ماس - جابتر 2

ABSORPTION OF GASES UNIVERSITY OF BASRAH Ass.prof.Dr. RUSUL NASEER M.
University of Basrah
College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Department

ABSORPTION OF GASES
By
Ass.prof.Dr.Rusul Naseer Al-Maruof 2021
Third stage-1st semester
Mass I

Absorption of Gases
1. Definition and Applicability

2.Absorption, equilibrium of gas and liquid
3.Packed tower design; tray tower
4.Tray efficiency
5. Stripping process
1. Definition
Absorption is one of physical separation process where one component of gas mixture will
absorb by a liquid solvent from a gas phase to a liquid phase. The gas phase consist from
gas mixture which it contains inert gas with solute (A). Furthermore, the absorbed material
can be recovered by stripping process, which has the same theory of absorption process.
Stripping process is a unit operation where one or more components of a liquid stream are
removed by being placed in contact with a gas stream that is in soluble in the liquid stream.
Absorber and strippers are often used in conjunction with each other. Absorbers are often
employed to remove trace component from gas streams. Strippers are often used to remove
the trace component from the liquid in more concentrated form. Absorption and stripping
operations are carried out in vertical, cylindrical columns or tower contains plates or packing
elements.
Applicability
 Remove of ammonia and H2S before biological treatment
 Absorbing of ammonia NH4 from air mixture by water.
 Absorbing of SO2 gas from alkaline solutions.
 In the hydrogenation of edible oils in the food industry. Hydrogen is bubbled into oil and
absorbed.
 Remove of violated organic carbon (VOC) at low concentration ( <200 mg/l) from
contaminated ground water.
2 - Equipment:
Absorption and stripping are conducted in tray towers (plate column), packed column, spray tower, bubble
column, and centrifugal contactors. The first two types of these equipment will be considered in our course
for this year.

2-1 Tray tower:

A tray tower is a vertical, cylindrical pressure vessel in which vapor and liquid, which flow counter
currently, are contacted on a series of metal trays or plates. Liquid flows across any tray over an outlet weir,
and into a down comer, which takes the liquid by gravity to the tray below. The gas flows upward through
opening in each tray, bubbling through the liquid on the other tray

Figure (1)
Figure (2)

2.2 Packed tower:

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
Figure (3) Packing absorber column


Figure: Types of packing (a) Raschig rings (b) Pall rings (c) Berl saddle ceramic (d) Intalox saddle ceramic (e) Metal
Hypac ( f ) Ceramic, super Intalox
3. Design Theory:
Design of an absorber requires consideration a number of factors, including:
1. Entering liquid flow rater, composition, temperature, and pressure which are generally set
from the proceeding unit operation.
2. Desired degree of recovery of one or more solute which it is generally set by the
designer.
3. Choice the absorbent whereas the ideal adsorbent should:
a) have a high solubility for the solute to minimize the need of absorbent.
b) have a low volatility to reduce he loss of adsorbent.
c) be non corrosive and be non toxic.

d) have a low viscosity to provide low pressure drop and high mass and heat transfer.
e) be non foaming when connected with the gas so as to make unnecessary to increase
absorber dimension.
f) be available and not expensive.
The most widely used absorbent are : Water, hydrocarbon oil and aqueous solutions of acid
and bases
The most common stripping agent are : Water vapor, air, inert gas and hydrocarbon gases
4. Operating pressure and temperature.
Changing the condition of the absorption column can influence the effectiveness and
efficiency of absorption. For an absorber, operating pressure should be high and temperature
low to minimize stage requirement and to lower equipment required accommodating. Raising
the pressure of the column may increase the efficiency of the separation because increasing
the pressure decrease the liquid flow rate and increase the concentration of the gas. For a
stripping, operating pressure should be low and temperature high to minimize stage
requirement
5. Minimum absorbent flow rate
The ratio of the liquid and gas stream rates in that if the ratio is too low, the solute builds in
the upper portion of the column causing a higher temperature profile in the top of the column.
As a result, internal cooling may be necessary for liquid to gas ratios.
6. Number of equilibrium stages.( from absorber design equations)
7. Height of absorber. ( from absorber design equations)

4-Equilibrium Relations between Phases

The equilibrium relationship in gas – liquid system
Notes:
The equilibrium relation is the ratio between the mole ratio of solute in gas phase and the mole ratio of
solute in liquid phase . The equilibrium relation may be linear or no linear.
Where:
: is the mole ratio of solute in liquid phase (A/C).
: is the mole ratio of solute in gas phase (A/B).
The relation between the mole fraction and mole ratio:

XA= xA/ (1-xA) ; YA= yA/ (1-yA)
and : are the mole fractions of solute (A) in liquid and gas phases, respectively.
and : are the mole ratio of solute (A) in liquid and gas phases, respectively
In the following section, the physical process type of absorption will be considered.

