Modeling of the Process of Adsorption of Gases in Packed Columns and Tubular Absorbers

Abstract

Mathematical models of the processes of heat and mass transfer in packed columns and tubular absorbers have been constructed. A numerical calculation of the efficiency of SO2 absorption by water in packed columns and hollow jet scrubbers has been carried out, and a distinct advantage of the packed columns over the indicated scrubbers has been established in both the efficiency of extraction of the target gas components by the absorbent and the overall dimensions of the apparatuses. Calculations of the CO2 absorption have been carried out, and a comparison of the efficiency and energetics of direct-flow and counterflow packed columns has been made for different dimensions of packing elements. In modeling the process of adsorption in a packed column, use was made of the existing empirical data in the volume mass transfer in granular beds and of the theoretical representation of the mass-transfer coefficient for fi lm flow. A comparison of calculation results in these two cases has shown their complete agreement, in practice. Heat and mass transfer in a tubular absorber was described by the fi lm mechanism in two cases: where the entire free cross-sectional area is open and where only the inner cross section of a cylindrical tube is open. A comparison has been made of the results of calculations of heat and mass transfer in packed columns and tubular absorbers under relevant conditions. The proposed models can be used for engineering and optimization calculations of industrial packed columns and tubular absorbers.