CHAPTER 4

Absorption and Stripping

CLO2 - Be able to identify and analyze stagewise and

differential separation process principles and techniques
 LEARNING OUTCOME
1 To understand the absorption (gas-
liquid) process

To make the material balance for a

2
AT THE END OF THIS absorption system
LECTURE, 3
To understand the concept of
equilibrium stages and their
STUDENTS SHOULD
estimation
BEABLE TO To understand the stripping
4
process
To make the material balance for a
5
stripping system
To understand the concept of
6 equilibrium stages and their
estimation
 Separation by Phase Addition
Processes Phases

Absorption
Gas Liquid

Extraction
Liquid Liquid

Leaching
Solid Liquid
3
 Introduction: Absorption
✓ A mass transfer operation – same category as
distillation.

✓ Exclusive to gas-liquid separation.

✓ Distillation uses the VLE, i.e. difference in boiling

temperatures.

✓ Absorption uses the GLE, i.e. solubility

❖ gas is absorbed into liquid
❖ liquid → solvent or absorbent
❖ gas absorbed → solute or absorbate

✓ Stripping or desorption is the reverse of absorption:

❖ liquid absorbed into gas.
❖ act of regenerating the absorbent
 Introduction: Absorption

Absorption in the industry

✓ Air pollution control – scrubbing of SO2 , NO2 , from

combustion exhaust (power plant flue gas).

✓ Absorption of ammonia from air with water.

✓ Hydrogenation of edible oils – H2 is absorbed in oil and

reacts with the oil in the presence of catalyst
Introduction: Absorption
 How does it work?

Good
product

Solvent

This section can be

trayed or packed

Solute with
inert gas
unwanted gas
solution to
disposal or
recovery
 How does it work?

Tray Packed
tower tower
 Absorption

Solvent

This section can be

trayed or packed

Solute with inert gas

Absorption
Example:

Percent of acetone
removed

10.25
= ×100
10.3

= 99%

20
 How does it work?
Tray tower:
Absorption on each tray
 How does it work?
Tray tower: Types of tray
Bubble
Cap
Sieve Valve

A full tray
 Tray Tower: Types of Tray
Sieve Valve Bubble Cap
 How does it work?
Tray tower: Types of tray
 How does it work?

Packed tower:
1. Structured packing
2. Random packing
 How does it work?

Packed tower: Types of packing

Raschig Ring Berl Saddle Pall ring

Packed Bed Absorber

16
 How does it work?
Packed tower: Structured packing

Details of internals components in structural packing tower

 How does it work?
Spray tower
 How does it work?
Bubble column

Liquid solvent “bed”

 General Design Consideration
• Entering gas (liquid) flow rate, composition, temperature and
pressure
• Desired degree of recovery of one or more solutes
• Choice of absorbent (stripping agent)
• Operating pressure and temperature, and allowable gas
pressure drop
• Minimum absorbent (stripping agent) flow rate and actual
absorbent (stripping agent) flow rate as a multiple of the
minimum flow rate
• Number of equilibrium stages
• Heat effects and need for cooling (heating)
• Type of absorber (stripper) equipment
• Diameter of absorber (stripper)
 General Design Consideration
The ideal absorbent should:

• have a high solubility for the solute

• have a low volatility
• be stable
• be noncorrosive
• have a low viscosity
• be nonfoaming
• be nontoxic and nonflammable
General Design Consideration

The most widely used absorbents are:

• water
• hydrocarbon oil
• aqueous solution of acids and bases

The most widely used stripping agents are:

• water vapor
• air
• inert gases
• hydrocarbon gases
 Gas-Liquid Equilibrium (GLE) Data
➢ GLE data for the mixtures is essential in determining
the sizes particularly the height of absorption column
• To obtain gas-liquid equilibrium data, the gas and
liquid are put together in a closed container, and
shaken rapidly at a given temperature until
equilibrium is reached.
• Samples of liquid and gas are analyzed to determine
the partial pressure of the gas and the mole fraction
of xA in the liquid.
 Gas-Liquid Equilibrium (GLE) Data
Example: SO2, air and water system
• After reaching equilibrium, samples of the gas and liquid are
analyzed to determine the partial pressure, pA in atm of SO2 (A) in
the gas phase and the mole fraction xA in the liquid phase.