Design tower
HOG= height of transfer unit H=the distance of trays(0.3-0.7)

NOG= number of transfer unit N= number of trays
1- Tray column
The absorption process can be carried out in countercurrent flow process, which may be carried out in a
single stage unit or multistage unit. The plate column is a common type of absorption equipment for large
installations. Bubble-cap columns or sieve trays are sometimes used for gas absorption, particularly when
the load is more than can be handled in a packed tower of about 1 m diameter and when there is any
probability of deposition of solids which would quickly choke a packing. Plate towers are particularly useful
when the liquid rate is sufficient to flood a packed tower. Phase equilibrium is assumed to be achieved at
each tray between the vapor and liquid streams leaving the tray. That is, each tray is treated as equilibrium
stage.
Assume that the only component transferred from one phase to the other is solute A.
Plate types :
 Bubble-cap tray.
 perforated or sieve tray.
 bubble tray

Derivation the operating line equation for countercurrent multiple contact stages by
Graphical method:
Consider the counter current flow, tray tower for absorption operating under isothermal,
continuous, and steady state flow conditions as shown in figure(1). Phase equilibrium is
assumed to be achieved at each tray between the vapor and liquid stream leaving the tray.
The inlet liquid stream is (L。), the inlet vapor stream is (Vn+1) while the outlet products
are (V1 and LN) streams and the total number of stage is (N).
Over all material balance
Where is mole/hr entering, is mole/hr leaving the process and M is total flow
Note in figure (1) that any two streams leaving the process are in equilibrium with each other.
For over all component material balance
= …..(2)
Where
: The mole fraction of solvent that enters the column. (top of column),
: The outlet mole fraction of solute (A) in the liquid phase (bottom of column)
: The mole fraction of solute (A) in the vapor phase that leaves from the top column.
The mole fraction of solute (A) in the vapor phase that leaves from bottom column.
Making a total material balance over the first stages (n)
= ….(3)
Making a component (A) balance over the first stages (n)
= (4)
……(5)
Y=ax+b

For pure liquid (no soulte in the entering liquid stream)
A straight line equation Eq. (5) represents the main operating line equation where the slope is and the
intercept is . It is between and in the liquid and vapor streams, respectively.

For a special case for an absorber design:
A solute (A) diffuses through a stagnant gas (B) and then through a stagnant liquid (C) as this case
absorption of acetone from air by water. So, the number of moles of inert air and the number of moles of
stagnant water will stay constant through the tower.
For an overall component material balance on (A, B and C) in Figure (1)
= …..(1)
Where =
X, Y are called molar ratio for liquid and gas phase and the flows in (kg/hr)
Since . For a dilute mixture (<10 % concentration of solute A in the gas
phase)…………….Equation (1) become
= (2)
if we assume,
The flow rate of gas and liquid (V and L) in a countercurrent are constant for dilute concentration (<10 %),
L¯ = average flow rate of solvent in kg mole/hr
V¯ = average flow rate of inert air in kg mole/hr
The opretiong line eq.(3) become as:
Eq. (3) represents the main operating line equation for an absorber tower.
1
2
3
n‐1
n
n+1
N total

Figure (1) Number of stages in countercurrent of absorption tower

1-Calculation of number of plates in a plate tower using the graphical method:
For Non-linear Equilibrium Relationship

