Mass Transfer Process

Gas Absorption

Dr. Osman A. Hamed

 Dr. OSMAN AHMED
HAMED,
Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, England,1972.

B.Sc. (First Class Honors) in Chemical Engineering, University of

Khartoum, Sudan,1969.

PROFESSIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCES

1972-1996
1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Khartoum, Sudan
2. Department of Chemic University of Jordan, Jordan.
3.Department Chemical &Petroleum Engineering United Arab Emirates
University.

1996-2019 Researcher and Head of Thermal Department, Saline Water Desalination

Research Institute (SWDRI), Saline Water Conversion Corporation
(SWCC), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
 CONTENTS

• Definition of absorption process.

• Absorption equipment .
• Flow phenomena in absorption
equipment
:Channeling and flooding
• Absorption material balance
• Minimum liquid-gas ratio for absorbers
 Absorptio
n Objective: obtain Natural gas
with low concentration of H2S
 Absorption is a gas –liquid mass transfer
operation .

 Gas absorption may be defined as the removal of

one or more selected components from a gas GAS
phase by absorption into a suitable liquid. PHASE

 For example it is required to purify natural gas by

removing H2 S
Natural gas with high
concentration of H2S
(solute)
 Absorptio Liquid
Amine solution
n
Mixture of gases
Natural gas and low (solvent) free of H2S
concentration of H2S
 Liquid amine solution is selected as a solvent (solute)
and brought in contact with natural gas
stream.
LIQUID
 The solute H2S will be removed from the gas GAS
Solute transfer
H2S PHASE
phase and absorbed by the liquid phase PHASE

Liquid
Mixture of gases
Amine plus
Natural gas and high
Absorbed
concentration of H 2S
H2S
(solute)
 Absorption
 In most common units the solvent
enters the top of the absorber and
flows downwards, countercurrent to Vt Purified natural
the rising gas stream.
Pure liquid in Lt gas out
Solvent yA Low
 The two phases mix and contact Mono xA ,t
concentration of
,t
one another, either on plates or ethanol H2S
packing, and the solute is amine
transferred from the gas phase to (MEA)
the solvent.
 Absorption is used to separate gas
mixtures, remove impurities, or
recover valuable chemicals.
Examples are : removal of gases like
H2S from hydrocarbons using amines
as solvent. Washing of ammonia
from ammonia-air mixture using liquid plus L Vb
water as solvent. dissolved solute
H2S
b
xA,b yA
Mixture of gases in
,b
(natural
Figure 5.2-1 Countercurrent absorption gas+solute H2S)
 Coupling of Absorber and Stripper to recover the absorbing
solvent
 In general the absorbed gas in the
absorption column is then separated
from the solvent, and the solvent
liquid stream is subsequently returned
to the system.
 The solvent-recovery process is called
stripping.
 The stripping agent is either a gas
(e.g.,. air) or a superheated vapor
(e.g., superheated steam).

 Because stripping is not perfect, recycled

absorbent contains solutes .
 GAS ABSORPTION EQUIPMENT

There are two types of absorption equipment:

1. Stage-wise operation.(Plate 2. Continuous contact (differential contact) operation

column) (packed tower)
 Plate absorption column
Absorption Column – a plate column consists of a number of trays where gas is absorbed
while a gas mixture bubbles through the liquid which passes down from plate to plate

The adjacent figure shows an absorption column with Sieve

trays. Vapor bubbles up through simple holes in the tray
through the flowing liquid.

The liquid is maintained on the tray surface and prevented

from flowing down through the holes by the kinetic energy of
the gas or vapor.

The overflow liquid flows into the downspout to the next tray
below.
Plate columns are preferred for
 Diameter greater than 1 m
 Low liquid flow rate
 Internal cooling is required
 Bubble cap tray
column
Ga s out

In each tray ,the vapor or gas rises through Mist eliminator

the opening in the tray into the bubble caps. S h e ll

Liquid in

T ra y
B u b b le - c a p
Then the gas flows through slots in the D ow nspout
Tray support
periphery of each cap and bubbles upward ring

through the flowing liquid.

Tray
Bubble- cap trays are expensive s tif f e n e r
Side stream
Vapor
riser withdrawal
In te rm e d iate
feed
F ro th

Gas path through cap

G a s in

Liquid out

Figure 10.4 Ty p i c a l b u b b l e - c a p p l a t e c o l u m n .
 Plate column is associated with Stage-wise
operation Gas
out

Mist
eliminator

Liquid
Shel

Step # 1 Tra
l Liquid
in

y Bubble-cap
Downspo
ut Tray

In each tray, the two phase support

ring

insoluble phases are first Tray

stiffen
er Side

allowed come into Vap

or
riser
stream
withdrawal
Intermedia

to enable the Vapo Frot

h
te feed

contact
transfer oftothe solute from r Gas path through

phase
cap

the vapor or gas phase to Gas

in

the liquid phase One stage

Liquid
out
Figure 10.4 Typical bubble-cap
plate column.
Plate column is associated with Stage-
operation
wise Vapo
r
In the second Phase Liquid
out phase in
subsequent Step # 2

