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Chapter 8

ABSORPTION

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 1

INTRODUCTION
• Absorption is an operation in which a gaseous mixture is contacted
with a solvent to dissolve one or more components of the gas and
provide a solution of them in the solvent.
Applications
(i) Ammonia is removed from coke-oven gas with water.
(ii) Benzene and toluene vapours are removed using hydrocarbon oil
from the coke-oven gas.
(iii) Hydrogen sulfide is removed from naturally occurring hydrocarbon
gases with alkaline solutions.
(iv) Ammonia and other water soluble harmful gases from air are
removed using water.

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GAS SOLUBILITY IN LIQUIDS AT EQUILIBRIUM

• If the gas solubility is low, then the
equilibrium pressure for that
particular system is very high.
• The solubility of gas is significantly
affected by the temperature.
• Absorption processes are exothermic
and if the temperature is increased at
equilibrium, the solubility of gases,
but not always, will be decreased due
to evolution of heat.

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na

IDEAL AND NON-IDEAL LIQUID SOLUTIONS

• When the gas mixture is in equilibrium with an ideal solution, then it
follows Raoult’s law.
𝒑∗ = 𝑷 𝒙
𝒑∗ is the partial pressure of solute, P is the vapour pressure of solute at
the same temperature and x is the mole fraction of solute in liquid.

• For non-ideal solutions, Henry’s law can be applied and is given by,

∗
𝒑∗
𝒚 = = 𝒎𝒙
𝑷𝒕
m is Henry’s constant, 𝑷𝒕 is the total pressure and 𝒚∗ is the mole
fraction of solute in gas.
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CHOICE OF SOLVENT FOR ABSORPTION

(i) Gas solubility: Solubility of the solute to be absorbed in solvent
should be relatively high to decrease the amount of solvent needed.
(ii) Chemical nature: solvent should be chemically similar in
structure to solute to be absorbed for good solubility.
(iii) Recoverability: The solvent should be easily recovered for reusing
it.
(iv) Volatility: The solvent should have a low vapour pressure and non
volatile.
(v) Corrosiveness: The solvent should not be corrosive to the material
of construction equipment.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 5

(vi) Cost and availability: The solvent should be inexpensive and

readily available.
(vii) Viscosity: The solvent should have low viscosity as it will
reduce pumping and transportation costs.
(viii) Toxic, flammability and stability: The solvent should be non-
toxic, inflammable, chemically stable and non-reactive.

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DESIGN OF ISOTHERMAL ABSORPTION TOWERS

Single Stage—One Component Transferred— Countercurrent and
Isothermal Operation
G1 and L2 be the molar flow rates of entering
binary gaseous mixture and liquid respectively
in moles/(area) (time).
G2 and L1 be the molar flow rates of leaving
gaseous mixture and liquid respectively in moles /
(area) (time).
Let GS and LS be the molar flow rates of inert gas
and pure liquid respectively in moles/ (area)
(time).
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 7

Let x, y be the mole fractions of solute in liquid and gas phases

respectively.
Let X, Y be the mole ratios of solute to inert component in liquid and
gas phases respectively.
In the gas phase, only one component is transferred and the other
component remains as inert. Similarly, in the liquid phase, solvent is
the inert component.
𝒙
𝑿=
𝟏−𝒙
𝒚
𝒀=
𝟏−𝒚
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𝑿
𝒙=
𝟏+𝑿
𝒀
𝒚=
𝟏+𝒀

𝑮 𝑺 = 𝑮 𝟏 𝟏 − 𝒚𝟏
𝑮𝑺
𝑮 =
𝟏−𝒚
Writing the material balance on solute basis for the above countercurrent
operation, we get

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 9

𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝟏 + 𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟐 = 𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝟐 + 𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟏
𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝟏 − 𝒀𝟐 = 𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟏 − 𝑿𝟐

𝑳𝑺 𝒀𝟏 − 𝒀𝟐
= 𝑬𝒒(𝟏)
𝑮𝑺 𝑿𝟏 − 𝑿𝟐

Eq (1) represents the operating line for a single stage

countercurrent absorber.