This must be done graphically or algebraically when the graphical method is chosen, a
McCabe-Thiele diagram constructed by plotting the equilibrium line with equilibrium curve
which it can be pointed as fallow:
1. Draw the equilibrium line Henry’s low (y =H. x ), where H is Henry’s constant (atm /mol
fraction)
-1
2. Find ø = tan slope with the intercept values whereas the slope of is and the
intercept
3. Find the top and bottom points of tower (Xn , ( , , respectively point (1)
and point (2)and draw a vertical line from these points which represent the operating line.
4. Draw a horizontal line from point (2) to point (3) which will intersect the operating line.
The triangular formed represent the plate number (1).
5. Continuous draw the vertical lines and horizontal lines as step (4).Count the triangular
constructed. This number represents a theoretical number of plates.
6. Now, you can calculate the actual number of stage from:
Where is the efficiency of plate

2-Calculation of number of plates in a plate tower for linear Equilibrium Relationship
by equation below:
Where;

2-Packed tower
I- Determinetion the absorper total height for dilute gas mixture
The physical absorption process can be carried out in countercurrent flow process, which
may be carried out in packed or tray column.This method consider that the packing
represent a number of stage whereas the concentration of solute (A) will vary along the
bed. The total height of the absorbed tower can be found by:
Tower height = height of transfer unit * number of transfer unit
Z = HTU * NTU ……..(1)

where: Z is a tower height
HTU NTU
Z = (HOG) * ( NOG) ……..(2)
HOG is a height over all transfer unit based on gas phase.
NOG is a number of overall transfer unit based on gas phase.
Also,
Z = (HOL) * (NOL) ……..(3)
HOL is a height over all transfer unit based on liquid phase.
NOL is a number of overall transfer unit based on liquid phase.
…… (4)
where …….(5)
m= slope of equilibrium curve which it straight line with dilute mixture.
= molar flow rate of gas = V/ M.wt
= molar flow rate of liquid = L/ M.wt

II- calculating the number of transfer unit (NOG) in packed tower

1-Kremser equation for linear equilibrium equation
Kremser equation is used to calculate NOG depending on the slope
……(11)
where
2- Calculated the number of transfer unit (NOG) graphically :

Steps for drawing
1. Complete the material balance to calculate all the unknowns (all compositions and flow rates of the inlet
and the outlet streams must be known).
2. Draw the equilibrium curve (or line) either from given data or from the equilibrium equation: Y = m X.
3. Draw the operating line, from two points (X1, Y0) and (XN+1, YN) or one point and slope of ( \ )
according to the condition of the process.
4. Draw a vertical line from point 1 which represents the point (X1, Y0) {as shown in the figure} to point 2
which will intersect the equilibrium line (Curve). Then draw a horizontal line from point 2 to point 3,
intersecting the operating line. The triangular formed will represent the plate number one.

5. Continue drawing the vertical lines and horizontal lines as in step 4 (shown in the fig.) until we reach to
the point (XN+1, YN) or pass it.
6. Count the triangles constructed, this number represents the number of theoretical plates
1- Equations for dilute concentrations:

There is Special case when equilibrium curve is a straight line, If over the range of
concentrations considered the equilibrium curve is a straight line,
.

Then
The operating line and graphical integration for the height of a column
Taking a material balance on the solute from the bottom of the column to any plane where
the mole ratios are Y and X gives for unit area of cross-section

Example:
It is desired to absorb 90% of acetone from air containing 1% mole acetone in air. The
total inlet gas air flow rate in 30 k mole/hr in pure water and the total inlet liquid flow rate is
90 kmole/hr. the process operate isothermally at 300 k and 1 atm . The equilibrium relation is
ye = 2.53 xe . Find the height of tower if kGa= 2 k kmole/hr.m3.
Solution
The inlet acetone from the bottom (yn =0.01)
The efficiency to absorb 90 % of acetone
∴ The outlet acetone from the top (yn = 0.01 *10%)=0.001
The inlet water from the top (X。=0) (pure liquid)

The outlet acetone from the bottom (Xn =?)
Xn can be calculated from material balance.