Example:
Equilibrium plots of
SO2-water system are
shown in the figure:
 Henry’s Law
"At a constant temperature, the amount of a given gas that dissolves
in a given type and volume of liquid is directly proportional to
the partial pressure of that gas in equilibrium with that liquid."

The equilibrium relation between pA in the gas phase and xA in

the liquid phase can be expressed as a straight line equation
called Henry’s equation at low concentration.

p A = Hx A (4.1)

where: H is Henry’s law constants in atm/mole fraction of the given

system H = (Pral
If both sides of Eq.(4.1) is divided by a total pressure P in atm;

yA = H ' xA (4.2)
male fraction
gas
where: H’ is Henry’s law constants for gas fraction/mole fraction and
is equal to H/P.
 Henry’s Law
• Equilibrium data for some common gas-liquid systems are
given in literature
Examples
27
28
 Example

Dissolved oxygen concentration in water

What will be the concentration of oxygen
dissolved in water at 298 K when the solution is in
equilibrium with air at 1 atm total pressure? It is
given that Henry’s law constant is 4.38x104
atm/mol fraction.
psat :==
0
=> P
-
159menH

Hou
8x10 mol fracia
21
.
0
=
4 .

40
 Solution

▪ The partial pressure of oxygen (A) in air is

0.21 atm.
▪ Using equation (4.1)

0.21 = 4.38 * 10 4 x A
Solving for x A = 4.8 * 10 − 6 mol fraction

41
 Equilibrium Contact Stages

• Single
• Multiple
 Single & Multiple Equilibrium
Contact Stages
1. Single Equilibrium Stage
V V2
1 1
L1
L0
• Two phases (gas and liquid) brought into intimate
contact with each other and then separated
• Various components diffuse and the redistribute
themselves between the two phases
coban
• The component are essentially at equilibrium in the
two phases after separation if adequate mixing
- time
is provided
 Single Equilibrium Stage

V1 V2
L0 L1

• Single equilibrium stage system above

• Mass balance:
-

L0 + V2 = L1 + V1
 Single Equilibrium Stage
YAy2z V1 V2 YAc)YA

L0 L1
XA XA I
Xc I

Mass balance: L0 + V2 = L1 + V1
Gas-liquid absorption – usually 3 components
involved. Let A, B and C be the components,
then:
L0xA0 + V2yA2 = L1xA1 + V1yA1
L0xC0 + V2yC2 = L1xC1 + V1yC1
and xA + xB + xC = 1.0
L = L ,
(1 x)
-
 Single Equilibrium Stage
V1 V2
L0 L1

L0xA0 + V2yA2 = L1xA1 + V1yA1

L0xC0 + V2yC2 = L1xC1 + V1yC1
xA + xB + xC = 1.0

To solve these 3 equations – their equilibrium

relations will be required
 Single Equilibrium Stage
solute
V1 V2 inner

L0 L1
solvent

• Gas phase – V
Components – A (solute) and B (inert)
• Liquid phase – L
Components – C
• In gas phase you have binary A-B
• In liquid phase you have binary A-C
 Single Equilibrium Stage
V1 V2 YAz
YAI
L0 L1
xO NA

• Only A redistributes between both phases.

• Take mole balance of A:
in solute gas

↓
 x A0  ' y A2  '  x A1  ' y A1 
L 
'
 + V   = L   + V  
 1 − x A0   1 − y A2   1 − x A1   1 − y A1 

where L’ moles of C and V’ moles of B

Le(t-son
L = LoC1-sno) =

V (1 ya)
yay
-

Vo (1
=

v
-

=
 Single Equilibrium Stage
V1 V2
L0 L1

 x A0  ' y A2  '  x A1  ' y A1 

L 
'
 + V   = L   + V  
 1 − x A0   1 − y A2   1 − x A1   1 − y A1 

To solve this, equilibrium relationship between

yA1 and xA1 is needed.
Use Henry’s Law: yA1= H’ xA1
H’ – Henry’s law constant (obtainable in
Handbooks e.g. Perry’s)
 Example 1: Single Equilibrium Stage

