Chemical Engineering Department

College of Engineering
Adamson University

2nd Semester 2019-2020

ABSORPTION OF CARBON DIOXIDE INTO WATER

by

ARANDA, Jairene E. – 201511335

BONIFACIO, Sheedah DB. – 201510904

CAUILAN, Estelle Jean B. – 201511807

DEDUQUE, Daphnie Anne B. –

PABALAN, Christal Aila DJ. – 201512298

PERIDA, Ashley Mae L. – 201510609

Submitted to
Engr. Pinky Joy A. Janaban
Unit Operations Laboratory 2
 Absorption of Carbon Dioxide into Water

Abstract

Gas absorption is an extensively practiced unit operation in chemical engineering. It is

used to exhibit the principles of gas absorption and for students to study the principles of
packed tower absorption processes and hydrodynamics also as to provide practical
training in the operation of gas absorption plant. In this experiment, the main objective is
to measure the absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the absorption
tower, using the gas analysis equipment provided.

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Contents

Introduction 4

Experimental Procedure 4

Theory 5

Sample Calculations 5

Results #

Discussions #

Conclusions and Recommendations #

References [use APA format] #

List of Figures
Figure 1: [Title of Figure] #
Figure 2: [Title of Figure]
#

List of Tables
Table 1: [Title of Table] #
Table 2: [Title of Table] #

Appendices [List appendices as subheadings below.]

[Appendix 1. (data)] #
[Appendix 2. (supporting material)]
[Appendix 3. (questions)] #

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Introduction

This laboratory experiment was intended to calculate the rate of absorption of carbon
dioxide into water from analysis of liquid solutions flowing down absorption column, by
using gas absorption column equipment, sodium hydroxide reagent, and followed by the
correct instructions guided by the manual – the objective of measuring the absorption of
carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower, using the gas analysis equipment was
successfully delivered.

Experimental Procedure

As discussed in the laboratory manual, following the procedures, the students were able
to obtain the desired variables (volume) to be recorded.
1. First fill the two gloves of AC on the left of the panel with 1.0M caustic soda.
Adjust the level in the gloves to the "0" mark on the sight tube, using drain valve
C into a flask.
2. Fill the liquid reservoir tank to three-quarters full with fresh tap water. With gas
flow control valves C2 and C3 closed, start the liquid pump and adjust the water
flow through the column to approx. 6 liters/min on flow meter F 1 by adjusting
flow control valve C1.
3. Start the compressor and adjust control valve C2 to give airflow of approx. 10% of
full scale on flow meter F2. Carefully open the pressure-regulating valve on the
carbon dioxide cylinder, and adjust valve to give a value C3 on the flow meter F3
approx. 1/2 of the airflow F2. Ensure the liquid seal at the base of the absorption
column is maintained by, if necessary adjustment of control valve C4.
4. After 15 mins. or so of steady operation, take samples of gas simultaneously from
sample points S1 and S2. Analyze these consecutively for carbon dioxide content
in these gas samples.
5. Flush the sample lines by repeated sucking from the line, using the gas piston and
expelling the content of the cylinder to the atmosphere. Note that the volume of
the cylinder is about 100 mL. Estimate the volume of the tube leading to the
device. Decide how many times you need to suck and expel.
6. With the absorption glove isolated and vent to the atmosphere closed, fill the
cylinder from the selected line by drawing the piston out slowly. Note volume
taken into cylinder V1, which should be approx. 20 mL for this experiment. Wait
at least 2 mins to allow the gas to come to the temperature of the cylider.
7. Isolate the cylinder from the column and the absorption glove and vent the
cylinder to atmospheric pressure. Close after 10 seconds.
8. Connect cylinder to absorption glove. The liquid level should not change. If it
does not change, briefly open to the atmosphere again. Wait until the level in the
indicator tube is on zero showing that the pressure in the cylinder is atmospheric.
9. Slowly close the piston to empty the cylinder into the atmospheric glove. Slowly
draw the piston out again (Steps E and F). Note the level in the indicator tube.
Repeat steps E and F until no significant change in level occurs. Read the
indicator tube marking = V. This represents the volume of the gas sampled.