Gm ( y n+1 – y1)= Lm (Xn ‐ X。)


30(0.01-0.001) = 90 (Xn)
Xn = 0.003 The outlet acetone from the bottom
Z= HOG * NOG
= 30/2 = 1.5 m
1- kersmar equation
2-
ø = 2.53 * (30/90) = 0.8433

∴ NOG = 1/(1-0.8433) * ln [ (1-0.8433) (0.01/0.001) + 0.84]
NOG= 5.61
∴ Z = 5.61 * 1.5= 83.2 m
3- Method by drawing :
1-Firstly, draw an equilibrium line from ( ye = 2.53 xe)
x y
0.003
7.59
0.002
5.06
0.001
2.53*
0 0
1- draw an operating line from the top and bottom points
Top (0, 0.001)
Bottom (0.003, 0.01)
Based on figure below the number of stages are 5.
∴ Z= 6 * 1.5 = 83 m

4-Determine the Minimum absorbent flow rate

Operating line for four different absorbent flow rate are shown in figure (3), where each
operating lines pass through the terminal point (X。, Y 1). To achieve a desired value of Y1
for given V N +1, X。,V N+1 . The solute -free absorbent rate (L。) must lie in the range of
(operating line 1) to (Lmin) (operating line 4). The value of the solute concentration in the
outlet liquid (XN) depends on (L。) by a material balance on the solute for the entire absorber.
From the main equation operating line equation (6) and from n= N:
…………….(2)
The value of (L min) corresponds to a value of (leaving the bottom of the tower) in
equilibrium with ), the solute concentration in the feed gas. The takes an infinity
number of derived from equation (2).
The expression for the vapor-liquid equilibrium curve can be written:
……….(3)
The mole fraction of a component in any stream can be expressed as :

for a vapor stream
for a liquid stream
For stage (N)

………. (4)
For dilute mixture
and Y ,X
………. (5)
Substituting into equation (2):
…………….(5)
If the entering liquid contains no solute (Pure liquid), equation (5) becomes:
L min = (fraction of solute absorbed) ….(6)

This equation is reasonable because it would be expected that L min would increases with
increasing , K-value, and fraction of solute absorbed.

When the operating line have maximum slope and it attach the equilibrium curve
( operating line 4) which the liquid flow rate will the minimum L min and the value of Xn
will reach the maximum value.
The selection of actual operating absorbent flow rate is based on some multiple
L min typically from (1.1 to 2) , A value of 1.5 corresponds closely to the value of 1.4 for the
optimal operating parameter..
In fig. (4) , operating lines 2 and corresponds to 2 and 1.5 times, respectively.
As the operating line move from 1 to 4 , the number of required stage ,N increase from zero
to infinity . Thus, the optimum liquid flow rate in the adsorption process can be found
from:

…….. (3)
operating lines for an absorber
Discussion: Give examples and homeworks
Example :
A solute gas is absorbed from a dilute gas-air mixture by counter current scrubbing with a
solvent in a packed tower. The equilibrium relation is Y = m X. Show that the number of
transfer units (NOG) required is given by the following equation. If (99%) of the solute is to
be recovered using a liquid rate of 1.75 times the minimum and the height of transfer unit is
(1 m). What the height of packing will be required.

Y2=0.01 Y1
= 0.99

2-1 packed tower height Determination for concentrated solution

Overall material balance on the solute (A) over an element (∂z) based on gas phase
With concentrated solutions, allowance must be made for the change in the total number
of moles flowing, because the molar flow will decrease up the column if the amount of At
any plane at which the molar ratios of the diffusing material in the gas and liquid phases are
Y and X, then over a small height dZ, the moles of gas leaving the gas phase

The interfacial area for transfer = a dV = aAdZ
Solution steps"
1-Draw the equilibrium curve
2-Find the required in table below
3-Find Yi from drawing and draw [ Y] vs. [(1+Y)(1+Yi)\(Y-Yi)]

4-Find the area under curve

Note: For a packed tower operating with dilute concentrations, x= X1 and y=Y1 while in if
concentrated solution expressed by Y an X
Another way:
For Non-linear Equilibrium Relationship for dilute concentration:
1- Based on gas
Z= HOG* NOG
Where:
a: is the surface area of interface per unit volume of column (m2/m3).
Y* =ye
Note:
The area under the curve could be determined using several methods as triangles
calculation or Simson rule as follow:
Simson rules for vapour NOG:

2- Based on liquid

Simson rules for vapour NOL:

Tutorial: examples and problems
Example :
Ammonia is to be removed from a 10 percent ammonia–air mixture by countercurrent scrubbing with
water in a packed tower at 293 K so that 99 percent of the ammonia is removed when working at a total
pressure of 101.3 kN/m2. If the gas rate is 0.95 kg/m2.s of tower cross-section and the liquid rate is 0.65
kg/m2. s, find the necessary height of the tower if the absorption coefficient KoG.a = 0.008 kmol/m3.s. kPa.,
The equilibrium data are: Y∗ 0.8 X
L=0.65\18= 0.0361 kmole\ m2.s
Gs =G(1-y1) =0.0341(1-0.1)= 0.0307 kmole\ m2.s
Ls =L(1-y1) =0.0341(1-0.1)= 0.0361 kmole\ m2.s
For pure solvent Ls=L

Exampel:

Homework :
A bubble-cap column with 30 plates is to be used to remove n-pentane from a solvent oil
by means of steam stripping. The inlet oil contains 8 kmol of n-pentane per 100 kmol of pure
oil and it is desired to reduce the solute content to 0.1 kmol per 100 kmol of solvent.
Assuming isothermal operation and an overall plate efficiency of 30 per cent, find the
specific steam consumption that is the kmol of steam required per kmol of solvent oil treated,
and the ratio of the specific and minimum steam consumptions. How many plates would be
required if this ratio were 2.0? The equilibrium relation for the system may be taken as are
expressed (y=3 * X) in mole ratios of pentane in the gas and liquid phases respectively.
Example :
Ammonia is to be removed from a 10 percent ammonia–air mixture by countercurrent
absorption with water in a packed tower at 293 K. The outlet gas concentration from the top
of the tower is 0.1%. The absorption tower is working at a total pressure of 101.3 kN/m2. If
the inlet gas is 0.034 kmol/m2.s and the liquid rate is 0.036 kmol/m2. s, find the necessary
height of the tower if the absorption coefficient KoG.a = 0.081 kmol/m3.s. The equilibrium
data is given by the following data:
0.159
15.2
Solution :
First, convert the equilibrium data to mole ratio
y NH3= PA/PT =1.6/101.3 = 0.0158 in term of (mole fraction)
Y NH3= y NH3/1- y NH3 =0.0158/1- 0.0158 = 0.0160 in term of (mole ratio)
0.031
0.0243

HOG=Gs/KoG.a=0.034/0.081
1. Draw the equilibrium data: no linear

2. Draw the operating line from two points:
(X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2)
X1= 0.034\ 0.036 (0.11-0.001) +0
0.0935
Operating line:
(X1, Y1) = (0.0935, 0.11) = (9.35*10-2, 10*10-2)
(X2, Y2) = (0, 0.001) = (0, 0.1*10-2)
We will solve the integration by Simpson's rule:
h=(Y1-Y2)/n
Calculate ∗ from the plot as follows:

NOG=0.02725/3 [45.45+1000+2(55.56+4[(45.98)+(93.02)]]
15.56

Z = HOG * NOG = (0.419) (15.56) = 6.52 m

Ass. Prof. DR. Rusul N.Mohammed AbsorpƟon 2021
Tutorial: examples and problems
Example 1:
Gas, from a petroleum distillation column, has a concentration of H2S reduced

from 0.03 (kmol H2S/kmol of inert hydrocarbon gas) to 1 per cent of this value
by scrubbing with atriethanolamine–water solvent in a countercurrent tower,
operating at 300 K and atmospheric pressure. The equilibrium relation for the
solution may be taken as Ye = 2X. The overall coefficient for absorption KGa
may be taken as 0.04 kmol/s m3 (unit mole fraction driving force). The solvent
enters the tower free of H2S and leaves containing 0.013 kmol of H2S/kmol of
solvent. If the flow of inert gas is 0.015 kmol/s m2 of tower cross-section,
calculate:
(a) the height of the absorber necessary

(b) the number of transfer units required.
Solution:
V L°
y =0.003 X° 0
Z total
V .
L
y .
X 0.013

Example 2:
Ammonia is to be removed from a 10 per cent ammonia–air mixture by

countercurrent scrubbing with water in a packed tower at 293 K so that 99 per
cent of the ammonia is removed when working at a total pressure of 101.3
kN/m2. If the gas rate is 0.95 kg/m2s of tower cross-section and the liquid rate is
0.65 kg/m2s, find the necessary height of the tower if the absorption coefficient
KGa = 0.001 kmol/m3s(kN/m2) partial pressure difference. The equilibrium data
are:
Solution:
2 0.001 Lm= 0.036 kmol/m2s
X° 0
Z total
G . kmol/m2s
X 0.013
1 0.111
The area under the curve=12.6

