+

Gas-Liquid Separation
Absorption Process
Part 01
1

Content

Types of Separation Processes and Methods

Equilibrium Relation Between Phases
Single and Multiple Equilibrium Contact Stages
Mass Transfer Between Phases
Continuous Humidification Processes
Absorption on plate and Packed Tower
Absorption and Concentrated Mixtures in Packed
Tower
Estimation of Mass Transfer Coefficient in Packed Tower

+ Types of Separation Processes and Methods

In order to separate or remove one or more of the component

from its original mixture, it must be contact with another
phase to allow solute to diffuse from one phase to the others
phase.
During the contact of the two phase, the component of the
original mixture redistribute themselves between the two
phases. The phases are then separated by simple physical
methods.
By choosing the proper conditions and phases, one phase is
enriched while the other phase is depleted in one or more
components.
The two phase pair can be:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Gas (vapor)-liquid
Gas solid
Liquid-liquid
Liquid- solid

:absorption, distillation, etc

:adsorption, etc
:liquid-liquid extraction, etc
:leaching, crystallization, etc

Gas-Liquid Separation
Absorption
A solute A or several solutes from a gas phase are absorbed into a
liquid phase.
involves molecular and turbulent diffussion or mass transfer of
solute A through a stagnant, nondifussing gas B into a stagnant
liquid C
e.g: absorbing NH3 (A) from air (B) using liquid water (C).
Stripping/desorption
reverse of absorption: separating a solute A or several solutes
from a liquid phase by contacting the liquid with a gas phase.
E.g. removal of volatile component of the oils by passing out with
the steam.
Humidification
When the gas is pure air and the liquid is pure water
transfer of water vapor from liquid water into pure air.
Dehumidification
removal of water vapor from air.

Equilibrium Relation Between Phases

Gas-Liquid Equilibrium Henrys Law

Henrys Laws:

p A Hx A

where,
pA = partial pressure of component A (atm).
H
= Henrys law constant (atm/mol
fraction).
H = Henrys law constant (mol frac.gas/mol
frac.liquid). = H/P.
xA = mole fraction of component A in
liquid.
yA = mole fraction of component A in gas =
pA/P.
P = total pressure (atm).
H depend on total pressure, whereas H does
not.
At low concentration a straight line on plot
pA vs xA.

yA H ' xA

Single Stage Equilibrium Contact

Gas phase
outlet

V1 , yA1

Liquid phase
inlet
Lo ,xAo

Single
Stage

V2, yA2 Gas phase

inlet
L1 ,xA1

Liquid phase
outlet

Single-stage process

two different phases (liquid & gas for absorption) are brought into contact
& then separated.
various component diffuse and redistribute themselves between two
phase
long enough, equilibrium is reached.
Two exit stream L1 and V1 leave in equilibrium with each other.
Gas phase contains solute A & inert gas B
Liquid phase contains solute A & inert liquid (solvent) C.
Inert gas is insoluble in the solvent and the solvent does not vaporize to
the gas phase.

Single Stage Equilibrium Contact for

Absorption
Lo +V2 = L1 +V1 = M

Total material balance

Component A balance on single stage equilibrium contact for

absorption

Lo x Ao +V2 yA2 = L1 x A1 +V1 yA1 = Mx AM

Both L and V are constant and usually is known

x Ao
y A2
x A1
y A1

L'
V '
L'
V '

1 y A2
1 x A1
1 y A1
1 x Ao
To solve the value xA1 and yA1, we use a Henrys Law relationship

yA H ' xA

Remember the unit H is mol frac.gas/mol frac.liquid

Gas phase
outlet

V1 , yA1

Liquid phase
inlet
Lo ,xAo

Single
Stage

V2, yA2 Gas phase

inlet
L1 ,xA1

Liquid phase
outlet

V = gas flow rate

V= inert/pure gas (B) flow rate = V(1-yA)
L = liquid flow rate
L= inert/pure liquid (C) flow rate = L(1-xA)
x= mole fraction in liquid phase
y = mole fraction in gas phase