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• The operating line passes

through the coordinates (𝑿𝟏 , 𝒀𝟏 )
𝑳
and (𝑿𝟐 , 𝒀𝟐 ) with a slope of ( 𝑺 ).
𝑮𝑺
• Since the solute transfer is
taking place from gas to liquid
phase, the operating line always
lies above the equilibrium curve.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 11

if the flow rates of gas and liquid

streams are not considered on inert
basis, when considered on mole
fraction basis, then the operating
line would be a non-linear one
passing through the coordinates
(x1, y1) and (x2, y2).

It is highly impossible to know the

intermediate concentrations which
will enable one to draw this operating
curve passing through the terminal
points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2).

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Hence, it is more preferable to obtain the linear operating line

with the known terminal concentrations of the system by considering
mole ratio basis.

𝑳𝑺
Determination of Minimum Ratio
𝑮𝑺

minimum (LS/GS) ratio indicates a slope for operating line, at which

the maximum amount of solute concentration is obtained in the final
liquid.

It will be achieved only in the presence of infinite number of stages

for a desired level of absorption of solute.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 13

When the operating line is tangent to the equilibrium curve, then

there is no net driving force and the required time of contact for the
concentration change desired is infinite and an infinitely tall tower
will result.

This is highly uneconomical. So, the tower is operated at the (LS/GS)

ratio of 1.2 to 2.0 times the minimum (LS /GS) ratio.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 14

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Steps Involved in Determining (LS/GS)min

 Plot X and Y data to draw the equilibrium curve.
 Locate point A(X2,Y2).
 From point A draw a tangent to the equilibrium curve.
 Determine the slope of this line
which will be (LS/GS)min .

 Extend the line from Y1 to

intersect this operating line
which corresponds to
B’[(X1) max,Y1].

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 15

 Determine (LS/GS) actual and find the slope.

 Using the operating line

equation, obtain (X1) actual
and draw the actual
operating line AB .

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Multistage Countercurrent Isothermal Absorption

• A multistage tray tower containing Np number of stages
• The operation is isothermal and the average
composition of gas leaving from a tray is in
equilibrium with the average composition of
liquid leaving from the same tray.

• The flow of streams is

countercurrent.

• The liquid flows downwards and

the gas upwards and only one
component is transferred.
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 17

The material balance on inert basis gives,

𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟎 = 𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝟏 + 𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝑵𝑷

𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝑵𝑷+𝟏 − 𝒀𝟏 = 𝑳𝑺 (𝑿𝑵𝑷 − 𝑿𝟎 )

𝑳𝑺 𝒀𝑵𝑷+𝟏 − 𝒀𝟏
=
𝑮𝑺 𝑿𝑵𝑷 − 𝑿𝟎
This is a linear operating line for a multistage countercurrent
absorber passes through (X0,Y1) and (XNp,YNp +1) with a slope (LS
/GS).

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• Between the equilibrium curve and the operating line, a stepwise

construction is made to obtain the number of theoretical trays.

• The stepwise construction is started from (X0, Y1) since it

represents operating condition in plate number 1.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 19

Analytical Method to Determine the Number of Trays

• In some special cases such as dilute gaseous mixtures or solutions, the
equilibrium curve is a straight line, the number of trays can be
determined analytically by using Kremser-Brown–Souders equation:

• where A is the absorption factor given by L/mG and m is the slope

of the equilibrium curve.
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• A is the ratio of the slope of the operating line to that of the

equilibrium curve.

• If ‘A’ varies due to small changes in L/G from bottom to top of the
tower, then the geometric mean value of A has to be considered.

• geometric mean value of A: 𝑨= 𝑨𝟏 𝑨𝟐

𝑳𝟏 𝑳
𝑨𝟏 = ≈ 𝒎𝑮𝟎
𝒎𝑮𝟏 𝟏
𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝑳𝑵𝑷
𝑨𝟐 = ≈
𝒎𝑮𝑵𝑷 𝒎𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏
• A1 is the absorption factor at the top of the tower and A2 is the
absorption factor at the bottom
Dr. Enshirahof
Da'nathe tower. 21

Significance of Absorption Factor

• If A < 1, the operating line and equilibrium curve converge at the
lower end of the tower indicating that the solubility of solute is
limited even when large number of trays are provided.
• If A > 1, any degree of separation is possible with adequate number
of trays.
• as A increases beyond 1.0 for a fixed quantity of gas and a given
degree of absorption, the absorbed solute is dissolved in a larger
quantity of liquid (solvent) and becomes less valuable.
• the number of trays also decreased leading to a lower cost of equipment.
• This leads to a variation in total cost of operation which will pass
through a minimum.
• for an economical operation, the value of A has been found to be in the
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 22
range of 1.2 to 2.0.