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Theory

The basis of this experiment is a feed gas mixture of air and carbon dioxide, and with a
dilute solution of sodium hydroxide in water representing the liquid phase. From this
contact between the two phases, it is possible to measure the amount of carbon dioxide
which was absorbed by water that flowed through the column, and to make a quantitative
analysis determining the overall mass transfer coefficient.
The liquid pump, compressor, and pressure regulating valve were adjusted to give desired
flow rates of water solution, air and carbon dioxide. After so, the environment had been
prepared for the system to come into equilibrium with the atmosphere. The gas was
injected and the change in volume level indication was annotated.
At the end of this experiment, it will be clear that increasing the flow of air and carbon
dioxide, a larger quantity of gas will be absorbed by the aqueous solution flowing inside
the column.

Sample Calculations
To calculate the rate of absorption of Carbon Dioxide into water from analysis of
liquid solutions flowing down absorption column.

 The amount of free CO 2 dissolved in the water sample is

calculated from:
gr . mole V B x 0.0277
of free CO 2= =C D
litre 2 x ml . of sample

 CO 2absorbed over a time period (e.g. 30 minutes):

[C ¿ ¿ di ( t=30 )−C di ( t =10 ) ]x V T

Average Rate= g . mole /sec ¿
30 x 60

 CO 2absorbed across the column at any particular time:

Inlet flow of dissolved CO 2=F 1 x C di
Outlet flow of dissolved CO 2=F1 x C do
i. e . Absorption rate=F 1 x [ Cdi −C do ]

Reading to be taken:
Liters
F 1=
second
V T =volume of water ∈system(liters)

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  To measure the absorption of carbon dioxide into water flowing down the tower,
using the gas analysis equipment provided.

 CO 2content of gas samples:

V2
From use of Hempel apparatus, volume fraction of CO 2 =
V1
For ideal gases, volume fraction = mole fraction = Y. Check
that the sample taken from the inlet to the absorption column
should give the same value of CO 2 fraction as that indicated by
the inlet flow meters.

V2 F3
=Y 1=
V1 F 2−F 3

 Calculation of amount of CO 2absorbed in a column from

analysis of samples at inlet and outlet:

From analysis with Hempel apparatus,

volume fraction of CO 2in gas stream:
at inlet = ( V 2 /V 1 )1=Y 1
at outlet = ( V 2 /V 1 )0=Y 0

If F ais liters/second of CO 2 absorbed between top and bottom,

then:
[F ¿ ¿ 2+ F 3]Y 1− [ F2 + ( F 3+ F a ) ] Y 0 =Fa ¿
Where:
CO 2 In = [ F 2+ F 3 ¿Y 1
CO 2Out = [ F 2+ ( F3 + F a ) ] Y 0
CO 2 absorbed =F a

( Y 1−Y 0 ) ( F 2−F3 ) ( Y 1 −Y 0 )
F a= = x (total gas at inlet flow )
1−Y 0 1−Y 0

Liters/second can be converted to g.mole/second as follows:

Fa av . column pressure ( mmHg ) 273

G a=
2242
x ( 760
x( )
av . column temp .℃ +273
)

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Results

[Begin this section with an overview, summarizing the key results. Next, present your
data in figures or tables. Specify what data you are presenting, how you analyzed them,
and what you concluded from your analysis.]

Discussion

[Compare your results to the theory, and discuss the implications. Remember to maintain
consistency with the Methods section and the Sample calculations and do not introduce
new theory here.]

Conclusions/Recommendations

[Conclude with a summary of the most important conclusions you developed in the
sequence of your Introduction section. The conclusion should not introduce new
information. You are restating important information succinctly the emphasis of your
experiment. And if you have negative results you can recommendation to improve the
experimental results.]

References

[All sources cited in the text and appendices should be included in a list of references.
List all references according to APA style. You may single-space the text of the
references themselves, but add a space between each reference. ]

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Appendices

Each appendix starts on a new page……..

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Appendix 1.

[Put your data in Appendix 1. Some experiments may require only one appendix for raw
data. Others may need several. Multiple appendices should be labeled in sequential
numbers (Appendix 1., Appendix 2., etc.), and each new appendix begins on a new page.
If you have only one appendix, just title it “Appendix,” not “Appendix 1.” Single-space
the text of the appendices.]

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Appendix 2.

[Appendix 2. any other supporting documentation for your report]

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Appendix 3.

[If the laboratory write-up includes questions for discussion, please provide your
response to those questions in Appendix 3.]

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