A gas mixture at 1.0 atm abs containing air and CO2 is

contacted in a single-stage mixer continuously with water at
293 K. The two exit gas and liquid streams reach equilibrium.
The inlet gas flow is 100 kgmol/h, with a mole fraction of CO2
of yA2 = 0.20. The liquid flow rate is 300 kgmol/h water.
Calculate the amounts and compositions of the two outlet
phases. Assume that water does not vapourise to gas.
It is given that Henry’s Law constant, H = 0.142x104 atm/mol
frac.
Lo = 300 kmal/h
O
Kmal/h 0 2
=

isAo
V 100 - Yac = .

=
(
r) + V
(y) =a +
V
V ' = Vz(1 100 (1
ya) =
0 2) =
80
- -

L =
( /1 -

xA0) =
300 x (1-0) = 300
0 142x104 xA,
(1)
YA
=

50
: .

300(0) +
80x(02) =
300) +

%
= 1 41x10
:

OCA) = .

0 2
.
YA
=
.

=> = (1 (A)
-

= 4
= 41x10 -
= 300 .
04

100
v ' = V , (1 -

ya ,
) = ) V = 02
=

, = 100 knd /h
V

YA 1 = 0 2
.
E -A VEF10 knl

Lo =
) CAI
malw(
300
>
- 400 04ml
A = 0
Solution
From Material Balance as presented in equation (4.5):

 x A0  '  y A2  '  x A1  '  y A1 


L'

 +V  
 = L  
 + V  
 1 − x A0   1 − y A2   1 − x A1   1 − y A1 

Given: V1 V2
yA2 = 0.20,
xAo = 0, L1
L0
Inlet gas flow rate, V2 = 100 kg mol/h,
inlet liquid flow rate, Lo = 300 kg mol/h

Required
Calculate: V1, yA1 and
L1, xA1
Solution (Cont.)
Flow of inert water (C), L’ =L0 = 300kgmol/h

Flow of inert air (B), V’ (must exclude CO2, A) thus

V’ = V2(1-yA2) = 100(1-0.20) = 80 kgmol/h

Substitute in equation (4.5):

 x A0  '  y A2  '  x A1  '  y A1 
L 
'
 + V   = L   + V  
 1 − x A0   1 − y A2   1 − x A1   1 − y A1 

 0   0.20   x A1   y A1 
300  + 80   = 300 
 
 + 80   (a)
1− 0   1 − 0.20   1 − x A1   1 − y A1 

1 equation, 2 unknowns

49
Solution (Cont.)
Since the two gas and liquid outlet streams are in equilibrium, Use
Henry’s law constant from appendix A.3 (Text book) eliminate an
unknown.
y A = H ' xA (4.2)

AT 293 K is H=0.142x104 atm/mol frac.,

then
H’ = H/P = 0.142x104 atm/mol frac/1atm
= 0.142x104
Then,
yA1= 0.142 x 104 xA1 is substituted into the eqn (a ) and
solve for xA1:
xA1= 1.41x10-4 and
yA1= 0.20
Solution (Cont.)
xA1= 1.41x10-4 and yA1= 0.20

We have L’ = L1(1-xA1) and V’ = V1(1-yA1), so

L' 300
L1 = = −4
=300 .0423 ≈ 300kgmol/h
1 − x A1 1 − 1.41  10

V' 80
V1 = = = 100kgmol/h
1 − y A1 1 − 0.20
V2 = 100 kgmol/h
V1 = 100 kgmol/h yA2 = 0.2
yA1 = 0.2
L1
Lo = 300 kgmol/h L1 = 300.0423 kgmol/h
xA1 = 0. xA1 = 1.41x10-4

In this case, the liquid solution is so dilute such that L0 ≈ L1

 Example

Dissolved oxygen concentration in water

What will be the concentration of oxygen
dissolved in water at 298 K when the solution is in
equilibrium with air at 1 atm total pressure? It is
given that Henry’s law constant is 4.38x104
atm/mol fraction.

