1203

 The linearity (obtained by plotting it appeared that the data would provide for this packing are:
HTD‘,, and Kga us. L ) was the result of a relationship of the nature of
For Gi = 574,
fortuitous combination of variables, in
so far as the concentrations of carbon
dioxide in both the exit liquor and gas
decreased with increase in liquor ?,ow. T h e concentrations of carbon dioxide For Ci = 8611
T o ascertain the packing contribution, in the gas and liquid phases+for each run
the effects of concentrations and tem- were calculated as the log mean of the
perature were included in the following terminal conditions. Variations in
Results were similar to those of Furnas
relationship. From the Schneerson and liquid viscosity were not considered
and Bellinger ( I ) , who found for the
Leibush (7) relationship as correlated because of the narrow temperature range carbon dioxide-sodium bicarbonate sys-
by Kohl (3),it bvould be anticipated that involved, whereas variations were as
tem that
much as 50% in log mean carbon di-
H T C,, a L-O’6 (6)
oxide concentration in the liquor and
40y0 in log mean carbon dioxide partial Although the behavior of Tellerettes
pressure in the vapor phase. indicated a simple exponential relation-
The runs \vith Tellerettes plotted in ship of HTU,, with L , the performance
Inasmuch as the monoethanolamine accordance with Relationship 3 produced characteristics of Raschig rings and Berl
molarity and gas velociry were main- etraight lines on log-log plots (Figure 4), saddles M‘ere more complex. At liquor
tained nearly constant for each series of indicating exponential relationship with flows below 3000 Ib./hr.-sq. ft. the
runs, and lean mixtures were employed, liquid rate. T h e analytical expressions variation of efficiency with liquor flow
was parallel to that of Tellerettes, al-
though a t a significantly lower efficiency.
Beyond L = 3000, there appeared to be a
Table 1. Column Performance o f Packings in Carbon Dioxide-Air-Monoethanol- leveling of transfer effectiveness.
amine Solution System Shows Effect o f Liquor and Gas Rates T h e similarity of behavior of the
(5.67-foot packing) transfer performance of Raschiy rings
Flow Rate, Lb./ firole Con/ Pressure and Berl saddles is noteworthy. As
(Hr.)(8s Ft.) Mole r r a r t COa
- Mole MEA Drop; indicated, the available surfaces involved
Liquid Gas Temp., Feed Exit Feed Exit Inches are significantly different. Although
L Air c 0 2 O F. gas gas liq. liq. Water
the theoreticallv available surface ob-
Tellerettes 3/4 X 2 Inch Polyethylene tained by spreading of liquid bv Teller-
1500 574 87 114 0.104 0.047 0.166 0.404 7.0 3.0 1.1 ettes is zero (nonwettinq Dolyethylene),
116 0.108 0.048 0.144 0.373 7.0 3.0 1.2 the performance of the Tellerettes was
1800 574 66 115 0.078 0.033 0.156 0.309 6.6 3.2 1.2
0.042 0.190 1.2
superior to that of the rings and saddles.
1950 574 87 111 0.103 0.392 6.3 3.4
2250 574 87 114 0.105 0.041 0.206 0.376 5.8 3.6 1.4 Thus not only the wetted surface of