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DESIGN OF MULTISTAGE NON-ISOTHERMAL ABSORBER

• Generally the absorption operations are exothermic in nature.

• Hence, the solubility of gas decreases as temperature of the liquid

increases which in turn decreases the capacity of the absorber.

• When concentrated gaseous mixtures are to be absorbed in solvent

then the temperature effects have to be taken into account.

• If the heat liberated is more, then cooling coils should be provided

for an efficient absorption operation.

• Since the temperature is varying from tray to tray, it influences the

concentration changes as well as the flow rate of streams.
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 23

• Since the temperature is varying from tray to tray, it influences the

concentration changes as well as the flow rate of streams.

• Hence, energy balance should also be incorporated along with

material balance to determine the number of trays.

• It is very difficult to compute manually the tray to tray calculations.

• A simple algorithm is developed for one ideal tray involving trial

and error calculations and then the programming is extended to
other trays for the determination of the number of trays.

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• Total mass balance around the entire tower gives:

𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝟎 = 𝑮𝟏 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷

• Component balance gives,

𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝟎 𝒙𝟎 = 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝒙𝑵𝑷 + 𝑮𝟏 𝒚𝟏

• Energy balance gives,

𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝑯𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝟎 𝑯𝑳𝟎 = 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑳𝑵𝑷 + 𝑮𝟏 𝑯𝑮𝟏

where, H is the molal enthalpy of streams.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 25

HG = CpG,inert (tG – t0)(1 – y) + y[CpG,solute (tG – t0) + 𝝀0]

HL = CpL,inert (tL – t0)(1 – x) + x[CpL,solute (tL – t0)]

where Cp is the specific heat of the component and 𝝀0 is the latent

heat of vapourization at reference temperature, t0.

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• Mass and energy balance in envelope-I follow,

𝑳𝒏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝒏+𝟏 +𝑳𝑵𝑷
𝑳𝒏 𝒙𝒏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝒏+𝟏 𝒚𝒏+𝟏 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝒙𝑵𝑷
𝑳𝒏 𝑯𝑳𝒏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝑯𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝒏+𝟏 𝑯𝑮𝒏+𝟏 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑳𝑵𝑷

• Let n=Np –1,

𝑳𝑵𝑷−𝟏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝑵𝑷 +𝑳𝑵𝑷
𝑳𝑵𝑷−𝟏 𝒙𝑵𝑷−𝟏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝑵𝑷 𝒚𝑵𝑷 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝒙𝑵𝑷

𝑳𝑵𝑷−𝟏 𝑯𝑳,𝑵𝑷−𝟏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝑯𝑮,𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑮,𝑵𝑷 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑳,𝑵𝑷

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 27

To solve the above system of equations and determine the number of

trays, the following procedure is used.
 Assume the top tray temperature, tG1. The other values like GNp+1,
y1, yNp+1, L0, x0, tL0 and tG Np+1 are known.
 Calculate GS from the relationship, GS = GNp+1(1 – yNp+1 )
 Calculate G1 from the relationship, G1 = GS/(1 − y1)

 Calculate LNp.
𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝟎 = 𝑮𝟏 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷
 Find xNp :

𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝟎 𝒙𝟎 = 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝒙𝑵𝑷 + 𝑮𝟏 𝒚𝟏

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 Calculate HGNp+1, HL0 and HG1

HG = CpG,inert (tG – t0)(1 – y) + y[CpG,solute (tG – t0) + 𝝀0]
HL = CpL,inert (tL – t0)(1 – x) + x[CpL,solute (tL – t0)]

 Find HLNp
𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝑯𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 + 𝑳𝟎 𝑯𝑳𝟎 = 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑳𝑵𝑷 + 𝑮𝟏 𝑯𝑮𝟏

 Determine tLNp
HL = CpL,inert (tL – t0)(1 – x) + x[CpL,solute (tL – t0)]