Example 10.3-1
A gas mixture at 1.0 atm pressure abs containing air and CO2
is contacted in a single-stage mixer continuously with pure
water at 293 K. The two exit gas and liquid streams reach
equilibrium. The inlet gas flow rate is 100 kg mol/h, with a
mole fraction of CO2 of yA2 = 0.20. The liquid flow rate
entering is 300 kg mol water/h. calculate the amounts and
compositions of the two outlet phases. Assume that water
does not vaporize to the gas phase.
L1 = ?
xA1 =?
L0= 300 kg/h
xAo =0

Single-stage

V2= 100 kg/h

yA2 =0.20
V1= ?
yA1 =?

Solution Example 10.3-1

The inert water flow is L = L0 = 300 kg mol/h.

The inert air flow V is obtained from, V = V(1-yA ). Hence, the inert air flow
is
V = V2 (1-yA2 )
= 100 (1-0.20)
= 80 kg mol/h .
Substituting into equation to make a balance on CO2 (A).

x A1
y A1
0
0.20
80

300
80
300
1 0
1 0.20
1 x A1
1 y A1

.(1)

10

Solution Example 10.3-1

At 293 K, the Henrys law constant from Appendix A.3 is

H = 0.142 x 104 atm/mol frac.
Then
H = H/P = 0.142 x 104 /1.0 = 0.142 x 104 mol frac. gas/mol frac.liquid.
Substituting into,
yA1 = 0.142 x 104 xA1
Solve simultaneous equation.
xA1 = 1.41 x 104 and yA1 = 0.20
To calculate the total flow rates leaving,
L'
300
L1

300 kgmol / h
4
1 x A 1 1 1 . 41 10
V'
80
V1

100 kgmol / h
1 y A 1 1 0 . 20

(2)

Countercurrent Multiple Contact Stage

V1

V2

L1

Vn+1

Ln-1

VN+1

VN

n
L2

N
Ln

LN-1

LN

Countercurrent multiple-contact stages.

more concentrated product.
total number of ideal stages = N.
Component B&C may or may be not be somewhat miscible in each other.
two streams leaving a stage in equilibrium with each other.
Total overall material balance: L0 + VN+1 = LN + V1 = M
Component A balance: L0 x0 + VN+1 yN+1 = LN xN + V1 y1 = MxM
For the first n stages: L0 x0 + Vn+1 yn+1 = Ln xn + V1 y1
Operating line:

yn+1 =

Vn

1
L0

V3

Ln
Vy L x
xn + 1 1 0 0
Vn+1
Vn+1

An operating line is an important material-balance equation because it relates

the concentration yn+1 in the V stream with xn in the L stream passing it.
Slope= Ln/Vn+1 in operating line is varies if the L and V streams vary from stage to
stage

11

Countercurrent Multiple Contact Stage

Number of Ideal Stages

12

13

Countercurrent Multiple Contact Stage

Number of Ideal Stages

Graphical calculation for determining number of ideal stage,

N:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Plot yA vs xA.
Draw operating line.
Draw equilibrium line (Henrys law).
Stepping upward (or downward) until yN+1 (or y1) is reached
N = number of steps/trays

Dilute system (<10%):flow rates V & L constant operating line = straight; since
slope is constant

14

Example 10.3-2
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 be 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 = 2.53xA.
Determine the number of theoretical stages required for this
separation.

15

Solution Example 10.3-2

Given values are yAN+1 = 0.01, xA0 = 0,VN+1 = 30.0 kg mol/h, and L0 =L= 90.0 kg mol/h.
Amount of entering acetone
= yAN+1 VN+1
= 0.01(30.0)
= 0.3 kg mol/h.
Entering air,V
= (1- yAN+1 )VN+1
= (1-0.01)(30.0)
= 29.7 kg mol air/h
Acetone leaving in V1 = 0.10(0.30) = 0.03 kg mol/h.
Acetone leaving in L1 = 0.90(0.30) = 0.27 kg mol/h. (10% avetone enter is absorbed)
V1
y1
LN
xN

= 29.7 + 0.03 = 29.73 kg mol air + acetone/h.

