Simulation of carbon dioxide absorption by monoethanolamine solution in wetted-wire column

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the chemical absorption of CO2 in aqueous mono-ethanolamine (MEA) solution in a multi-wire column. A rate-based process model based on the fast reaction for the CO2–MEA system was employed for modelling of mass transfer and chemical reaction inside the column. As the gas phase mass transfer resistance is not negligible comparing to the liquid phase mass transfer resistance, unlike previous models, gas side mass transfer resistance has also been considered in the model. In addition, the heat effects associated with the absorption and chemical reaction are included through energy balances in the gas and liquid phases. A computer program (MATLAB code) was developed to simulate CO2 absorption into aqueous solution of mono-ethanolamine in a multi-wire column. The model is capable of predicting essential information, such as overall mass transfer coefficient, gas absorption rate and efficiency of the column. The modelling results were compared with available experimental data conducted in columns that equipped with both single wire and multiple wires and good agreement was achieved. Thereby it was concluded that the developed model is capable to predict the chemical gas absorption performance of both multi-wire and one-wire gas–liquid contactors.