2625 574 87 100 0.097 0.034 0.188 0.390 5.5 3.8 1.4 the packing but the flow pattern engen-
3800 574 87 119 0.103 0.025 0.196 0.340 4.0 5.3 1.5 dered by the flow rate and packing
590 87 120 0.096 0.230 0.230 0.404 4.0 5.4 1.7
0.078 2.0
geometry has a significant effect on the
4050 574 87 105 0.017 0.16% 0.284 3.7 5.7
4650 574 87 120 0,099 0.022 0.188 0.302 3.8 5.5 2.2 rate of mass transfer. The contribution
6000 5 74 109 170 0.119 0.019 0.196 0.310 3.1 6,s 2.9 of interstitial holdup was noted by
1500 861 109 117 0.088 0.04.8 0.138 0.386 9.4 3.3 2.1 Teller (9) and that of flow pattern bv
0.041 2.9
1875 861 109 114 0.085 0.138 0.365 7.8 4.0 SherIvood and Holloway (a), who stated,
2250 861 109 117 0.909 0.038 0.147 0.347 6.6 4.8 3.6
114 0.08% 0.035 0.142 0.350 6.7 4.4 3.1 “The effect of paraffiq on the packinq
2450 861 in9 117 0.076 0.029 0.180 0.455 6.1 5.1 3.6 is to reduce the interfacial area, a, since
3630 86 1 109 114 0.083 0.028 0.140 0.310 5.3 5.9 5.9
4050 861 109 100 0.078 0.023 0.152 0.322 4.7 6.7 6.4
4650 861 109 106 0,087 0.027 0.161 0.294 4.9 6.4 6.8
Table 11. Relative Performance of 1 -
Raschig Rings 1-Inch Steel Inch Packings Shows Effect o f Liquor
1200 574 87 116 0.099 0.061 0.128 0.394 11.7 1.8 1.9 and Gas Rates
1500 574 87 116 0.013 0.061. 0.150 0.368 9.5 2.2 2.1 (Corrected for temperature concentration.
2250 574 87 114 0.105 0.048 0.150 0.328 7.2 2.9 2.1 Basis. 1 inch Raschiq rings = 100 at L
2400 574 87 117 0.097 0.044 0.145 0.320 7.2 2.9 2.5 = 1500 Ih./hr. sq. Et.)
2625 574 87 114 0.103 0.048 0.130 0.315 6.1 3.5 2.5
3000 574 87 116 0.119 0.050 0.180 0.330 6.5 3.2 2.5 Increase
4425 574 87 114 0.099 0.0?9 0.166 0.270 4.6 4.6 3.4 in
4650 574 87 110 0.102 0.ow 0.154 0.270 4.7 4.5 3.5 Effi-
5550 574 87 120 0.099 0.075 0.146 0.237 4.1 5.1 3.9 ciency
1650 861 109 116 0.086 0.057 0.185 0.400 14.0 2.2 4.7 with
2250 86 1 109 114 0.087 0.050 0.187 0.375 10.4 3.0 5.8 Rasrhiq Berl Teller- Teller-
3000 86 1 109 116 0.003 0.047 0.196 0.368 8.4 3.7 7.0 L Rings Saddles ettes ette
3750 861 109 115 0.089 0.041 0.194 0.348 7.4 4.2 8.2
4600 86 1 109 110 0.083 0.034 0.184 0.310 6.4 4.9 9.3 G, = 576 Lb./Hr. Sq. Ft.
1500 100 100 In9 49
Berl Saddles 1-Inch Ceramic 7000 176 176 175 39
1500 574 87 115 0.104 0.057 0.165 0.382 9.5 2.2 1.4 3000 1*9 1E9 221 39
2250 5 74 87 115 0.10* 0.048 0.166 0.364 7.4 2.8 1.5 4000 179 179 259 44
3000 5 74 87 116 0.106 0.043 0.173 0.334 6.2 3.4 1.7 5000 la6 186 294 57
3750 574 87 117 0.107 0.038 0.170 0.297 5.5 3.8 2.2 6000 189 189 325 72
4650 574 87 117 0.101 0.028 0.147 0.271 4.4 4.8 3.6
4.8
G, = 861 Lb./Hr. Sq. Ft.
5550 574 87 115 0.101 0.025 0.151 0.251 4.0 5.3
1500 861 109 115 0.091 0.061 0.150 0.393 14.2 2.2 3.4 1500 100 103 1M 44
2250 86 1 109 116 0.092 0.052 0.190 0.392 10.1 3.1 4.0 2000 131 134 170 30
3000 861 109 117 0 * 092 0.048 0.196 0.350 8.7 3.6 5.5 3000 174 183 215 23
3750 86 1 109 117 0.098 0.041 0.157 0.329 7.1 4.4 7.1 4000 195 203 254 30
4650 861 109 113 0.085 0.034 0.158 0.298 6.0 5.2 10.2 5000 205 215 290 41