53
 Solution

▪ The partial pressure of oxygen (A) in air is

0.21 atm.
▪ Using equation (4.1)

0.21 = 4.38 * 10 4 x A
Solving for x A = 4.8 * 10 − 6 mol fraction

54
 Example 1: Single Equilibrium Stage

A gas mixture at 1.0 atm abs containing air and CO2 is

contacted in a single-stage mixer continuously with water at
298 K. The two exit gas and liquid streams reach equilibrium.
The inlet gas flow is 180 kgmol/h, with a mole fraction of CO2
of yA2 = 0.15. The liquid flow rate is 400 kgmol/h water.
Calculate the amounts and compositions of the two outlet
phases. Assume that water does not vapourise to gas.
 Countercurrent
Multiple-Contact Stages
• To conserve use of liquid solvent Lo, and to get more
concentrated product, countercurrent multiple stage
contactor is used as shown in the Figure
V1 V2 V3 Vn Vn+1 VN VN+1

1 2 n N

L0 L1 L2 Ln-1 Ln LN-1 LN

Multiple stage equilibrium process

• The component A is being exchanged between the V

and L stream. The V streams is composed of mainly
component B and the L stream of component C.
38
 Countercurrent
Multiple-Contact Stages
V1 V2 V3 Vn Vn+1 VN VN+1

1 2 n N

L0 L1 L2 Ln-1 Ln LN-1 LN

Total overall balance:

L0 + VN + 1 = LN + V1 = M where M is the total flow

Overall Component Balance:

L0xo + VN + 1 yN +1 = LNxN + V1 y1 = Mxm

 Countercurrent
Multiple-Contact Stages
Making a total balance over the first n stages,

L0 + Vn + 1 = Ln + V1

Making a component balance over the first n stages,

L0xo + Vn + 1 yn +1 = Lnxn + V1 y1

Solving for yn +1,

Ln x n V1y 1 − L0 x0
y n +1 = + Operating Line (4.3)
Vn +1 Vn +1
 Graphical Method
To determine the number of stages required ;
x 1. Plot the equilibrium line (x-y) that is xA and yA
y1
0
that relates the composition of the two streams
1 leaving a stage at equilibrium with each other.
y2 x1
2. Draw the operating line using Eq.(4.3) and
2 locate (y1, x0) and (yN+1, xN)
y3 x2
3. Starting at stage 1, y1 and x0, on the operating
3 line Eq.(4.3), since the vapor y1 leaving the stage
x5 is equilibrium with the liquid x0 and similarly y2
y4
and x1 and so on, each step was represented by
N=4 stepwise staircase construction and the steps are
continued on the graph until yN+1 is reached
yN + 1 xN

Note: Alternatively we can start with yN+1 and

draw the step going to y1.
 Countercurrent Contact with
Immiscible Streams
• An important case in which the solute A is being transferred occurs when
the solvent stream V contains components A and B with no C and solvent
stream L contains A and C with no B.

y1 x0 Operating line xn)

(yn
yN + 1 + 1 ,

1
y2 x1 CYA ,
A)

y4 4
2 Equilibrium
Mole fraction ,y 3
y3 line
y3 x2
y2 2
3 1
y1
y4 x5
x0 x1 x2 x3 x4
N=4 Mole fraction , x

xN Note: If the streams L and V are dilute in key

yN + 1
species, the operating line is a straight line
 Example 2: Absorption of acetone in countercurrent stage tower

It is desired to absorb 90% of the acetone in a gas

containing 1.0 mol% acetone in air in a countercurrent
stage tower. The total inlet gas flow to the tower is
30.0 kg mol/h, and the total inlet pure water flow to be used
to absorb the acetone is 90 kg mol H2O/h.
The process is to operate isothermally at 300 K and a total
pressure of 101.3 kPa. The equilibrium relation for the
acetone (A) in the gas-liquid is yA = 2.53 xA. Determine the
number of theoretical stages required for this separation
Yan +
= 0 01
. ;Nao = YA
= 2 . 53xA
Van + 1 = 30 Kmol/h
Lo =
90 Kmd/h
RemovalOf aceton = 90 %%

Flow rate acctone in Unl =

UntxYmy = 90x0 Ol .
= 03 . knolth

Flow 0 3 x0 9 0 27 kmd/h
rate acctore
leaving in In =
.
.
=
.