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 29

 With this knowledge of the temperature of the last tray Np, the
compositions can be determined by y* = (VP/TP)x or y* = mx, where
VP is vapour pressure, TP is total pressure and m is equilibrium
constant. Hence yNp = (m) xNp
 Now for the last tray, xNp, yNp, tLNp are known.
 Find GNp = Gs /(1 - yNp )
 Calculate LNp – 1
𝑳𝑵𝑷−𝟏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝑵𝑷 +𝑳𝑵𝑷
 Find xNp–1
𝑳𝑵𝑷−𝟏 𝒙𝑵𝑷−𝟏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝑵𝑷 𝒚𝑵𝑷 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝒙𝑵𝑷
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 Calculate HLNp–1
𝑳𝑵𝑷−𝟏 𝑯𝑳,𝑵𝑷−𝟏 + 𝑮𝑵𝑷+𝟏 𝑯𝑮,𝑵𝑷+𝟏 = 𝑮𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑮,𝑵𝑷 + 𝑳𝑵𝑷 𝑯𝑳,𝑵𝑷

 Find tLNp–1
HL = CpL,inert (tL – t0)(1 – x) + x[CpL,solute (tL – t0)]

 Determine the composition, yNp–1 and GNp–1

y* = (VP/TP)x or y* = mx
GNp = Gs /(1 - yNp )

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 31

 Similarly calculate for the next tray by taking n = Np–2 and

starting from step (12), by making use of material and
enthalpy balances.
 Finally, the computation is stopped on reaching the value of
y1 and also satisfying the assumed tG1.

 If these two values namely, the assumed composition and computed

composition y1 and the assumed temperature and the calculated
temperature t0 are not satisfied together, once again the iteration
has to be started fresh by assuming a new temperature tG1.

 However, when both the values of y1 and tG1, are satisfied, the
number of trays are known from the computation values.
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DESIGN OF COCURRENT ABSORBER

Making material balance,

𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟏 + 𝑮𝑺 𝒚𝟏 = 𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝟐 + 𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟐

𝑳𝑺 𝑿𝟏 − 𝑿𝟐 = 𝑮𝑺 𝒀𝟏 − 𝒀𝟐

𝑳𝑺 𝒀𝟏 − 𝒀𝟐
− =
𝑮𝑺 𝑿 𝟏 − 𝑿𝟐

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 33

 If the leaving streams are in

equilibrium with each other, then
the compositions are represented by
(X’2, Y’2) and for a typical liquid
phase composition of X2, the gas
phase composition will be Y2.

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DESIGN OF CONTINUOUS CONTACT EQUIPMENT FOR

ABSORPTION

Packed columns and spray towers fall in the

category of continuous contact or differential
contact towers.

They are different from stagewise contactors in

the sense that the fluids are in continuous
contact throughout the tower.

So the liquid and gas compositions change

continuously with respect to the height of the
tower.
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 35

Z is the total height of the tower.

S is the total effective interfacial surface per

unit tower cross section. Hence,

𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒂 . 𝑨. 𝒁
𝑺= =
𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝑨

𝒅𝒔 = 𝒂. 𝒅𝒛
dS is the differential interfacial surface in
the differential volume of packing.

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The quantity of solute A passing through the

differential section is G.y moles/(area)
(time).
The rate of mass transfer is d(G.y) mole A/
(differential volume) (time).

Since NB = 0, NA/(NA + NB) = 1.0. The

molar flux of A is obtained by applying the
original basic flux equation,

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒕𝒆 𝑨

𝑵𝑨 =
𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 37

𝒅(𝑮𝒚) 𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊
𝑵𝑨 = = 𝑭𝑮 𝒍𝒏
𝒂𝒅𝒁 𝟏−𝒚

d(Gy) can be written as:

𝑮𝒔𝒚
𝒅(𝑮𝒚) = 𝒅
𝟏−𝒚

Since one component is transferred, G

and y vary throughout the tower.
𝑮𝒔𝒚 𝑮𝒔𝒅𝒚 𝑮𝒅𝒚
𝒅 = =
𝟏−𝒚 𝟏−𝒚 𝟐 𝟏−𝒚
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Rearranging and integrating, we get :

𝒁 𝒚𝟏
𝑮𝒅𝒚
𝒛 = න 𝒅𝒁 = න =
𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊
𝟎 𝒚𝟐 𝑭𝑮𝒂 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝒍𝒏 ൘𝟏−𝒚

It is more convenient to write, y–yi =[(1–yi) – (1–y)]

𝒚𝟏
𝑮 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝒊𝑴𝒅𝒚
𝒛=න
𝒚𝟐 𝑭𝑮𝒂 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊

where (1 – y)iM is logarithmic mean of (1 – yi) and (1 – y).