1 204 INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY

 P A C K I N G MATERIALS PERFORMANCE

4
Figure 4. Runs
with 1 -inch Tel-
lerettes indi-
cated expo-
nential relation
with liquid rate

b.
I I I I I t 1
Figure 5.
Total pressure
drop in tower
during carbon
dioxide
0 ’ I 1 I 1 I
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000
LIQUOR RATE ’ LB/(HR.)(SQ.FT.)
3000

b 2000

Figure 6.
1500
Flooding data
G
for 1-inch Tel-
lerettes and l -3
inch Raschig 100’)
rings show rela-
tive capacities 000
of packings
BOO
600 IO00 I500 2dOO 3000
GAS RAT E L B./CK 9.)(Sa. FT.)
the liquid tends to flow in thick rivulets polyethylene Raschig rings and poly- to flow by the occlusion of the perfora-
instead of thin layers. T h a t these ethylene Tellerettes is a function of the tions by the packing.
rivulets are more agitated than thin contribution of interstitial holdup and Inasmuch as each packing shape has a
layers is indicated by the fact that the liquid turbulence engendered by the different geometric relationship with the
coating reduced K L , a for carbon dioxide packing geometry, the effect of these packing support perforations, the pack-
desorption by a smaller amount than
it did for vaporization of water. With factors is an average of 38% increase in ing support pressure drop contribution
liquid film controlling, the reduction in a efficiency. varies with the packing used. T h e data
is partially offset by an increase in KL.” Thus the packing Performance charac- presented may be extended by adding
teristics are apparently related not only
The contribution of factors other than to surface distribution but to a greater
wetted area must be significant, as in- degree of flow pattern distortion and Table 111. Pressure Drop Variation
dicated by performance data. The holdup time. with liquor Rate Reflects Free Volume
Berl saddle and Raschig ring having and Geometry of Packings
different potential areas provided the (Temp. 110-120’ F. D a t a includes pressure
same performance; the Tellerette having
Pressure Drop . drop contribution of 5.67-ft. packing support
T h e pressure drops for the three pack- plate, entrainment separator, distributor.
a very low potential area gave superior Basis. Pressure drop of 1 inch steel
performance. Magnitudes of two of the ings evaluated were obtained a t operat- Raschig rings = 100)
contributing factors can be approxi- ing conditions of the tower (Figure 5 ) . L,
mated from the data of Teller ( g ) , who The data are reported for the 5.67 feet Lb./(Hr.)- Raschig Berl
of packing used in the runs and include (Sq.Ft.) Rings Saddles Tellerettes
compared the efficiencies of 3/4-inch
glass Raschig rings, 3/4-inch polyethylene the pressure drop contributed by the G = 661 Lb./Hr.-Sg. Ft.
Raschig rings, and 1-inch polyethylene support plate. The basis for the devia- lS00 100 60 55
Tellerettes in the ammonia-air-water tion from the normal method of presenta- 2500 100 64 58
tion of pressure drop information is that, 3500 100 72 62
system. 4500 100 87 65
Assuming that the performance differ- as indicated by Leva and others (4, 5500 100 120 68
ence between the glass and polyethylene the support plate makes a significant
contribution to the pressure drop within G = 970 Lb./Hr.-Sq. Ft.
Raschig rings is a function of the flow
1500 100 62 46
pattern caused only by wettable area, the system. This phenomenon is not 2500 100 74 61
the effect of available surface is a 14Yo merely a result of the resistance to flow 3500 100 84 71
change in efficiency. Assuming that offered by the perforations of the support 4500 100 104 78
the performance difference between the plate but also of the resistance offered

VOL. 50, NO. 8 AUGUST 1958 1205

 4 100

Figure 7. Comparison
of gas rates at equal Ls90
pressure drop and liq- 5;
uor rate for 1-inch uzB0
Tellerettes and 1 -inch 25
-2
Raschig rings zz
UX 10
20
93

llool ‘ 1 3’
VIA

Figure 8. Comparison ‘O

qV I : ” ~ E , P ” A S ~ I N ~ ~
of
S ~ N ~
increase in gas
capacity of 1 -inch Tel-
~ ~

I~IN.TELLERETTES 5040 50 60 70 80 90 100

lerettes as per cent o
/‘ OF VISIBLE FLOODING - IHN RASCHIG RINGS
’00400 500 600 700 800 IO00 1300 of flooding of 1-inch
GAS RATE- RASCHIG RINGS -LB./(wR)(sQ.FT.) Raschig rings