Flow rate aceton

remaining in V =
0 3 . x 0 1 .
=
0 03
.
kmdh

Flow of pure air in Un = 30-0 3 .

=
29 7 .
Kmdlh

=> V = 29 7 +.
0 03.
= 29 73 .
kmd/h
3
-

+
y = 1 01x10
kmalh
.

L = = 90 + (30- 29 .
73) = 90 27 .

= PAN = z
= 0 00.

(oiya , ) =
(0 ; 1 .
01x18-3
Ian Yan ,
= (0 .
00 ; 0 . 01

> 53
-

2 .
Kremser Equation

N =
(n [ ym ma(n -)
-
+
]
In A

A=A,
Anz A
,
Vi = 29 #3 .
Kmal, y
A =
1 01x .
103

L90 .
27 and san = 0 003
.

A ,
=
1 199 73
.
= 1 .
2

90 27

=Vie
.

An = 1 .
19
2 53x30 .

= A =An =N.2 T9 =
1 195
.

=> N =[ =
5 04
.
state
In 1 195 .
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages
Solution:

Given values : yAN+1 = 0.01, xA0 = 0,

VN+1 = 30.0 kg/h and
L0 = 90.0 kg mol/h

Removal of Acetone = 90%

yA = 2.53 xA

Required
the number of theoretical stages
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages
Solution (Cont.): V1, y1 Lo, x0

Conduct Material Balance ,

1
Flow rate of entering acetone in VN+1
y2 x1
= yAn + 1V N + 1
= 0.01(30.0) 2
= 0.30 kg mol/h
Flow rate of entering pure air inVN+1
= 30.0 - 0.3
n
= 29.7 kg mol/h
Flow rate of acetone leaving in V1
= 0.10 (0.30)
= 0.030 kg mol/h N
Flow rate of acetone leaving in LN
V N + 1, LN,
= 0.90(0.30) xN
yN + 1
= 0.27 kg mol/h
72
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages
Solution (Cont.):
Therefore,

V1 = 29.7 + 0.03 = 29.73 kg mol (air + acetone)/h

yA,1 = 0.030/29.73 = 0.00101

LN = 90.0 + 0.27 = 90.27 kg mol (water + acetone)/h

xA,N = 0.27/90.27 = 0.00300

Hence,
(xA,0 , yA,1) = (0 , 0.00101)
(xA,N , yA,N+1) = (0.00300 , 0.01)

Since the flow of liquid varies only slightly from L0 = 90.0 at the inlet
to LN = 90.27 at the outlet and V from 30.0 to 29.73, the slope of the
operating line is essentially constant (O.L.  straight line)
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages
Solution (Cont.):
Plot the x-y relations and draw the operating line calculated to find the
number of stages

No. of theoretical stages are required = 5.2 stages

 Analytical Equations for Countercurrent
Stage Contact (Kremser Equation)
• When the flow rates V and L in a countercurrent process are
essentially constant, the operating line equation becomes
straight

• If the equilibrium line is also a straight line over the concentration

range, simplified analytical expressions can be derived for
number of equilibrium stages in a countercurrent stage process
V1 V2 V3 Vn Vn+1 VN VN+1

1 2 n N

L0 L1 L2 Ln−1 Ln LN-1 LN

Overall component balance on component A:

L0xo + Vn + 1 yn +1 = Lnxn + V1 y1
Analytical Equations for Countercurrent
Stage Contact (Kremser Equation)
Rearranging,

LNxN - VN + 1 y N + 1 = Loxo - V1y1

Component balance for A on the first n stages,

L0xo + Vn + 1 yn +1 = Lnxn + V1 y1

Rearranging,
Loxo - V1y1 = Lnxn - Vn + 1y n+1

Thus,

LNxN - VN + 1 y N + 1 = Lnxn - Vn + 1y n+1

 Analytical Equations for Countercurrent
Stage Contact (Kremser Equation)
Since the molar flows are constant, Ln = LN =
constant = L and Vn+1= VN+1 = constant = V.