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 39

𝑮 𝒚𝟏 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝒊𝑴𝒅𝒚
𝒛= න ≈ 𝑯𝒕𝑮. 𝑵𝒕𝑮
𝑭𝑮𝒂 𝒚𝟐 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊

where HtG is the height of a gas transfer unit and NtG is the number of
gas transfer units.
𝑮 𝑮 𝑮
𝑯𝒕𝑮 = = =
𝑭𝑮 𝒂 𝒌𝒚𝒂 𝟏−𝒚 𝒊𝑴 𝒌𝑮𝒂𝑷𝒕 𝟏−𝒚 𝒊𝑴

in terms of other individual mass transfer coefficients.

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NtG is simplified further by substituting the arithmetic average

instead of logarithmic average of (1 – y)iM
Hence,
𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊 − 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊 + 𝟏 − 𝒚
𝟏 − 𝒚 𝒊𝑴 = ≈
𝟏 − 𝒚𝒊 𝟐
𝒍𝒏
𝟏−𝒚
𝒚𝟏 𝒚𝟏
𝟏 − 𝒚 𝒊𝑴𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 𝟏 − 𝒚𝟐
𝑵𝒕𝑮 = න =න + 𝒍𝒏
𝒚𝟐 𝟏 − 𝒚 𝒚 − 𝒚𝒊 𝒚𝟐 𝒚 − 𝒚𝒊 𝟐 𝟏 − 𝒚𝟏

Similarly, when the above mentioned relations have been applied for
liquid compositions, we obtain
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 41

𝒙𝟏
𝑳 𝟏 − 𝒙 𝒊𝑴𝒅𝒙
𝒛= න ≈ 𝑯𝒕𝑳. 𝑵𝒕𝑳
𝑭𝑳𝒂 𝒙𝟐 𝟏 − 𝒙 𝒙𝒊 − 𝒙

HtL is the height of liquid transfer unit, NtL is the number of liquid
transfer units and (1 – x)iM is logarithmic mean of (1 – x) and (1 – xi)
On simplification, we get
𝑳 𝑳
𝑯𝒕𝑳 = =
𝑭𝑳𝒂 𝒌𝒙𝒂 𝟏 − 𝒙 𝒊𝑴

𝒙𝟏 𝒅𝒙 𝟏 𝟏−𝒙𝟏
𝑵𝒕𝑳 = ‫𝟐𝒙׬‬ + 𝒍𝒏
𝒙𝒊 −𝒙 𝟐 𝟏−𝒙𝟐

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With the known quantities, HtG or HtL can be easily determined. But
NtG and NtL can be determined only through the graphical method.

For this, plot of 1/(y – yi) against y is drawn and the area under the
curve will give NtG.

The values of y and yi can be evaluated by drawing a line between

equilibrium curve and operating line with the slope (–kxa/kya) where
y and yi are points of intersection of this line on operating line and
equilibrium curve respectively.

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 43

Overall Transfer Units

In some cases where the equilibrium curve is straight and the ratio of
mass transfer coefficients is constant, it is more convenient to make
use of overall mass transfer coefficients.
The height of the tower can be expressed in such cases as
𝒛 = 𝑯𝒕𝑶𝑮. 𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑮
𝒚𝟏 𝒚𝟏
𝟏 − 𝒚 ∗ 𝑴𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒚 𝟏 𝟏 − 𝒚𝟐
𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑮 = න =න + 𝒍𝒏
𝒚𝟐 𝟏−𝒚 𝒚−𝒚 ∗
𝒚𝟐 𝒚 − 𝒚
∗
𝟐 𝟏 − 𝒚𝟏
𝑮 𝑮 𝑮
𝑯𝒕𝑶𝑮 = = =
𝑭𝑶𝑮𝒂 𝒌𝒚𝒂 𝟏−𝒚 ∗𝑴 𝒌𝑮𝒂𝑷𝒕 𝟏−𝒚 ∗𝑴

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𝒙𝟏 𝒅𝒙 𝟏 𝟏−𝒙𝟏
𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑳 = ‫𝟐𝒙׬‬ + 𝒍𝒏
𝒙∗ −𝒙 𝟐 𝟏−𝒙𝟐