= (0.030/29.73) = 0.00101
= 90.0 + 0.27 = 90.27 kg mol water + acetone /h.
= (0.27/90.27) = 0.0030.

Since the flow of liquid varies only slightly from L0 = 90.0 at the inlet to LN = 90.27 at the the outlet and
V from 30.0 to 29.73, the slope Ln /Vn+1 of the operating line is essentially constant. This line is plotted,
and the equilibrium relation yA = 2.53xA is also plotted.
Starting at point yA1 ,xA0 the stages are drawn. About 5.2 theoretical stages are required.

16

Solution Example 10.3-2

Mole fraction acetone in air, yA
0.012
yAN+1
Operating line

0.008

5
4

0.004

Equilibrium line

yA1
0

0
xA0

2
0.001

0.002

0.003
xAN

Mole fraction acetone in water, xA

0.004

17

Analytical Equations For Countercurrent Stage

Contact : Kremser equations
Kremser equations
calculate the number of ideal stages.
valid only when operating & equilibrium lines are straight.
v, L have a constant value
Absorption

Stripping

yN+1 mx0 1 1
In
1 +
y1 mx0 A A
N=
InA
When A = 1

y y1
N = N +1
y1 mx0

m = slope of equilibrium line.

A = absorption factor = constant = L/(mV).
L, V = molar flow rates

x (y / m)

0
N+1
In
(1 A) + A
x

(y
/
m)
N

N+1
N=
In(1 / A)

N=

x0 x N
x N yN+1 / m

Procedure (for varying A):

1.Calculate A1 = L0/mV1 at L0 & V1.
2.Calculate AN = LN/mVN+1 at LN &VN+1.
3.Calculate geometric average area, Aave. =
4. Calculate N.

A1 A N

18

Example 10.3-3

Repeat Example 10.3-2 but use the Kremser analytical equation

for countercurrent stage processes.
Solution
At one end of the process at stages 1,
V1 = 29.73 kg mol/h
yA1 = 0.001001
L0 = 90.0, and
xA0 = 0.
Also, the equilibrium relation is yA = 2.53xA where m = 2.53.
Then,
L0
L
90 .0

A1

mV

mV 1

2 .53 29 .73

1 .20

19

Solution Example 10.3-3

At stage N,
VN+1 =30.0, yAN+1 = 0.01, LN = 90.27, and xAN = 0.0030.

AN
The geometric average,

LN
90.27

1.19
mVN 1 2.53 30.0

A1 AN

0 .20 1 .19 1 .195

Then,

0 .01 2 .53( 0 )
1
1
log
1

0
.
00101

2
.
53
(
0
)
1
.
195

1 .195

N
5 .04
log(1 .195 )
This compares closely with 5.2 stages using graphical method

20

Next Part
Types of Separation Processes and Methods
Equilibrium Relation Between Phases
Single and Multiple Equilibrium Contact Stages
Mass Transfer Between Phases
Continuous Humidification Processes
Absorption on plate and Packed Tower
Absorption and Concentrated Mixtures in Packed Tower
Estimation of Mass Transfer Coefficient in Packed Tower

Gas-Liquid Separation
Part 02
21

+
Types

22

Next Part

of Separation Processes and Methods

Equilibrium Relation Between Phases
Single and Multiple Equilibrium Contact Stages
Mass Transfer Between Phases
Continuous Humidification Processes
Absorption on plate and Packed Tower
Absorption and Concentrated Mixtures in Packed
Tower
Estimation of Mass Transfer Coefficient in Packed
Tower