the pressure drop contributed by addi- HTC;, = height of over-all gas-phase

Table IV. Pressure Drop Data for tional packing height gained from data transfer unit, feet
1 -Inch Polyethylene Tellerettes Show such as those presented by Perry (5) Kgu = over-all gas-phase absorption
and in Table IV and Figure 5. coefficient, lb. moles/ (hr.)
Phase Inversion Conditions (cu. ft.) (atm.)
(System. Air-15% MEA. Temp. 65’ F.) At both gas rates Tellerettes and KL = liquid phase mass transfer
Raschig rings presented almost linear coefficient, lb. moles/(hr.)
Pressure
Gas Rate, Drop, I n . relationships of pressure drop with liquid (sq. ft.) (concentration in
Liquid R a t e : Lb./Hr.- WaterlFt. flow, the Tellerette loss ranging from liquid phase units)
Lb./Hr.-Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Packing 46 to 78% that of the Raschig ring, as L = superficial liquid rate, lb./lir.-
Wet and drained 720 0.160 shown on Table 111 and Figure 4. sq. ft.
860 0 * 229 The Berl saddle, however, presented a lm C = log mean concentration of
1010 0.295 curvilinear relationship with over-all carbon dioxide in liquid
1150 0.381
pressure drop only slightly higher than lm P = log mean partial pressure of
1290 0.474 carbon dioxide in gas
1440 0.582 that for Tellerettes a t low liquid flows, M = amine concentration of solu-
1580 0.712 rising rapidly and exceeding that for tion, molarity, gram moles
1720 0.847 Raschig rings a t liquid rates greater
1865 0.993 per liter
2010 1.15 than 5000 lb./hr.-sq. ft. P = partial pressure carbon di-
2150 1.31 The gas rates are given in terms of the oxide in gas, atm.
2300 1.51 dry gas. Actually at operation in the T = temperature, OF.
2440 1.71 range used in commercial recovery of Y = mole fraction carbon dioxide
2580 1.92 in gas
3000 720 0.196 carbon dioxide, 110 to 120’ F., the flow
P = viscosity, centipoises
860 0.273 rate due to vaporization of water varies d = function symbol
1010 0.352 from 109 to 1207, of the noncondensable
1150 0.455 gas flow. Thus in calculating tower
1290 0.630 SUBSCRIPTS
1440 0.815 diameter and pressure drops, the total g = gas
1580 1.10 flow must be considered rather than only I = liquor
1650 1.27 the noncondensable gas flow. i = inert
1720 1.55
1790 2.01
To determine the contribution of the f = film
1865 2.64a packing to the pressure drop, pressure
1940 3.6Qb drop and flooding tests were made for Literature Cited
4500 720 0.212 the 1-inch Tellerette with an air-
860 0.328 10% monoethanolamine solution (Table (1) Furnas, C. C., Bellinger, F. B., T?ans.
2730 2.11 Am. Znst. Chem. Engrs. 34, 251
1150 0.676 IV and Figures 6 to 8). (1938).
1220 0.805 Polyethylene Tellerettes can be used (2) Gregory, L. B., Scharmann, I V . G.,
1290 0.945 a t temperatures u p to 150” F. without IND.ENG.CHEM.29, 514 (1937).
1360 1.09 intermediate support plates; the recom- (3) Kohl, A. L., A.I.Ch.E. Journal 2,
1440 1.34 264 (1956).
1510 1.79 mended heights of packing are 30 feet (‘4) Leva, M., Lucas, J. M., Frahme,
1580 2.56” at 7 0 ” ; 15 feet a t 105O, and 9 feet a t H. H., I X D . ENG. CHEM. 46, 1225
1650 3.60b 150OF. 11954).
*-
6750 720 0.317 Perry, J. H., “Chemical Engineers’
860 0.428 Handbook,” McGraw-Hill, New
1010 0.607 Acknowledgment York, 1950.
1150 0.875 The authors wish to express their Reed, R. M., Wood, W. R., Trans.
4500 1010 0.483 appreciation to Gas Atmospheres, Inc., Am. Znst. Chem. Engrs. 37, 363 (1941).
6750 1220 1.35 Schneerson, A. L., Leibush, A . G.,
1290 1.45 for cooperation in this report. J . A$@. Chem. (U.S.S.R.) 19 (9),
1360 2.29a 869 (1946).
1390 3.64 Nomenclature Sherwood, T. K., Holloway, F. A. L.,
1410 3.66b Trans. Am. Znst. Chem. Engrs. 36,
9000 720 0.455 interfacial area .
21 (1940).
860 0.662 constant Teller, A. J., Chem. Eng. Progr. 50,
1010 0.992 concentration of carbon di- 65 11954).
1080 1. 3SQ oxide in solution, moles per
1120 2.98 mole MEA RECEIVED
for review June 10, 1957
1150 5.05b superficial gas rate, lb./hr.- ACCEPTED February 3, 1958
First visible inversion. Liq. build-up sq. ft. Division of Industrial and Engineering
on top of packing. superficial air rate, Ib. air/ Chemistry, 131st Meeting, ACS, Miami,
hr.-sq. ft. Fla., April 1957.

1206 I N D U S T R I A L AND E N G I N E E R I N G CHEMISTRY