Example 3:
Ammonia is to be removed from a 10 percent ammonia–air mixture by

countercurrent absorption with water in a packed tower at 293 K. The outlet gas
concentration from the top of the tower is 0.1%. The absorption tower is working
at a total pressure of 101.3 kN/m2. If the inlet gas is 0.034 kmol/m2.s and the
liquid rate is 0.036 kmol/m2. s, find the necessary height of the tower if the
absorption coefficient KoG.a = 0.081 kmol/m3.s. The equilibrium data is given by
the following data:
Solution
Z = HOG * NOG
HOG= GS\ KoG.a
= 0.034/0.081= 0.419 m
Mole fraction of ammonia in gas phase (y NH3) = PA\ PT = 0.6\ 101.3= 0.0158
Mole ratio of ammonia in gas phase (Y NH3) = (y NH3\ 1- yNH3) = 0.0160
Then:
The equilibrium data become:
h= (Y1-Y2\ n ) and choose n=4
Find Y* from drawing on figure below;

NOG= 15.56
Z = HOG * NOG = (0.419) (15.56) = 6.52 m

Algebraic method for determining the equilibrium number stage
For Absorption tower:

When the flow rate is L and V are constant and the process is counter current and
the equilibrium line is a straight line which can be expressed by the relation y=
m* x, also if the operating line is straight line (dilute solution), Then, a
simplified analytical relation;
∗ ….(1)
Then
∗ °
∗
∗ °
N ….. (2)

where, N= theoretical plates ,
y m ∗ X ° Equilibrium relation for theoretical plates
A= absorption factor =(L\m*G)
For Stripping :
°

…..(3)
°
and
°
∗

N ….. (4)

Example 5:
A bubble-cap column with 30 plates is to be used to remove n-pentane from a

solvent oil by means of steam stripping. The inlet oil contains 6 kmol of n-pentane
per 100 kmol of pure oil and it is desired to reduce the solute content to 0.1 kmol
per 100 kmol of solvent.Overall plate efficiency of 30 per cent, find the specific
steam consumption, that is the kmol of steam required per kmol of solvent oil
treated, and the ratio of the specific and minimum steam consumptions. How
many plates would be required if this ratio were 2.0?
Note: The equilibrium relation for the system may be taken as Ye = 3*X, where
Ye and X are expressed in mole ratios.
2 0.18 Lm= kmol/m2s
X 0.06
No.of plates=9
Gm kmol/m2s
X 0.001
1 =0 (pentane‐free)
Solution:
Efficiency= (theoretical no.plate\ actual no.plate )
Number of theoretical plates = (30×0.3) = 9

Note: The minimum steam consumption occurs when the exit steam stream is in
equilibrium with the inlet oil, that is when:
Ye2 = (0.06 × 3) = 0.18

Permeating line equation at minimum value
Lmin(X2 − X1) = Gmin(Y2 − Y1)
If Y1 = 0, that is the inlet steam is pentane-free, then:

Lmin(0.06 − 0.001) = (Gmin×0.18)

Then (G/L)min = (0.06 − 0.001)/0.18 = 0.328
Algebraic method for determining the equilibrium number stage for a stripping
operation is:
°

where A is the absorption factor = Lm/m*G m and N is the number of theoretical

plates.
In this problem, N = 9, X2 = 0.06,
X1 = 0.001, and Y1 = 0
Ass. Prof. DR. Rusul N.M Lec.6 Column efficiency ‐ Absorption
Column efficiency for tray tower
1- The number of ideal stages required for a desired separation may be calculated by :
A. Overall column efficiency (Ec):
Note N act = N th for 100 % efficiency