The two phases are then

mechanically separated,
the entire operation Liquid
Vapor
and the equipment Phase in
phase out

required to carry it out,

are said to constitute One stage
one stage
 Packed absorption towers
• The tower consists of a cylindrical column
containing a gas inlet and distributing
space at the bottom, a liquid inlet and
distributing device at the top, a gas outlet
at the top, a liquid outlet at the
bottom, and a packing or filling in
the tower.
• The entering gas enters the distributing
space below the packed section and rises
upward through the openings in the
packing and contacts the descending
liquid flowing through the same
openings.
• A large area of intimate contact between the
liquid and gas is provided by the
packing
Packed Absorption
columns
Packed columns are
preferred for
small diameter columns
less than 1 m
 Corrosive duties
 Low pressure drop
 Foaming systems
 Salient characteristics of Packed Absorption
columns
The tower packing should offer the
following characteristics :
1. Provide large interfacial
surface
between liquid and gas
2. Possess desirable fow conditions
characteristics. Fractional void
volume or fraction of empty space
should be large to permit passage
of large volumes of fluid.
3. Being chemically inert to fluids
being processed.
4. Have structural strength to permit
easy handling and installation
 Flow phenomena of Packed
tower
There two major flow phenomena which have to be
addressed properly in packed absorption
columns :
1. Channeling
2. Flooding and loading

1. Channeling
Ideally the liquid once distributed over the top
of packing,flows in thin films over all the
packing surface all the way down the tower.

Actually the film tend to grow thicker in some

places and thinner in others so the liquid flows
along localized paths through the packing.
This effect is known as channeling.
Channelin
g• Chanelling – the condition in
which packing surface is not
wetted by the flowing liquid
due to low liquid rates.
• It is the chief reason for the
poor performance of large
packed towers.
• Channelling is severe in towers
filled with stacked packing,
which is the main reason they
are not much used. It is less
severe in dumped packings
 Loading and
1.At low gas velocities the liquid floflooding
ws downward through
the packing essentially uninfluenced by the upward
gas flow. As shown in the adjacent figure ,as the gas
flow rate is increased at low gas velocities, the pressure drop
is linear and directly proportional to the flow rate .
2.At a gas flow rate, called the loading point (point C) , the
gas d
starts to hinder the liquid downflow and local accumulations
C
or pools of liquid start to appear in the packing. The
pressure drop of the gas starts to rise at a faster rate. As
the gas
3.At thefloflw rate ispoint
ooding increased, theliquid
(d) , the liquidcan
holdno
uploornger Log DP/z
accumul
flow downationthrough
increases. the packing and is blown
out with the gas.
4.In an actual operating tower the gas velocity is well below a
flooding. The optimum economic gas velocity is about one Gc
half or so of the flooding velocity. It depends upon an Gd
economic balance between the cost of power and the fixed
Log superficial gas mass velocity
Criteria for Selection of
solvent
• Gas Solubility- High solubility of a gas in the solvent is preferred and it
should not dissolve carrier gas. If chemical reaction takes place
between solute and solvent, rate of absorption is extremely high. But
the reaction should be reversible to recover solvent during
desorption.
• Volatility- Low volatility or low vapor pressure of the solvent enhances
the absorption operation as solvent loss with carrier gas is very small.
• Viscosity- Greater amount of power is required for high viscous
solvent and flooding is also caused at lower liquid and gas flow rates.
Criteria for Selection of
solvent
• Corrosiveness- Non-corrosive or less corrosive solvent.
• Cost- The solvent should be cheap.
• Toxicity and Hazard- The solvent should be non-toxic, nonflammable,
non-hazardous and should be chemically stable.
• For stripping, an inert gas must be selected. Steam is usually used for
this purpose as, it is easy to condense and separate from solute gas at
the outlet.
 Absorption material balance Absorption column
𝑉′ = molar flow rate of solute-free gas
V1= molar flow rate of entering rich gas L2 𝐿′ , 𝑉 ′ V2,
𝑥2 𝑋2 𝑦2 𝑌2
𝑉2 = molar flow rate of leaving lean
gas
𝐿′ = molar flow rate of solute-free liquid
𝐿1= molar flow rate of leaving strong liquor
l
L2= molar flow rate of entering weak liquor
𝑦1 = mole fraction of solute in entering rich gas
𝑌1 = mole ratio of solute with solute-free gas at the entrance
𝑦2 = mole fraction of solute in leaving lean gas Xn
𝑌2 = mole ratio of solute with solute-free gas at the outlet Yn+1
Ln Vn+1
𝑉 ′
𝑥1 = mole fraction of solute in leaving strong liquor
𝐿′ L1 𝐿′
𝑋1 = mole ratio of solute in strong liquor with the solute-free 𝑉 ′ V1 𝑥1 𝑋 1
liquor 𝑦1 𝑌1
𝑥2 = mole fraction of solute in entering weak liquor
𝑋2 = mole ratio of solute in weak liquor with the solute-free
liquor
 Absorption material balance Absorption column
𝑉′ = molar flow rate of solute-free gas
L2 𝐿′ , 𝑉 ′ V2,
V1= molar flow rate of entering rich gas 𝑥2 𝑋2 𝑦2 𝑌 2
𝑉2 = molar flow rate of leaving lean
gas
𝐿′ = molar flow rate of solute-free liquid
𝐿1= molar flow rate of leaving strong liquor l

L2= molar flow rate of entering weak liquor

𝑦1 = mole fraction of solute in entering rich gas
𝑌1 = mole ratio of solute with solute-free gas at the entrance
𝑦2 = mole fraction of solute in leaving lean gas Xn
Yn+1
𝑌2 = mole ratio of solute with solute-free gas at the outlet
𝑥1 = mole fraction of solute in leaving strong liquor Ln Vn+1
𝑉 ′