L (xn - xN) = V(yn+1 - yN+1) (A)

Since yn + 1 and xn + 1 are in equilibrium and the equilibrium

line is straight, yn + 1 = mxn + 1. Also, yN + 1 = mxN + 1

Substituting mxn + 1 for yn + 1 and calling A = L/mV,

y N +1
xn +1 − Axn = − AxN (B)
m
A is absorption factor and is constant and 1/A is the stripping factor
 For transfer of solute A from
phase V to L (absorption)
y N +1 − y 1 AN +1 − A
= N +1
y N +1 − mx0 A −1

 y N +1 − mx0  1  1
ln 1 −  + 
 y 1 − mx0  A  A
N=
ln A
When A = 1,

y N +1 − y 1
N=
y 1 − mx0
 For transfer of solute A from
phase L to V (stripping)
Solving (B),
For transfer of solute A from phase L to V (stripping),

xo − xN (1/ A)N +1 − (1/ A)

=
xo − ( y N +1 / m ) (1/ A)N +1 − 1
 x0 − (y N +1 / m ) 
ln (1 − A) + A
 xN − (y N +1 / m ) 
N=
ln(1/ A)
When A =1,

x0 − xN
N=
xN − (y N +1 / m )
 For transfer of solute A from
phase V to L (absorption)
If equilibrium line is not straight, and the slop m will
vary, then A is the geometric average of for the top
and bottom streams as
LN L0
A = A N A1 where AN = and A1 =
mN VN+1 m1V1
 Example: Number of stages by analytical equation

Continue from Example 2

It is desired to absorb 90% of the acetone in a gas containing

1.0 mol% acetone in air in a countercurrent stage tower. The
total inlet gas flow to the tower is 30.0 kg mol/h, and the total
inlet pure water flow to be used to absorb the acetone is 90
kg mol H2O/h. The process is to operate isothermally at 300K
and a total pressure of 101.3 kPa. The equilibrium relation for
the acetone in the gas-liquid is yA = 2.53 xA. Determine the
number of theoretical stages required for this separation by
graphical method and compare it with Kremser equation.
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages
Solution:
Given:
VN+1 = 30.0 kgmol/h, yAN+1 = 0.01,
Lo = 90.0 kgmol/h, xAo = 0,
yA = 2.53 xA → m = m1 = mN = 2.53
(from equilibrium relation)

Calculated values:
V1 = 29.73 kg mol/h, yA1 = 0.00101,
L0 = 90.27 and xAN = 0 .0030
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages
Solution (Cont.): hi s

↑
▪ Kremser Equation for absorption:
 y N +1 − mx0  1 1
ln  1 −  + 
 y1 − mx0  A  A
N=
ln A
LN L0
A= AN A1 , AN = and A1 =
mNVN +1 m1V1
Thus,
A1 = L0 / mV1 = 90.0 / (2.53 x 29.73) = 1.20
AN = LN / mVN+1 = 90.27 / (2.53 x 30.0) = 1.19

Then, the geometric average,

A = (A1 AN)1/2 = (1.20 x 1.19)1/2 = 1.195
82
Countercurrent Multiple-Contact Stages

Solution (Cont.):

For absorption and by using Kremser equation,

 0.01 − 2.53(0)  1  1 
ln  1 − +
 0.00101 − 2.53(0)  1.195  1.195 
N= = 5.04 stages
ln ( 1.195 )
 Graphical Equilibrium-Stage Method
for Trayed Towers
• Consider the countercurrent-flow, trayed tower for
absorption (or stripping) operating under isobaric,
isothermal, continuous, steady-state flow conditions

