Numerical simulation for mass transfer characteristics of CO2 capture in a rotating packed bed

Abstract

Rotating packed bed (RPB) has owned the significant advantages for gas-liquid mass transfer process intensification. This study presented a mathematical model for mass transfer characteristics of CO2 capture in a RPB, which involved diffusion and reaction process. In current setup, main focus was given on analysis of local liquid-side mass transfer coefficient (kL), which was applied to obtain overall gas-side mass transfer coefficient (KGa) and CO2 absorption efficiency (E). The effects of operating parameters, such as Higee factor, temperature, pressure, gas and liquid flow rate, on KGa and E were investigated. The results indicate that KGa increases with increasing Higee factor, temperature and liquid flow rate and decreasing gas flow rate but is independent on pressure; E is positively dependent on Higee factor, temperature, liquid flow rate and pressure but negatively dependent on gas flow rate. Meanwhile the numerical simulation exhibits that transient droplet lifetime is the essence of process intensification for RPBs. Furthermore, the simulated values of E have satisfactory agreement with experimental and published data with maximum deviations within ±20%, which recommends this model suitable for providing the theoretical basis for future design and application of RPBs.