𝑳 𝑳
𝑯𝒕𝑶𝑳 = =
𝑭𝑶𝑳𝒂 𝒌𝒙𝒂 𝟏 − 𝒙 ∗ 𝑴

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 45

Dilute Solutions
For dilute solutions or gaseous mixtures, the above equations become
much simpler. 𝒚𝟏
𝒅𝒚
𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑮 = න
𝒚𝟐 𝒚 − 𝒚
∗

𝒙𝟏
𝒅𝒙
𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑳 = න
𝒙𝟐 𝒙∗ − 𝒙
If the equilibrium curve in terms of mole fractions is also linear over
the entire range of x, then:
y* = m.x + C

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If the solutions are dilute, there won’t be variations in L/G ratio

throughout, and the operating line can be considered as a straight
line so that the driving force (y – y*) is also linear.
In such cases,
𝒚𝟏 − 𝒚𝟐
𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑮 =
𝒚−𝒚∗ 𝑴

𝒚𝟏 − 𝒚∗𝟏 − 𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚∗𝟐
𝒚−𝒚∗ 𝑴 =
𝒚 − 𝒚∗𝟏
𝒍𝒏 𝟏
𝒚𝟐 − 𝒚∗𝟐
𝑮 𝑮
𝑯𝒕𝑶𝑮 = =
𝑲𝒚 𝒂 𝑲𝑮 𝒂𝑷𝒕
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 47

Dilute Solutions Using Henry’s Law

In dilute solutions, if Henry’s law is applied, then

y* = m . x
The operating line can be written in a linear form as:
𝑳
𝒚 − 𝒚𝟐 = 𝒙 − 𝒙𝟐
𝑮
𝒚𝟏 − 𝒎𝒙𝟐 𝟏 𝟏
𝒍𝒏 𝟏− +
𝒚𝟐 − 𝒎𝒙𝟐 𝑨 𝑨
𝑵𝒕𝑶𝑮 =
𝟏
𝟏−
𝑨
where A is the absorption factor = L/mG
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The overall height of transfer units can also be expressed in terms

of individual phases,
𝒎𝑮
𝑯𝒕𝑶𝑮 = 𝑯𝒕𝑮 + 𝑯𝒕𝑳
𝑳
𝑳
𝑯𝒕𝑶𝑳 = 𝑯𝒕𝑳 + 𝑯𝒕𝑮
𝒎𝑮

STRIPPING OR DESORPTION
When mass transfer occurs from liquid to gas, i.e. the solute is
removed from the liquid solution by contacting with a gas, then
the operation is called Desorption or Stripping.
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 49

Operating Line for Stripper

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Analytical Relation to Determine Number of Plates

From Kremser–Brown–Souder’s on rearranging for desorption we get,

𝒙𝟎 − 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 /𝒎 𝟏 𝟏
𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝟏− +
𝒙𝑵𝑷 − 𝒚𝑵𝑷+𝟏 /𝒎 𝑺 𝑺
𝑵𝑷 =
𝒍𝒐𝒈 𝑺

where S is the stripping factor, S = mG/L

𝒙𝟐 − 𝒚𝟏 /𝒎
𝒍𝒏 𝟏−𝑨 +𝑨
𝒙𝟏 − 𝒚𝟏 /𝒎
𝑵𝒕𝒐𝑳 =
𝟏−𝑨

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 51

EXAMPLE 1
An air–NH3 mixture containing 5% NH3 by volume is absorbed in
water using a packed tower at 20°C and 1 atm pressure to recover
98% NH3. Gas flow rate is 1200 kg/h m2.

Calculate (a) Minimum mass flow rate of

liquid; (b) NTU using 1.25 times the
minimum liquid flow rate; (c) Height of
packed column using KGa = 128 kg/h m2
atm. The equilibrium relation is y = 1.154x
where, x, y are expressed in mole fraction
units.