B. Plate efficiency (Em):
The proportion of liquid and vapour, on individual trays must be examined, as

Murphree plate efficiency (Em). The plate efficiency can be expressed in terms of
gas and liquid as given below:
Where:
Yn∗ : is the composition of the gas that would be in equilibrium with the liquid of
composition Xn actually leaving the plate.
2- Steps to calculate the actual plates number:
‫اذا وجدت كفاءة البخار فنستطيع حساب العدد الحقيقي بأتباع الخطوات التاليه‬
‫من معلومات السؤال نرسم و نحدد المسافه بالمسطره منحني التوازن وخط التشغيل وتسمى المسافه‬
‫( بين خط التوازن وخط التشغيل‬bc) ‫من كفاءة السائل والبخار نجد المسافه‬ ( ac)
‫نعيد الخطوات اليجاد عدد المراحل الجديده المتوازنه‬
 Measure the dishtance between equilibrium curve and operation line which represent
by ac
 Find the distance bc using the efficiency of liquid and vapor equation
 Repeat steps one and two for five or six once to find the new equilibrium stage
 The actual plates number could be found using the new equilibrium stage and
operating line while the theoretical stage number would be calculated using the old
equilibrium stage and operating line.
B- based on liquid
3- The Height Equivalent of a Theoretical Plate (HETP):
The height of a theoretical plate (HETP), also called the height of an equivalent
equilibrium stage, is the height of packing that will give the same separation as an
equilibrium stage. The relationship between transfer units (HOG) and the height of an
equivalent theoretical plate (HETP) is given by:
Example 5:
A mixture of ammonia and air is scrubbed in a plate column with fresh water. If the
ammonia concentration is reduced from 5% to 0.5% . Given that: L = 0.65 Kg/m2.s
and G = 0.4 Kg/m2.s, KOG.a = 0.0008 Kmol/m3.s.kPa
Calculate
a. The theoretical plate number and the tower height

b. Calculate the theoretical plate no., given that: L/G = 2 L/G min.
c. Calculate LG if the actual No. of plates = 12, and the column efficiency = 0.5.
d. Calculate the theoretical and actual No. of plates, give that: L/G = 1.5 L/G min and
Emv = 0.7
Note: equilibrium relation is : Y = 2 X.
Solution:
This in kmol\s.m2
0.01379(0.05-0.005) =0.0361(X1-0)
X= 0.01718
In this example (L\G) act = 2 (L\G) min
(L\G) min = m (1- Y2\Y1) =2(1- 0.005\0.05)=1.8
(L\G) act =2 (1.8) =3.6
From martial balance:

‫‪Ass. Prof. DR. Rusul N.M Lec.6 Column efficiency ‐ Absorption ‬‬
‫‪X1= (Gs\Ls ) (Y1-Y2) =0.0125‬‬
‫مالحظات مھمه‪:‬‬
‫‪ ‬في ھذا السؤال كان المعلوم عدد الصواني والمطلوب الميل لخط التشغيل ولھذا تم حله عن طريق المحاوله‬
‫الخطا حيث يرسم خط الشغيل من النقطه االسفل البرج الى االعلى بحيث يحقق عدد الصواني ‪ 6‬عند‬
‫‪. Y1=0.005 and X=0‬‬
‫‪ ‬عند ايجاد خط التشغيل الصحيح نقوم بحساب ميله والذي يساوي )‪(L\G‬‬
From plot at Y1 0.05 → ∗ 0.025
(Ls\Gs) min=(0.05−0.005)\(0.025−0)=1.8
(Ls\ Gs) act=1.5 (Ls\ Gs min)=1.5 *1.8 =2.7

To find the actual No. of plates:

Plot the new eq. curve at Emv= 0.7 and stepping of equal to 5 plates

Ass. Prof. DR. Rusul N.Mohammed Absorption 2021
Lecture Title: Stripping Column with Tutorial 2
Stripping process:
Operating line for stripping:

The figures below shows the operating line for both countercurrent and current
operation:
Operating line and stripping in Countercurrent stripper
Operating line and stripping in Concurrent stripper

Note; to find the total high for the stripper, follow the same methods in the absorber
in the drawing except the operating line become under the equilibrium
and the liquid fed down the column .
The plate number analytically could be found by :
Proplem 1 : ( volume2 Q,12-3):
An oil containing 2.55 mole per cent of a hydrocarbon is stripped by running the oil
down a column up which live steam is passed, so that 4 kmol of steam are used/l00
kmol of oil stripped. Determine the number of theoretical plates required to reduce
the hydrocarbon content to 0.05 mole per cent, assuming that the oil is non-volatile.
The vapour-liquid relation of the hydrocarbon in the oil is given by ye = 33x, where
ye is the mole fraction in the vapour and x the mole fraction in the liquid. The steam
does not condense in the tower where the temperature is maintained constant by
internal heating.
Solution;
Note: in this problem the equilibrium in mole ratio, so, we should solute as a molar
ratio
L G°
X1=0.0005 Y° =0
L .
G2
X Y2=0.642
Inlet oil concentration ( X2) = 2.55 mole %,