• Phase equilibrium is assumed to be achieved at each

tray between the vapor and liquid streams leaving the
tray. ====> equilibrium stage

• Assume that the only component transferred from one

phase to the other is the solute,

• For application to an absorber, let:

 Graphical Equilibrium-Stage Method
for Trayed Towers
L’ = molar flow rate of solute-free absorbent

G’ = molar flow rate of solute-free gas (carrier gas)

X = mole fraction of solute to solute-free absorbent in the

liquid

Y = mole ratio of solute to solute-free gas in the vapor

Note that with these definitions, values of L’ and G’ remain constant

through the tower, assuming no vaporization of absorbent into carrier
gas or absorption of carrier gas by liquid. For the solute at any
equilibrium stage, n,
y n Yn / (1 + Yn )
Kn = =
xn X n / (1 + X n )
O.P: YN + 1 = Xn(L’/G’)+ Y1 - X0(L’/G’) Yn = Xn + 1(L’/G’) + Y0 - X1(L’/G’)
X0,L’ Y1,G’
XN + 1,L’ YN,G’

1
1

n
n
N
N

YN+1,G’ XN,L’
Y0,G’ X1,L’

(bottom) Equilibrium curve

top
Operating line

Operating line

(top)
Equilibrium curve bottom

Absorber Stripper
 Minimum absorbent flow rate
YN + 1 (gas in)

X0 Y1

solute-free gas, Y
Moles solute/mole

Operating line 1
1

YN + 1 XN

Y1
(gas out)

Moles solute/mole solute-free liquid, X XN

(for Lmin)
X0
 Minimum absorbent flow rate
Consider, for n = N

X0L’ + YN + 1G’ = XNL’ + Y1G’

or
G' (YN +1 − Y1 )
L' =
(XN − X0 ) (C)

For stage N, for the minimum absorbent rate,

YN +1 / (1 + YN +1 )
KN = (D)
X N / (1 + X N )

Solving for XN in (D) and substituting it into (C) gives

 Minimum absorbent flow rate
G' (YN +1 − Y1 )
L '
= (E)
min
YN +1 /YN +1(K N − 1) + K N  − X 0
For dilute solution, where Y = y and X = x, (E) becomes
 
 
y − y
L'min = G'  N +1 1 
 y N +1 
 K − x 0 
 N 

If the entering liquid contains no solute, that is, X0 = 0

L’min = G’KN(fraction of solute absorbed)

For Stripper,
L'
G'min = (fraction of solute stripped)
KN
 Number of equilibrium stages
X0’ Y1’ XN + 1, Y N,

1 N

N 1

Y0, X1,
YN+1 XN YN
YN + 1

Stage 1
(bottom)

Y1
Stage 1 Y0
(top)

xN x1 xN + 1
x0
 Design of a Packed Tower

Packing Height (Z) = Height of transfer unit (HTU) x number of transfer unit (NTU)
 Design of a Packed Tower
Differential area, dA = a.S.dz
where a as interfacial area in m2 per m3 volume of packed section, S is m2
cross-sectional area of tower, the volume of packing in height dz m is S dz.

At S.S Conditions the mass balance

over the differential section
V = L
The component balance (Vy) = ( Lx)
The rate of change of component (Vy) = k y a( y − yi)Sz

Rearranging and integrating between the top & bottom of the tower
z y2
z
V
y2
y V y
0 z =
k y aS y ( y − yi) (OR) 0 z = K y aS y ( y − y*)
1 1
 Design of a Packed Tower
Mass Transfer Analysis (HTU method)

Z = (HTU) X ( NTU)
(NTU) Number of Transfer Units - is the measure of difficulty or ease
of separation
(HTU) Height of a Transfer Units -is the measure of separation
effectiveness of a particular packing
y2 y2
V y L x
Z=
k g aS y ( y − yi ) Z=
kl aS y ( xi − x)
1 1

y2 y2
V y L x
Z=
K og aS y ( y − y*) Z=
K Ol aS y ( x * − x)
1 1

Z = HOG x NOG Z = HOL x NOL

 Design of a Packed Tower

Phase Local coefficient Overall coefficient

Gas Phase Z = HG x N G Z = HOG x NOG

Mass transfer coeff.: kg Mass transfer coeff.: kog

Driving Force: (y - yi) Driving Force: (y - y*)