𝑋1 = mole ratio of solute in strong liquor with the solute-free 𝐿′ L1 𝐿′

𝑉 ′ V1 𝑥1 𝑋 1
liquor
𝑦1 𝑌1
𝑥2 = mole fraction of solute in entering weak liquor
𝑋2 = mole ratio of solute in weak liquor with the solute-free
liquor
 Relation between mole fraction and mole ratio
Vt
Lt
Mole yA
fraction
Ab xA ,t
yAt
=liquid mole fraction =( mole solute A)/ ( mole solute A + mole solute free liquid)
𝑥 ,t

yAb 𝑥At
= gas mole fraction =( mole solute A)/ ( mole solute A + mole solute free gas)

Mole Ratio

For some problems, the use of solute-free basis can simplify the expressions.
The solute-free concentrations are defined as:

xA mole fraction of A in the

(5.2-
1 liquid
3a) L Vb
X A =xA =
mole fraction of non-A components in
yA mole fraction of A in the vapor
YthAe liquid= mole fraction of non-A components (5.2-
xA
b
yA,
3b)
𝑥,bAb b
=1 y in the vapor
Figure 5.2-1 Countercurrent absorption
A
yAb
If the carrier gas is completely insoluble in the solvent and the solvent is
completelynonvolatile, the carrier gas and solvent rates remain constant throughout the process.
Absorption material balance
Around the whole column / tower

The overall material balance

L2 𝐿′ , 𝑉 ′ V2,
for a countercurrent absorption process is 𝑥2 𝑋 2 𝑦2 𝑌 2
Total leaving streams = total entering
streams L1 + V 2 = L2 + V 1
V1= molar flow rate of entering rich gas
l
𝑉2 = molar flow rate of leaving lean gas

𝐿1= molar flow rate of leaving strong liquor

L2= molar flow rate of entering weak liquor

Xn
Yn+1
The component material balance based on species A Ln Vn+1
𝑉 ′
mole fraction is 𝐿′ L1 𝐿′
L1 𝑥1 + V 2 𝑦2 = L2 𝑥2 + V1 y 1 𝑉 ′ V1 𝑥1 𝑋 1
where y = mole fraction of A 𝑦1 𝑌1
the vapor phase
in
x = mole fraction of A in the liquid
phase
 Absorption material balance Around selected envelope
overall material balance

L2 + Vn+1 = Ln + V2
Vn+1 = molar flow rate of gas leaving stage n+1 L2 𝐿′ , 𝑉 ′ V2,
𝑥2 𝑋2 𝑦2 𝑌2
𝑉2 = molar flow rate of lean gas

Ln= molar flow rate of liquid leaving stage n

l
L2= molar flow rate of weak liquor

The component material balance based on species A Stage n

mole fraction is
L2 𝑥2 + Vn+1 𝑦n+1 = Ln x n + V2 𝑦2
xn Yn+1
where y = mole fraction of A Xn Vn+1
the vapor phase
in Ln 𝑉′
x = mole fraction of A in the liquid 𝐿′ 𝑦n+1 1 L1 𝐿′
phase 𝑉 ′ V1 𝑥1 𝑋 1
𝑦1 𝑌1
 Absorption material balance Around selected envelope

The component material balance based on species A

mole fraction is
L2 𝑥2 + Vn+1 𝑦n+1 = Ln x n + V2 𝑦2
where y = mole fraction of A L2 𝐿′ , 𝑉 ′ V2,
the vapor phase
in 𝑥2 𝑋2 𝑦2 𝑌2
x = mole fraction of A in the liquid
phase
Rearranging the component material
balance l
𝑦n+1 = (Ln/ Vn+1) * x n + (V2/ Vn+1)* 𝑦2 - (L2 𝑥2 /
Vn+1) Stage n
This equation is known as the operating line equation
xn
The operating line relates the solute concentration in the
Yn+1
vapor passing upward between two stages to the solute Xn 𝑉Vn+1
′
concentrationin the liquid passing downward between 𝐿′
Ln 𝑦n+1 1 L1 𝐿′
same two stages
the 𝑉 ′ V1 𝑥1 𝑋 1
𝑦1 𝑌1
 • Vn, yn Ln-1, xn-1

stage n

Vn+1 yn+1 Ln ,xn

stage n+1

The operating line relates the solute concentration in the vapor passing upward between
two stages to the solute concentrationin the liquid passing downward between the same
two stages
Stage-wise operation

Equilibrium condition
Operating condition

stage n

In order to establish a standard for the measurement of performance,

ideal or theortical stage is defined as one where the effluent phases
are at equilibrium so that a longer time of contact will bring no
change.
 Graphical representation of the operating line

• The operating line relates the solute

concentration in the vapor passing upward
between two stages to the solute concentration
in the liquid passing downward between the
same two stages
• The equilibrium curve relates thesolute
concentration in the vapor leaving an
equilibrium stage to thesolute concentration in
the liquid leaving the same stage
 Absorption material balance based on mole ratio
Around selected envelope

The component material balance based on species A

mole ratio is L2 𝐿′ 𝑉 ′ V2,
𝐿′ 𝑋2 + 𝑉 ′ Yn+1 = 𝐿′ X n + 𝑉 ′ Y2 , 𝑦2 𝑌2
where y = mole fraction of A 𝑥2 𝑋 2
the vapor phase
in
x = mole fraction of A in the liquid
phase l