Change to molar ratio X2 = x2/(1 - x2) = 0.0262
Exit oil concentration = 0.05 mol per cent and XI = 0.0005

Yi =o ( free steam )
If the steam does not condense, L,/G, = (100/4) = 25.
A mass balance in the tower, where the concentrations are X and Y, and
the bottom of the tower gives:

Lm(X - XI) = G,(Y - YI)
Therefore: the operating line Y = 25X - 25x1
Y= 25X - 0.0125
ye = 33x, then change to mole ratio:
By drawing method
Bottom point (0.0005,0)
Top point ( 0.0262, 0.6425)
With operating line Y= 25X - 0.0125
The number of theoretical plates is then found 8 plates.
Problem 1:
Note: change to moler ratio
Solution;
Homework;
Q1:
Q2:

ماس - جابتر 2

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ماس - جابتر 2

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ABSORPTION OF GASES UNIVERSITY OF BASRAH Ass.prof.Dr. RUSUL NASEER M.

1. Definition and Applicability

2-1 Tray tower:

2.2 Packed tower:

4-Equilibrium Relations between Phases

: is the mole ratio of solute in liquid phase (A/C).

: is the mole ratio of solute in gas phase (A/B).

The relation between the mole fraction and mole ratio:

HOG= height of transfer unit H=the distance of trays(0.3-0.7)

Making a total material balance over the first stages (n)

Making a component (A) balance over the first stages (n)

For pure liquid (no soulte in the entering liquid stream)

intercept is . It is between and in the liquid and vapor streams, respectively.

Figure (1) Number of stages in countercurrent of absorption tower

1-Calculation of number of plates in a plate tower using the graphical method:

For Non-linear Equilibrium Relationship

Where is the efficiency of plate

I- Determinetion the absorper total height for dilute gas mixture

Z = HTU * NTU ……..(1)

m= slope of equilibrium curve which it straight line with dilute mixture.

= molar flow rate of gas = V/ M.wt

= molar flow rate of liquid = L/ M.wt

II- calculating the number of transfer unit (NOG) in packed tower

Kremser equation is used to calculate NOG depending on the slope

2- Calculated the number of transfer unit (NOG) graphically :

1- Equations for dilute concentrations:

The inlet water from the top (X。=0) (pure liquid)

Xn = 0.003 The outlet acetone from the bottom

ø = 2.53 * (30/90) = 0.8433

4-Determine the Minimum absorbent flow rate

for a vapor stream

for a liquid stream

For stage (N)

For dilute mixture

Substituting into equation (2):

L min = (fraction of solute absorbed) ….(6)

increasing , K-value, and fraction of solute absorbed.

operating lines for an absorber

Discussion: Give examples and homeworks

(1 m). What the height of packing will be required.

2-1 packed tower height Determination for concentrated solution

The interfacial area for transfer = a dV = aAdZ

3-Find Yi from drawing and draw [ Y] vs. [(1+Y)(1+Yi)\(Y-Yi)]

4-Find the area under curve

Simson rules for vapour NOL:

Tutorial: examples and problems

L=0.65\18= 0.0361 kmole\ m2.s

Gs =G(1-y1) =0.0341(1-0.1)= 0.0307 kmole\ m2.s

Ls =L(1-y1) =0.0341(1-0.1)= 0.0361 kmole\ m2.s

For pure solvent Ls=L

1. Draw the equilibrium data: no linear

X1= 0.034\ 0.036 (0.11-0.001) +0

Tutorial: examples and problems

Gas, from a petroleum distillation column, has a concentration of H2S reduced

(a) the height of the absorber necessary

Ammonia is to be removed from a 10 per cent ammonia–air mixture by

2 0.001 Lm= 0.036 kmol/m2s

The area under the curve=12.6

Ammonia is to be removed from a 10 percent ammonia–air mixture by

HOG= GS\ KoG.a

Mole ratio of ammonia in gas phase (Y NH3) = (y NH3\ 1- yNH3) = 0.0160

The equilibrium data become:

h= (Y1-Y2\ n ) and choose n=4