Liquid Z = HL x NL Z = HOL x NOL

Phase
Mass transfer coeff.: kl Mass transfer coeff.: KOL
Driving Force: (xi - x) Driving Force: (x - x*)
Design of a Packed Tower
 Packed absorption tower design

Packed-tower performance is often analysed on the

basis of equivalent equilibrium stages using packing
Height Equivalent to a Theoretical (equilibrium) Plate
(staged),
Packed height ( z ) z
HETP = =
Number of equivalent equilibrium stages( N t ) N t

z = H OG N OG

where HOG is the overall Height Transfer Unit (HTU)

and
NOG is the overall Number of Transfer Unit (NTU)
 HOG , Height Transfer Unit (HTU)
V; average liquid flow rate
&

V Ky’; Overall transfer coefficient

H OG =
Ky 'a S a: area for mass transfer per unit volume of
packed bed,
S; cross sectional area of the tower

NOG , Number of Transfer Unit (NTU)

 A − 1  yin − Kxin  1 
ln    + 
A  yout − Kxin  A 
N OG = 
A −1
A

where K ; equilibrium ratio; A, absorption factor = L/KV

 Example: Packed Tower Design

Acetone is being absorbed by water in a packed tower

having a cross-sectional area of 0.186m2 at 293 K and
101.32 kPa. The inlet air contains 2.6 mol% acetone and
outlet 0.5 mol%. The gas flow is 13.65 kgmol air/h. The
pure water flow is 45.36 kgmol/h. Film coefficients for the
given flows in the tower are k’ya = 3.78x10-2 kgmol/s.m3.mol
frac and k’xa = 6.16x10-2. Calculate packing height, z. The
equilibrium relation is given by y = 1.186x.
ourevat Air-Acetal

D
0 5%
.

withcat Water Acee

Hogas
v =
/1- yy ,
) = 389xls

-6515500
"

Ve =
= 3 811
.
+
10

3
) V
-

3 852 + 10
= =
.

+ = 45 .
71

>
-

kyd = 0 .
0218

= Hoq = 0 186
.
=
0 .
95m

No = In [m(1-
In A
A the

=
1 28
.

- H = 1 .
25 x 0 95
.
=
1 22 m
.
 Example: Packed Tower Design

Solution - 7
V
First calculate HOG → H OG =
Ky 'a S

V' 13.65/3600
V1 = = = 3.892 x 10-3 kgmol/s
1 − y1 1 − 0.026

V' 13.65/3600
V2 = = = 3.811x 10-3 kgmol/s
1 − y2 1 − 0.005

Vav = (V1 + V2)/2 = 3.852 x 10-3 kg mol/s

 Example: Packed Tower Design

Solution - 7

1 1 m 1 1.186
= + = -2
+ -2
= 45.7
K' y a k' y a k' x a 3.78 x 10 6.16 x 10

m is from y = mx = 1.186x relation established

K’ya = 2.19 x 10-2 kgmol/s.m3.mol frac
So,
HOG = 3.852 x 10-3/(2.19 x 10-2 x 0.186) = 0.947 m
 Example: Packed Tower Design

Solution - 7

Next calculate NOG :

 y N +1 − mx0  1  1 
ln  1 −  + 
y − mx0  A  A 
NOG =  1
ln A

A = L/mV = (45.36/3600)/(1.186)(3.852x10-3)
= 2.758
1  1   0.026 − 1.186 x0  1 
N OG = ln 1 −  +
(ln 2.758 )  2.758   0.005 − 1.186 x0  2.758 

NOG = 1.28 transfer units

 Example: Packed Tower Design

Solution - 7

Solution:

z = H OG NOG
NOG = 1.28 transfer units
HOG = 0.947 m
So,
z = 0.947 x 1.28 = 1.2099 m
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you