Rearranging component material balance

stage n Stage n
Yn+1 = (Xn* 𝐿′ / 𝑉 ′ 1) + ( Y2 )- (𝐿′ X 2 / 𝑉
′) xn
This Yn+1
Xn 𝑉Vn+1
′
equation is known as the operating line
𝐿′
Ln 𝑦n+1 1 L1 𝐿′
equation
The operating line relates the solute 𝑉 ′ V1 𝑥1 𝑋 1
concentration in the vapor In passing
terms upward 𝑦1 𝑌1
of molar ratio
between two stages to the solute concentration
in the liquid passing downward between the
same two stages
 Absorption material balance based on mole ratio
Around selected envelope
L2 𝐿′ 𝑉 ′ V2,
Yn+1 = (Xn* 𝐿′ / 𝑉 ′ ) + ( Y2 )- (𝐿′ X 2 / 𝑉 ′) ,
𝑦2 𝑌2
This equation is known as the operating line equation 𝑥22 𝑋22
In terms of molar ratio
Slope = 𝐿′ / 𝑉 ′
Y intercept= ( Y2 )- (𝐿′ X 2 / 𝑉 ′) l
% Recovery = ((𝑌1 - Y2 )/ 𝑌1 ) *100
Stage n

xn
Y1 Yn+1
Xn Vn+1
𝑉′
𝐿
Ln′ 𝑦n+1 1
𝑉 ′ V1 L1 𝐿′
𝑦1 𝑌1 𝑥1 𝑋1
Y2

X2 X1
 Absorber Stripper

The operating line is above the

The operating line is below the equilibrium
equilibrium line because, for a given
line because, for a given solute
solute concentration in the liquid,
concentration in the gas, the solute
the solute concentration in the gas
concentration in the liquid is always
is always greater than the
greater than the equilibrium value
equilibrium value
 Number of Equilibrium Stages
Operating Equilibrium Absorber
line curve
Operatin equilibrium
g line X cu
N-1 X
Y Y N-1
N N
Stage N

Y X
Y X N+1 N
N+1 N

The operating line relates the solute concentration in the vapor passing upward
between two stages to the solute concentrationin the liquid passing downward
between the same two stages
• The equilibrium curve relates thesolute concentration in the vapor leaving an
equilibrium stage to thesolute concentration in the liquid leaving the same stage
Equilibrium solubilty of gases in
liquids
• The equilibrium characterisitcs of gas- liquid systems determine the rate
at
which a gas dissolves in a liquid. A classification into ideal and nonideal
liquid systems is usually made.
• Ideal liquid soltions
• When the gas mixture in contact with an ideal liquid solution,ideal gas laws
may be applied.
• Raoults’ law may be used to obtain the relationship between the partial
pressure at equilibrium (Pie),its mole fraction in the liquid solution (x)
and its vapor pressure (Pv),
• Pie= Pv * x ….(1)
• If yi is the mole fraction of component I in the gas phase
• Pie= yi * Pt …… (2) where Pt is the total pressure
Equilibrium solubilty of gases in
liquids
• Combining equations 1&2
• yi= (Pv/Pt) * xi in terms of mole
fraction
• Yi/(1+Yi) = (Pv/Pt) * Xi/(1+Xi)
In absorption
process ,the
operating line is
above the
equilibrium line
because, for a given
solute concentration
in the liquid, the
solute concentration
in the gas is always
greater than the
equilibrium value
 EExxaammppl Tower
• An acetone-air mixture
ee
containing 0.015 mol fraction of
Tower top
Acetone/air
top
Water in
acetone has the mole frction Mole fraction Mass
flow rate
y2=0.00015
reduced to 1% of this value by Gas flow rate G L
countercurrent absorption with kg/(m2.s) 1.6 kg/(m2.s)
water in a X2 =0
packed tower. The gas flow rate G is 1 Absorptio
kg/(m2 s) of air and the water n
entering is 1.6 kg/(m2 s) . tttoowwee

For this system Henry’s rr

equilibrium law holds
and ye = 1.75 x and ye is Tower
the mole fraction of acetone in Tower Bottom
the vapor in equilibrium Bottom
Acetone/air
Water out
x1 unknown
with mole fraction x in the liquid. Mole fraction
Calculate the mole fraction of y1= 0.015
Gas flow rate G
acetone in water leaving the
Example
Tower
Tower top top
Acetone/air Water in
solution
As the system is
Mole fraction
y2=0.00015
Mass
flow rate
dilute, mole fractions Gas flow rate G L
are approximately kg/(m2.s) 1.6 kg/(m2.s)
equal to mol ratios X2 =0
Absorption
Tower Bottom
tower
Acetone/air Mole fraction y= 0.015
Gas flow rate G 1 kg/(m2.s)
X1out unknown

Tower top
Acetone/air Mole fraction y= 0.00015 Tower
Water flow rate 1.6 kg/(m2.s) x2 =0 Tower Bottom
Bottom Water out
Acetone/air x1 unknown
Mole fraction
y1= 0.015
Gas flow rate G
 Example
Tower
Tower top top
Acetone/air Water in
solution
Calculation of the water outlet mole fraction x1
Mole fraction
y2=0.00015
Mass
flow rate
Gas flow rate G L
Conversion from mass flowrate to molar flow rate kg/(m2.s) 1.6 kg/(m2.s)
Water molar flow rate =1.6/18= 0.0889 kmol/m2 s X2 =0
Air molar flow rate= 1.0/29=0.0345 kmol/m2 s Absorption
tower
Overall molar balance
G (y1-y2) = L(x1-x2)
0.0345 (0.015-
0.00015)= 0.0889 (x1-
0)
Tower
X1 =0.00576 Tower Bottom
Bottom Water out
Acetone/air x1 unknown
Mole fraction
y1= 0.015
Gas flow rate G
 Example
solution
Knowing the four terminal points x1,x2,y1,y2
y1= 0.015
draw the operating line