23

Subtopics:
Mass Transfer Between Phases

Introduction
Film Mass Transfer Coefficient and Interface Concentration :
Equimolar Counterdiffusion
Film Mass Transfer Coefficient and Interface Concentration :
Diffusion of A through Stagnant & Nondiffusing B
Overall
Mass-Transfer
Coefficients:
Equimolar Counterdiffusion/Diffusion in Dilute Solutions
Overall
Mass-Transfer
Coefficients:
Diffusion of A Through Stagnant & Nondiffusing B

24

Mass Transfer Between Phases

Two phases system

are in direct contact with each other, such as in a packed, tray or spray
type tower
essentially immiscible in each other
present together with an interface between these two phase
the interfacial area between faces is usually not well defined

For absorption, the solute may diffuse through a gas phase and then
diffuse through and be absorbed in an adjacent and immiscible
liquid phase.

A concentration gradient must exist to cause this mass transfer

through the resistances in each phase.

The concentration in the bulk gas phase yAG decrease to yAi at the
interface. The liquid concentration start at xAi at the interface and
fall to xAL.

At interface, there are no mass transfer resistance and xAi and yAi are
in equilibrium and related by the equilibrium distribution
relationship.

25

Mass Transfer Between Phases

gas-phase mixture
of A in gas G

liquid-phase solution
of A in liquid L.

yAi

xAL

xAi

yAG

NA
interface

Distance from interface

Concentration profile of solute A diffusing through two phases.

yAG
xAL
yAi & xAi

- average or bulk mole fraction of A in gas phase

- average or bulk mole fraction of A in liquid phase
- equilibrium mole fraction at interface

+ Film Mass Transfer Coefficient and Interface

Concentration : Equimolar Counterdiffusion
N A k ' y ( y AG y Ai ) k ' x ( x Ai x AL )
k ' x ( y AG y Ai )

k ' y ( x AL x Ai )
If two film coefficient kx and ky
are known, the interface
composition
can
be
determined by drawing line
PM
with
slope
kx/ky
intersecting the equilibrium
line
ky
-gas phase mass transfer coefficient (kgmol/s.m2.mol frac.)
kx

-liquid phase mass transfer coefficient (kgmol/s.m2.mol frac.)

Point P is bulk phase compositions yAG and xAL

Point M is interface concentration xAi and yAi

26

Film Mass Transfer Coefficient and Interface

Concentration : Diffusion of A through Stagnant &
Nondiffusing B
N A k y ( y AG y Ai ) k x ( x Ai x AL )

ky

k'y
(1 y A ) iM

(1 y A ) iM

NA

kx

k'y
(1 y A ) iM

(1 y Ai ) (1 y AG )
In[(1 y Ai ) /(1 y AG )]
( y AG y Ai )

k 'x
(1 x A ) iM

(1 x A ) iM

(1 x AL ) (1 x Ai )
In[(1 x AL ) /(1 x Ai )]

k'x
( x Ai x AL )
(1 x A ) iM

k ' x /(1 x A ) iM ( y AG y Ai )

k ' y /(1 y A ) iM
( x AL x Ai )

Trial and error need to get the slope. For first trial assume (1-yA)iM
and (1-xA)iM equal to 1.

27

28

Example 10.4-1
The solute A is being absorbed from a gas mixture of A and B in a wetted-wall
tower with the liquid flowing as a film downward along the wall. At certain point
in the tower the bulk gas concentration yAG = 0.380 mol fraction and the bulk
liquid concentration is xAL = 0.1. The tower is operating at 298 K and 1.013 x 105
Pa and the equilibrium data are as follows:
xA

yA

xA

yA

0.20

0.131

0.05

0.022

0.25

0.187

0.10

0.052

0.30

0.265

0.15

0.087

0.35

0.385

The solute A diffuse through stagnant B in the gas phase and then through a
nondiffusing liquid. Using correlations for dilute solutions in wetted-wall
towers, the film mass-transfer coefficient for A in the gas phase is predicted as
ky = 1.465 x 10-3 kg mol A/s.m2 mol frac. And for the liquid phase as kx = 1.967
x 10-3 kg mol A/s.m2 mol frac. Calculate the interface concentrations yAi and xAi
and the flux NA.