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Solution
y1 = 0.05, Pt = 1 atm, T = 20oC and X2 = 0
Gas flow rate = 1200 kg/h m2
Average molecular weight of mixture = (0.05 × 17) + (0.95 × 28.84) = 28.25

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 53

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For minimum liquid flow rate

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 55

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na 61

EXAMPLE 2
Air containing methanol vapour (5-mole %) is scrubbed with water in a
packed tower at 26oC and 760 mm Hg pressure to remove 95% of the
methanol. The entering water is free of methanol. The gas-phase flow
rate is 1.22 kmol/m2 s and the liquid-phase flow rate is 0.631 kmol/m2 s.
If the overall height of a transfer unit based on the liquid phase
resistance is 4.12 m, determine NTU and the overall liquid phase mass
transfer coefficient. The equilibrium relation is p = 0.280 x, where p is
the partial pressure of methanol in atmospheres and x is the mole
fraction of methanol in liquid.

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Solution
y1 = 0.05, T = 26°C, pressure = 760 mm Hg

Y2 = 0.05 × 0.0526 = 0.00263

Gas flow rate = 1.22 kmol/m2 s

Liquid flow rate = 0.631 kmol/m2 s

HtoL = 4.12 m
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 63

Equilibrium relationship is: p = 0.280x

where, p = partial pressure
x = mole fraction of methanol in liquid.

(Assuming entering water is pure)

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Equilibrium relation is: p = 0.280x

pty = 0.280x (pt = total pressure, x = mole fraction in liquid phase,

y = mole fraction in gas phase)

1 × y= 0.280x
y = 0.280x

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 65

X2 = 0 (assuming pure water enters the absorber)

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na 69

EXAMPLE 3
An air-NH3 mixture containing 20-mole % NH3 is being treated
with water in a packed tower to recover NH3. The incoming gas
rate is 1000 kg/h m2. The temperature is 35oC and the total
pressure is 1 atm. Using 1.5 times the minimum water flow rate,
95% of NH3 is absorbed. If all the operating conditions remain
unchanged, how much taller should the tower be to absorb 99% of
NH3? Henry’s law is valid and ye = 0.746x. Variations in gas flow
rate may be neglected.

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Solution
Given that
Gas flow rate (incoming) = 1000 kg/h m2
Temperature = 35°C, pressure = 1 atm
HTU = 1 m
(LS) actual = 1.5 × (LS)min

Assuming, incoming water to be pure, its flow

rate L2 is LS kmol/h m2 Equilibrium relation
= ye = 0.746x

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 71

95% Ammonia is absorbed

Average molecular weight of incoming gas mixture

= [(0.2 × 17) + (0.8 × 28.84)] = 26.472

GS = G1 (1 – y1) = 37.776(1 – 0.2) = 30.221 kmol/h m2

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For minimum liquid flow rate.

y1* = 0.746x1

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 73

We can also obtain this graphically for which X–Y data has to be
computed.

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na 75

From the graph X1,max = 0.3663 (which is also the same as

obtained from calculation)

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na 77

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na 79

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In the first case, when 95% of NH3 was absorbed, Z = 6.68 m

Increase in length of tower = 11.847 – 6.68 = 5.168 m

So, when 99% of NH3 is to be absorbed, the tower should be 5.168

m taller than that needed for 95% NH3 absorption, or 77.36%
taller.
Dr. Enshirah Da'na 81

EXAMPLE 4
An effluent gas containing 12% C6H6 is to be scrubbed in a packed
column, operating at 43oC and 1 atm. pressure. The column is to be
designed for treating 15 m3 of entering gas per hour per m2 of column
cross-section, such that the exit gas will contain 1% benzene. The solvent
for scrubbing is mineral oil which will enter the top of the column at a
rate of 28 kg/h m2 and a benzene content of 1%. Determine the height of
the column assuming height of transfer unit to be 0.75 m. The
equilibrium concentration at the operating conditions is given by y* =
0.263x, where x and y are in mole fraction units.

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Solution

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EXAMPLE 5

An air–NH3 mixture containing 5%

NH3 is being scrubbed with water in a
packed tower to recover 95% NH3.
G1= 3000 kg/h m2, Ls = 2500 kg/h m2.
Tower is maintained at 25oC and 1 atm
pressure. Find NTU and height of the
tower. The equilibrium relation is
given by y* = 0.98x, where x and y are
mole fraction units. KGa = 65 kmol/h
m3 atm

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 87

Solution

Entering gas flow rate = 3000 kg/h m2

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Equilibrium relation = y* = 0.98x

Dr. Enshirah Da'na 89

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Dr. Enshirah Da'na 91

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