Using the equilibrium relationship

ye = 1.75 x and ye is the mole fraction of
acetone in the vapor in equilibrium
with mole fraction x in y2=0.00015
the liquid X1 =0.00576
X2 =0
Assume different values of y ranging
between 0.0 to
0.02 and find the corresponding
values of x from
the equilibrium relationship
 Example
Tower
Tower top top
Acetone/air Water in
solution Mole fraction
y2=0.00015
Mass
flow rate
Gas flow rate G L
kg/(m2.s) 1.6 kg/(m2.s)
X2 =0
y1= 0.015
Absorption
tower

y2=0.00015 Tower
Tower Bottom
X2 =0 Bottom Water out
X1 =0.00576 Acetone/air x1 unknown
Mole fraction
y1= 0.015
Gas flow rate G
 Minimum liquid-gas ratio for
absorbers
In the design of absorbers, the
Refer to to the following
diagrams :
quantity of the gas to be treated (G), Liquid
the concentrations y1 and y2 and L
the composition of the entering y x
2 2
liquid x2 are ordinarily fixed by
y E F
process requirements, but the
1 M
quantity of the liquid (L) to be used
is subject to choice and will
operating
subsequently fixes the composition line
of the exit lquid x1. S equilibriu
The operating line must pass through the
y D m
point D and must end at ordinate y1.If a
2
specific a quantity of liquid is used to
give operating line (say DE) the exit liquid x x
will have composition x1. 2 1
Line ES represents the mass transfer y x
1 1
driving force Gas
(G)
 Minimum liquid-gas ratio for
If lessabsorbers
liquid is used, the exit liquid
compositon will be greater ,as at Refer to to the following diagrams :
point F, but since the driving forces y x
for diffusion are less , the absorption 2 2
is more difficult. y E F
1 M
The time of contact between gas
and liquid must then be greater, and operating
the absorber must be line
correspondingly taller. equilibriu
y D m
2

x x
2 1
y x
1 1
 Minimum liquid-gas ratio for
absorbers
Refer to to the following diagrams :

y x
The minimum liquid which may be used 2 2
occurs at point M when the operating y E F
line DM touches the equilibrium curve 1 M
At point M the diffusional driving force is
zero, the required time of contact for operating
the desired concentration change is line
infinite and an infinitely tall tower is equilibriu
required. This is then represents the y D m
limiting liquid –gas ratio. 2

x x
2 1
y x
1 1
 Tower
top
Tower top solvent in flow
• Example Solute A+ carrier gas B Total liquid molar
Mole fraction y A = rate 1500
• 0.01
A solute A is to be recovered from an inert kmol/h
gas B by absorption into a solvent.
carrier xA =0.001
The total
kmol/h g intoythe
gas enterinwith A = absorber
0.3 andflolews
aving
at a the
rate
yof = 0.01. The
A 500
absorber withtotal Solvent enters the
the at of of 1500 kmol/h with xA
rate
absorber
=0.001.
• The equilibrium relationship is yA = 2.8
xA .
• The carrier gas may be considered insoluble
in the solvent and the solvent may be Tower Bottom
considered nonvolatile. solvent out
• Construct the x-y plots for the equilibrium Tower Bottom x1 unknown
and operating lines using both mole fraction Solute A+ carrier gas B
and solute- free coordinates. Mole fraction of A y A = 0.3
• Determine the liquid minimum molar Total gas molar flow rate 500 kmol/h
flow rate
 Tower top
Solution - Solute A+ carrier gas B Tower
The flow rates of the solvent and carrier gas entering Mole fraction y A = top
the tower are given by 0.01 solvent in flow
rate Lt 1500 kmol/h
Total
The molar flow rate of the solvent at the top of the tower xA,t =0.001
liquid
molar
L = Lt(1  xA,t) = 1500(1  0.001) = 1498.5 kmol/h

Molar flow rate of A with the entering liquid at the top

Of the tower= 1500-1498.5 = 1.5 moles

The molar flow rate of the carrier gas entering the bottom of
the tower

V = Vb(1  yA,b) = 500(1  0.3) = 350 kmol/h

Tower Bottom
Molar flow rate of A with the entering fas at the bottom solvent out
of the tower= 1500-350 = 1.50 moles x1 unknown
Tower Bottom
Solute A+ carrier gas B
Mole fraction of A yA,b = 0.3
Total gas molar flow rate Vb 500 kmol/h
 Tower top
Solute A+ carrier gas B Tower
The flow rates of the solvent and carrier gas eleaving
Mole fraction y A,t = top
the tower are given by
0.01 carrier gas B 350 solvent in flow
kmol/h Total
liquid
=0.01= (moles of A at the top)/(moles of A at the top +
yA,t molar
moles of inert gas)=(moles of A at the top)/(moles of A at the
rate 1500
top + 350)
kmol/h
xA,t
Moles of A leaving at the top = (350 * 0.01)/ (1.0 – 0.01)
=3.5354 kmol/h =0.001

Moles of A entering the tower = 1.5 + 150 = 151.5 moles

Tower Bottom
Moles of A leaving the tower = 3.5354 + moles of A leaving the
solvent out
tower at the bottom Tower Bottom x1 unknown
Solute A 150 kmol/h +
moles of A leaving the tower at the bottom=151.5-3.5354= carrier gas B 350 kmol/h
Mole fraction of A y A =
=147.965 moles/ hr 0.3
Total gas molar flow rate
 Tower
top
Tower top solvent in
= moles A in Lb / (moles A in Lb + Solute A+ carrier gas B Total
xA,b Mole fraction y A = liquid
L’) 0.01 A 3.5354 kmol/h molar
flow rate
Inert 350 kmol/h
x1500
A,t =0.001

= (147.965)/( 147.965 + 1498.5) kmol/h

Solvent 1498.5 kmol/h
= 0.0898 Solute A 1.5 kmol/h

Operating line equation in terms of molar

ratios

Y A =(L’/V’) X A + (Y A ,b - (L’ * X A, b / V’))