+ Overall Mass-Transfer Coefficients and

Driving Force

Film or single phase mass transfer coefficient ky and kx

or ky and kx are often difficult to measure

As a result, overall mass transfer coefficient Ky and Kx are

measured based on gas phase or liquid phase.

Ky

- overall gas phase driving force (kgmol/s.m2.mol frac.)

Kx

- overall liquid phase driving force (kgmol/s.m2.mol frac.)

y*A

- mole fraction that equilibrium with xAL

X*A

- mole fraction that equilibrium with yAG

N A = K ' y (yAG y*A ) = K ' x (x *A x AL )

29

Overall Mass-Transfer Coefficients:

Equimolar Counterdiffusion/Diffusion in Dilute Solutions
N A = K ' y (yAG y*A ) = K ' x (x *A x AL )

1
1 m'
=
+
K 'y ky ' kx '

yAi y*A
m' =
x Ai x AL

1
1
1
=
+
K ' x m"k y ' k x '

m" =

Gas phase controlling (i.e major resistance in gas

phase)- m is small, so that the equilibrium curve is
almost horizontal, a small value of yA in the gas will
give a large value of xA in equilibrium in liquid. A is
very soluble in liquid phase

1
1

K'y ky '

Liquid phase controlling (i.e major resistance in

liquid phase) - m is large and A is very insoluble
in liquid phase

1
1

K 'x k x '

yAG yAi
x *A x Ai

30

Overall Mass-Transfer Coefficients:

Diffusion of A Through Stagnant & Nondiffusing B

'
K y'

x
NA
( y AG y A )
( xA xAL )
(1 y A )M
(1 xA )M

Ky

K'y
(1 y A ) *M

(1 y A ) *M

(1 y * A ) (1 y AG )

In[(1 y * A ) /(1 y AG )]

K 'x
Kx
(1 x A ) *M
(1 x A ) *M

(1 x AL ) (1 x * A )

In[(1 x AL ) /(1 x * A )]

1
1
m'

K ' y /(1 y A ) *M k ' y /(1 y A ) iM k x ' /(1 x A ) iM

1
1
1

K ' x /(1 x A ) *M m" k ' y /(1 y A ) iM k x ' /(1 x A ) iM

31

32

Example 10.4-2

Using the same data as in Example 10.4-1, calculate the overall

mass transfer coefficient Ky and the percent resistance in the
gas and liquid films. Do this for the case of A diffusing through
stagnant B.

33

Subtopics:
Continuous Humidification Processes

Water-Gas Interface for Water Cooling Tower

Common Term in Humidification
Operating Line for Water Cooling Tower
Tower Height For Water-Cooling
Design of Water Cooling Tower Using Film Mass Transfer
Coefficient
Design of Water Cooling Tower Using Overall Mass Transfer
Coefficient
Minimum Value of Air Flow

Design of Water Cooling using Height of Transfer Unit

34

Continuous Humidification Process

When a relatively warm liquid is brought into direct contact with a gas that is
unsaturated, some of the liquid is vaporized to the gas phase.

This done for the following purpose

Typical water cooling tower

Humidifying of air for control the moisture content of air in drying or air conditioning
Dehumidifying air where cold water condenses some water vapor from air.
Water cooling where water is evaporated to air to cool the warm water.
Warm water flows counter currently to an air stream.
The warm water enters the top of a packed tower and cascades down through the
packing, leaving at the bottom.
Air enters at the bottom of the tower and flows upward through the descending water
by the natural draft or by the action of a fan.
The water is distributed by troughs and overflows to cascade over slat gratings or
packing that provide large interfacial areas of contact between the water air air in
the form of droplets and film of water.
The tower packing often consists of slats of wood or plastic or of a packed bed

In humidification and dehumidification, the gas phase resistance controls the

rate of the mass transfer.

