Gas Absorption

I.

Objectives
1. To measure the absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower,
using the gas analysis equipment provided.
2. To calculate the rate of absorption of carbon dioxide into water from analysis of
liquid solutions flowing down absorption column.

II.

Materials/Equipments Needed
1. Gas Absorption Column
2. Carbon dioxide cylinder with integral pressure regulator, connected to regulator R
on the gas inlet on the apparatus.
3. Approximately 300 ml of 1.0 M caustic soda solution with safety gloves and
goggles. Small funnel and tubing for filling analysis equipment.
4. Standard 0.0277M sodium hydroxide solution prepared by diluting 27.70mL of
1M caustic soda standard solution to 1 liter with carbon dioxide free distilled
water. Prepare daily and protect from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by
keeping in a stoppered Pyrex bottle.
5. Standard 0.1M sodium bicarbonate solution prepared by dissolving approximately
0.1 gram of anhydrous sodium bicarbonate in carbon dioxide free distilled water
to 100 ml.
6. Phenolphthalein indicator prepared from carbon dioxide free distilled water i.e.
A.R. grade.
7. Hempl Apparatus for Gas Analysis
8. Fresh Tap Water
9. Thermometer
10. Barometer

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III.

Equipment Set Up

IV.

Theory
In gas absorption a soluble component is absorbed by contact with a liquid phase
in which the component is soluble. This system is used for scrubbing gas streams of
components such as sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and ammonia. In this
experiment, water is used to remove CO2 from air.
In this experiment, the performance of a packed gas-liquid absorption tower is
evaluated. The primary objective is to determine how the mass transfer rate is
affected by gas flow rate, especially as the column approaches its loading and
flooding points.

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V.

Procedure
(A) Absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower, using the gas
analysis equipment provided
1. First fill the two gloves of the absorption analysis equipment on the left of the
panel with 0.1 M caustic soda. Wear gloves and goggles while doing this.
Adjust the level in the gloves to the 0 mark on the sight tube, using drain
valve C into a flask to do this. (See step A in the sketch overleaf).
2. Fill the liquid reservoir tank to three-quarters full with fresh tap water.
3. With gas flow control valves C2 and C3 closed, start the liquid pump and
adjust the water flow through the column to approximately 6 liters per minute
on flow meter F1 by adjusting flow control valve C1.
4. Start the compressor and adjust control valve C2 to give airflow of
approximately 10% of full scale on flow meter F2.
5. Carefully open the pressure-regulating valve on the carbon dioxide cylinder,
and adjust valve to give a value C3 on the flow meter F3 approximately one
half of the airflow F2. Ensure the liquid seal at the base of the absorption
column is maintained by, if necessary, adjustment of control valve C4.
6. After 15 minutes or so of steady operation, take samples of gas
simultaneously from sample points S1 and S2. Analyze this consecutively for
carbon dioxide content in these gas samples as shown in the accompanying
sketch and following notes.
7. Flush the sample lines by repeated sucking from the line, using the gas piston
and expelling the contents of the cylinder to the atmosphere. Note that the
volume of the cylinder is about 100 ml. Estimate the volume of the tube
leading to the device. Then decide how many times you need to suck and
expel.
8. With the absorption glove isolated and vent to the atmosphere closed, fill the
cylinder from the selected line by drawing the piston out slowly (Step B).
Note volume taken into cylinder V1, which should be approximately 20 ml for

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this particular experiment (See Warning note below). Wait at least two
minutes to allow the gas to come to the temperature of the cylinder.
9. Isolate the cylinder from the column and the absorption glove and vent the
cylinder to atmospheric pressure. Close after 10 seconds (Step D).
10. Connect cylinder to absorption glove. The liquid level should not change. If it
does not change, briefly open to atmosphere again.
11. Wait until the level in the indicator tube is on zero showing that the pressure in
the cylinder is atmospheric.
12. Slowly close the piston to empty the cylinder into the absorption glove.
Slowly draw the piston out again (Steps E and F). Note the level in the
indicator tube. Repeat steps E and F until no significant change in level
occurs. Read the indicator tube marking = V. the represents the volume of the
gas sampled.
13. Repeat the experiments for trials 2 and 3.
VI.

Results and Discussion

Tabulate the results as follows in: (A) absorption of carbon dioxide into water
flowing down the tower, using the gas analysis equipment provided.

Absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower, using the gas

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VII.

Conclusion
Based on the results from the experimental data obtained, the mass transfer of the
solute CO2 to its solvent water in the down coming tube was higher than that of the
mass transfer in the sump tank. It was confirmed with its mole fraction. The mass
transfer coefficient in liquid phase and gas phase is inversely proportional to the
difference in its bulk mole fractions to its interface mole fractions.

VIII. References
GEANKOPLIS, C. J. Principles of Transport Processes and Separation Processes,
4th Edition, Prentice Hall, New Jersey (2003). pp: 636-644.
Appendices
Appendix A: Experimental Data
(A) Absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower, using the gas
analysis equipment provided

Nomenclature:
F3 = flowrate of carbon dioxide
F2 = flowrate of air
V1 = volume of gas sample taken in Hempl apparatus
V2 =amount of gas absorbed in Hempl apparatus

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Question:
1. Describe a plate column and a packed tower.
Plate Column
The tray or plate column has down comers for transporting a liquid between
neighboring trays. The liquid transport happens in each down comer through a plurality
of discharge apertures onto a loaded tray. Liquid flows out of the discharge apertures in
the form of jets that merge into a regionally different flow field on striking the loaded
tray. The flow field has transverse apparatus of the flow speed with respect to a
longitudinal main flow direction. Direction elements are set beneath the discharge
apertures and at spacing from the loaded tray which each guide the impulse of liquid
analogous to the divergent flow field.
Packed Tower
-

Countercurrent gas and liquid

Contacting liquid/gas interface on packing
Liquid flows over the surface of the packing with a general downward direction
Gas flows through interstices in the packing with a general upward direction

Packing Types: Random; Structured

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of plate columns and a packed towers?
Advantage:
Packed Towers are designed to remove most of the common gas contaminants at
very high efficiencies (up to and beyond 99%) with low pressure losses. Packed Tower
Gas Scrubbers are available in standard sizes, but can also be specially designed or
modified to fit unusual service conditions. When desired, S&K can supply a complete,
packaged system including fan, recycling pump, and liquid storage for recycling.

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