TToowweerr
Tower Bottom BBoottttoomm
Solute A+ carrier gas B solvent out
Mole fraction of A yA =
x A,b unknown
0.3
A A,b
147.965
Total gas molar flow rate xmoles/
x hr
500 kmol/h
Solvent
 Tower
Tower top top
Solute A+ carrier gas B solvent in
Total
Determination of liquid phase mole ratios Mole fraction y A = 0.01 liquid
At the top and bottom A 3.5354 kmol/h molar
Inert 350 kmol/h flow rate
1500
kmol/
For the solute free Solvent 1498.5 kmol/h
basis: Solute A 1.5 kmol/h
xA yA
XA , YA xA,t =0.001
1
= 1 =
xA yA

XA, x
A, 00.010
1 =
t xA,t 1
= 0.0010
=t
0.0010
xA, =
0.089
XA, =
1 8
b xA,b 1
=b 0.0987
0.0898

YA,t Tower
= Bottom
Tower Bottom solvent out
Solute A+ carrier gas B x A,b unknown
YA,b
Mole fraction of A y A =
A 147.965
= 0.3
Total gas molar flow rate
x A,b 0.0898
moles/ hr
Solvent
500 kmol/h
1498.5
 Tower
top
Tower top Total liquid
solvent in molar flow rate 1500
Solute A+ carrier gas B Solvent
kmol/h 1498.5 kmol/h
Mole fraction y A = 0.01 Solute A 1.5 kmol/h
Determination of gas phase mole ratios A 3.5354 kmol/h xA,t =0.001
at the top and bottom Inert 350 kmol/h

yA,
01.0
t YA,t = =10.0
=
1 yA,t
0.011001
yA,
300.
b YA,b = =1
=
1 yA,b 0.30
0.4286
The equilibrium curves in both mole fraction and solute-free coordinates
are calculated from the folowing procedures:
Tower
Bottom
Tower Bottom solvent out
Solute A+ carrier gas B x A,b unknown
Mole fraction of A y A =
A 147.965
0.3
Total gas molar flow rate
x A,b 0.0898
moles/ hr
Solvent
500 kmol/h
1498.5
 Tower
top
solvent in
The equilibrium curves in both mole fraction and solute-free coordinates are calculated Tower top Total
from the following procedures: Solute A+ carrier gas B liquid
Mole fraction yA = 0.01 molar
A 3.5354 kmol/h flow rate
1500 xA,t =0.001
1) Choose a value of xA between 0.001 and
0.10 x Inert 350 kmol/h kmol/h
2) Evaluate the corresponding A = A
1 xA Solvent 1498.5 kmol/h
X Solute A 1.5 kmol/h

3) Evaluate yA = 2.8 xA
yA
4) Evaluate the corresponding Y A
1 yA
=
The operating lines in both mole fraction and solute-free coordinates are calculated from
the following procedures:
1) Choose a value of xA between 0.001 and 0.0898
x
2) Evaluate the corresponding A = A
1 xA
X
3) Evaluate Y = L LX A,b  3) Operating line equation in terms of molar ratios
X + Y 

V  YA =(L’/V’) XA + (YA ,b - (L’ * XA,b / V’))

A A A,
 b
V 
4) Evaluate the corresponding yA YA
= 1
Tower
YA
Bottom
The following Matlab codes plot the equilibrium and operating lines in both mole xA,b unknown
solvent out
and solute-free
fraction Tower Bottom A 147.965 moles/ hr
coordinates. Solute A+ carrier gas B Solvent 1498.5 kmol/h
Mole fraction of A yA = xA,b 0.0898
0.3
Total gas molar flow rate 500 kmol/h
A 150 kmol/h
Inert 350 kmol/h
Tutoria
l
 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE 10.1

Treated gas
Experimental data are provided for an absorption Gm2
y2

system to be used for scrubbing ammonia (NH3)

from air with water. The water rate is 300 lb/min Lm2

0.0 x2
and the gas rate is 250 lb/min at 72oF. The Water 300 lb/min

applicable equilibrium data for the ammonia–

system is shown in Table 10.2. The air to be
air
scrubbed has 1.5% (mass basis) NH3 at 72oF and 1
atm pressure and is to be vented with 95% of the Feed gas ( AMMONIA + AIR)
250 lb/min
ammonia recovered. The inlet scrubber water is 0.015 mass fraction y1
ammonia-free
Rich solution

Lm1
x1
 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE 10.1
Experimental data are provided for an absorption system to be used for scrubbing ammonia
(NH3) from air with water. The water rate is 300 lb/min and the gas rate is 250 lb/min at 72oF.
The applicable equilibrium data for the ammonia– air system is shown in Table 10.2. The air to
be scrubbed has 1.5% (mass basis) NH3 at 72oF and 1 atm pressure and is to be vented with
95% of the ammonia recovered. The inlet scrubber water is ammonia-free.

Table 10.2
Equilibrium partial NHI3 concentration
Ammonia Equilibrium Data
Mass ratio X’
pressure (mm Hg) (lb NH3/100 lb H2O)

1.Plot the equilibrium data in mole 3.4 0.5

fraction units. 7.4 1.0
9.1 1.2
2.Perform the material balance and
12.0 1.6
plot the operating line on the
15.3 2.0
equilibrium plot.
19.4 2.5
23.5 3.0
SOLUTION
1. Plot the equilibrium data in mole fraction units.

1.Employing the data provided in the problem statement, convert the equilibrium partial pressure data and the liquid concentration
data to mole fractions as shown in Table 10.3. Plotting the mole fraction values on the graph in Figure 10.9 results in a straight line.
The slope of the equilibrium line is approximately 1.0.

Table 10.3 Ammonia Equilibrium Data II

y = gas mole fraction = Pi/ Pt Pt= 760 mm
Pi = partial pressure ( given ) Pt = total pressure
( given ) Gas mole fraction, y Liquid mole
Mass ratio = X’ = mass of ammonia/mass of water fraction, x
(given) X= mole ratio = mole ammonia/mole water 0.00447 0.0053
= (mass of ammonia/MW)/ (mass of water /MW)
0.00973 0.0106
= (Mass of ammonia/mass of water) * (18/17)
0.0120 0.0127
= .005 *18/17 = 0.005294
0.0158 0.0169
0.0201 0.0212
= x/(1-x) x = mole
x = X/ fraction 0.0255 0.0265
(1+X) 0.0309 0.0318
X=0.0053
1Plot the equilibrium data in mole fraction units.

0.035

0.03

0.025

Gas mole fraction, y

0.02

0.015

0.01

0.005

0
0 0.005 0.01 0.015 0.02 0.025 0.03
0.035
Liquid mole fraction, x

Figure 10.9 Ammonia equilibrium curve in water (728F, 1 atm).

 2. Perform the material balance and plot the operating line
on the equilibrium plot.

SOLUTION
. Convert the liquid and gas rates to lbmol/min, assuming that the Treated gas
molecular weights are approximately that of pure water and air: G m2 y 2=0.0012972

Lm =L/18 = 300/18
= 16.67 lbmol/min L 2
0.0 x

Gm = G/29 =250/29 Water 300 lb/min

= 8.62 lbmol/min
Determine the inlet and outlet mole fractions for the gas, y1 and y2,
respectively (dropping the subscripts):
Feed gas ( AMMONIA + AIR)
G 250 lb/min

y1= (1.5/17) / ((1.5/17) + (98.5/29)) = 0.015 mass fraction

y1=0.0253
0.0253 Rich solution

Lm1
x1
95% of ammonia is recovered
Moles of ammonia recovered = 0.95 *(1.5 /17) moles=0.0838 moles
Moles of ammonia leaving = 0.05 *(1.5 /17) moles=0.0044117 moles
Air moler flowrate = 98.5/29 =3.39655 moles
y2= 0.0044117 / (0.0044117 + 3.39655) =0.0012972
 Overall component balance

Lm(x1 - x2)= Gm( y 1 — y 2)

The inlet liquid mole fraction x 2 is given as zero, and the describing equation for
x1 , the outlet liquid mole fraction, is

x1 = (Gm/Lm)( y1 — y2) + x2 (10:4)

Substituting gives
Treated gas

x 1 =(8.62/16.67)(0.0253 — 0.0013) + 0 Gmm22 y22

= 0.0124 L
00.0x22

One may now use the inlet and outlet mole fractions to plot the operating line on the graph in
Figure 10.10. Water 300 lb/min
The slope of the operating line is Lm 16.67 lbmol/min

Slope = (Lm /Gm m)

=0:0253 — 0:0013 Feed gas ( AMMONIA + AIR)
G 250 lb/min
act 0:0124 — 0:0 Gm 8.62 lbmol/min
= 1.935 Rich solution
0.015 mass fraction y1 x1
Lm1

The reader is left the exercise of calculation (Lm/Gm)min. (The answer is

slightly greater than 1.0).
 Design and Performance Equations— Packed Columns

205

0.035

0.03

Gas mole fraction, y

0.025

0.02

0.015

0.01

0.00500 0.005 0.01 0.015

0.02 0.03

0.025
0.035
Liquid mole fraction, x

Figure 10.10 Operating line for Illustrative Example 10.1.

B
 Design and Performance Equations— Packed Columns

205

0.035

0.03

Gas mole fraction, y

0.025

0.02

0.015

0.01

0.00500 0.005 0.01 0.015

0.02 0.03

0.025
0.035
Liquid mole fraction, x

Figure 10.10 Operating line for Illustrative Example 10.1.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXA MPL E 10.2

Given the following information for a packed countercurrent gas scrubber, determine the liquid
flux in lbmol/h. ft2.

Gas flux = 18 lbmol/h . ft2

The mole fractions of the solute in the inlet and outlet gas are 0.08 and 0.002,
respectively
The mole fractions of the solute in the inlet and outlet liquid are 0.001 and 0.05,
respectively.

SOLUTION: Applying a componential mole balance (dropping the subscripts once again) on
the solute gives an equivalent form of Equation (10.4):

Lm(xout — x in ) = Gm( yin — y out )

L m(0:05 —0:001) = 18(0:08 —0:002)

(10:4)

Substituting, one obtains Lm = 18(0:078)/0:049

B
= 28:7 lbmol/h · ft2
 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE 10.2

Given the following information for a packed countercurrent gas scrubber, determine the liquid
flux in lbmol/h . ft2.
Gas flux = 18 lbmol/h . ft2
The mole fractions of the solute in the inlet and outlet gas are 0.08 and
0.002, respectively Feed gas out
The mole fractions of the solute in the inlet and outlet liquid are 0.001 and 0.05, yout mole fraction out 0.002
respectively.

SOLUTION: Applying a componential mole balance (dropping the subscripts once again)
Liquid in
on the solute gives an equivalent form of Equation (10.4):
xin 0.001
Liquid flux unknown
L m (x out — x in) = Gm ( yin — y out)
(10:4) Substituting, one obtains
Feed gas
Lm(0.05 — 0.001) = 18(0.08 — 0.002) Gas flux 18 lbmol/h . ft2
Lm = 18(0.078)/0.049 yin mole fraction in 0.08

= 28.7 lbmol/h · ft2

Liquid out
xout mole fraction in 0.05
B
 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE 10.3

Exhaust stream contains 1.0% benzene at a total flow of 40,000 ft3/h. An absorber is used to absorb
the benzene, employing a light wash oil as the absorbent to reduce benzene to 0.01 % . The liquid
feed flow rate is 50 ft3/h. The outlet benzene concentration in the wash oil shall not exceed exceed
5.0%.
Exhaust gas
yout 0.0001
Operating data are provided below:
Gas temperature = 100oF Liquid temperature = 60 Liquid wash oil 50 ft3/h
F Light oil molecular weight (MW) = 156 lb/lbmol
o Xin 0.0
Light oil density = 55.1 lb/cu ft 3
Actual liquid flow rate = (1.5) Lm,min
Exhaust gas )
40000 3 ft /h

y in =0.01
Wash oil

X oit 0.05
3

B
 ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE 10.3
SOLUTION: Find the gas molar flow rate Gm by applying the ideal gas law:
Gm = (40,000 ft3/hr)(lbmol/379 ft3)[(460 + 100)/(460 + 60)]
= 114 lbmol/hr
Calculate the liquid rate Lm by applying
Overall component balance

Lm(xout - xi)= Gm( y in — y out) Exhaust gas

yout 0.0001
Lm/Gm= (yin- yout)/(xout –xin)
=114 (0.01-
Liquid wash oil 50 ft3/h
0.0001)/(0.05-0.0) =
Xin 0.0
22.6 lbmol/h
The required liquid mass flow rate is
L =22.6(156 lb/lbmol) Exhaust gas )
= 3525.6 lb/h 40000 3 ft /h
The liquid volumetric flow rate is then
y in =0.01
Wash oil
qL = 3525.6/55.1
X oit 0.05

= 63.98 ft3/h
3

B
Lmin: Back to
example
 • Lmin: Back to example
•
• Operating line with Lmin
•
•
•

•
•
•
• x’N = x*N+1 = yN+1/m = 0.01/2.53 = 0.004
•
•
•
•
• From figure: Lmin/V = (yN+1 – y1)/(x*N+1-x0) = (0.01-0.001)/(0.004-0)= 2.277
• So: Lmin = 30*2.277 = 68.3 kmol/h
• * = in equlibrium with the other phase
• Example: x*N+1 is (imaginary) liquid composition in equlibrium with y*N+1
M i n i m u m fl ows

E xa m p l e 2 ( P ro b l e m 2, e x a m 2 0 0 4 )

P R O B L E M 2. S T R I P P I N G .
Wa t e r fr o m a n oil installation cont ai ns 8 m g b e n z e n e p e r liter water. It sh o ul d b e r e d u c ed to 0. 4 m g b e n z en e p er liter b y stripping with air at 2 a tm.
(a) F i n d the m i n i m u m a m o u n t of air ( m 3 air/m3 wat er). H o w m a n y equi libri um st ag e s d o e s this require?

S O LU T I O N . G e n e ral a p p ro a c h :
(i) C o nve r t e ver y t h i n g to m o l a r + (Fin d p ro d u c t st re a m s f r o m m a s s b al an c e)
(ii) M i n i m u m fl ows: This is w i t h infi nite n o . o f stages a n d it o c c u rs w h e n w e h ave “ p i n c h ”
Fo r absorpti on /stripp ing: “ P i n c h ” at o n e e n d -> p ro d u c t a n d fe e d in eq ui li briu m!
A s s u m e : L a n d V con stant th ro u g h c o l u m n (dilute-> x a n d y sm all)
+ A s s u m e T =3 0 0 K (not given!) + a s s u m e ideal gas
eq. L (water+ benzene) (i) C o n v e r s i o n t o m o l a r : “ 8 m g b e n z e n e p e r l it er w a t e r ”.
nb = 8 m g benzene = 8e-3 g / 78 g /mol = 1.026e-4 mol
n w= 1 liter w a t e r = 1 k g w a t e r = 1 0 0 0 g / 1 8 g / m o l = 5 5 . 5 5 m o l
x0 = n b/ ( n b+ n x) = 1 . 8 4 6 e - 6 = 1 . 8 4 6 p p m
S i m i l a r : x N = x 0* 0 . 4 / 8 = 0 . 0 5 x 0 = 9 . 2 3 1 e - 8 = 0 . 0 9 2 p p m
I n fi n i t e n u m b e r o f s t a g e s : y 1 a n d x 0 a r e i n e q u i l i b r i u m - > y 1 = ( H / p ) x 0 = ( 3 8 3 . 5
bar/2bar)*1.846e-6 = 3.54e-4 = 354 p p m
(ii) C a n n o w fi n d m i n i m u m air fl o w f r o m o v e r a l l m a t e r i a l b a l a n c e :
L x 0 + V y N+1 = L x N + V y 1
Or L ( x 0- x N) = V ( y 1- y N+1)
Or V = L ( x 0- x N) / ( y 1- y N+1)
= L (1.846-0.092)/(354-0) = 0. 004 95 L [ mol/s ]
V (air) Water: Gi ven L = 1 m 3 = 1 0 00 kg = 55.55 km o l
Air : Get V = 0.00495 L = 0.275 km ol
= 2 7 5 m o l = 2 7 5 ( R T/ p ) [ m 3 ] = 2 7 5 * 8 . 3 1 * 3 0 0 / 2 e 5 [ m 3 ] = 3 . 4 3 m 3 ( ga s )