+ Water-Gas Interface for Water Cooling

Tower

Sensible heat flow from liquid to the interface= sensible heat flow in
the gas phase + latent heat (vaporization) flow in the gas.

35

Common Term in Humidification

Chapter 9.3

Humidity (H) of an air-water vapor is the kg of water vapor

contained in 1 kg of dry air.

Saturated humidity (Hs)- air in which the water vapor is equilibrium

with liquid water at given P & T. Partial pressure of water vapor in
air-water mixture is equal to the vapor pressure pAs of pure water at
given T

Percentage humidity (Hp)

Percentage relative humidity (HR)

36

37

Common Term in Humidification

Dew point

the temperature at which a given mixture of air and water vapor

would be saturated.
or temperature at which vapor begins to condense when the gas
phase is cooled at constant pressure.

Humid heat cS

amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 kg of dry air

plus the water vapor present by 1 K.

cS (kJ/kg dry air.K) = 1.005 + 1.88H (SI)

where, cP water(v) = 1.88 kJ/kg water vapor. K and cP air = 1.005

kJ/kg dry air. K

38

Common Term in Humidification

Humid volume, vH - total volume (m3) of 1 kg of dry air plus

the vapor it contains at 1 atm abs pressure and the given gas
temp.
vH (m3/kg dry air) = (2.83 x 10-3 + 4.56 x 10-3 H) T (K).

Total enthalpy of an air-water mixture, HY - the total enthalpy

of 1 kg of air plus its water vapor. Sensible heat of the airwater vapor mixture plus the latent heat.
HY (kJ/kg dry air) = (1.005 + 1.88 H) (T C-0) + 2501.4

where, Tref for both components = 0 C

Humidity Chart

39

Operating Line for Water Cooling

Tower

Assumption:
1. Process carried out adiabatic
2. L is constant
3. cL is constant at 4.187 x 103 J/kg. K

G ( H y H y1 ) Lc L (TL TL1 )
Slope= LcL/G
G = dry air flow, kg/s.m2.
L = water flow, kg water/s.
cL = heat capacity of water, assumed constant at 4187 kJ/kg.K.
TL = temperature of water, C or K.
Hy= enthalpy of air-water vapor mixture, J/kg air.
= cs (T-T0) + H0 = (1.005 + 1.88H)103 (T-0) + 2.501x106H
H = humidity of air, kg water/kg dry air Humidity chart in Fig. 9.3-2
pg.
568.

40

41

Tower Height For Water-Cooling

Tower height for water-cooling

dH y
Hy 2
G
z
M B k G aP Hy1 H yi H y
z

= column height

MB

= molecular weight of air

= m2 of interfacial area per m3 volume of packed section

kG

= gas phase mass transfer coefficient ( kgmol/s. m2)

kGa

= volumetric coefficient in kgmol/s.m3 volume

= pressure in atm

Slope of line from interface composition to point in equilibrium line

H yi H y
hL a

k G aM B P
Ti TL

Temperature Enthalpy Diagram And

Operating Line For Water- Cooling

42

Enthalpies of Saturated Air-Water Vapor

Mixture (0C Base Temperature)

43

+ Design of Water Cooling Tower Using

Film Mass Transfer Coefficient
dH y
Hy 2
G
z
M B k G aP Hy1 H yi H y
H yi H y
hL a

k G aM B P
Ti TL

1.

Draw equilibrium line ( Data from table 10.5-1) in H-versus-T plot

2.

Draw operating line with slope LcL/G.

3.

Determine Hyi-Hy by plot a line from P (TL, Hy) to M (Ti, Hyi). The slope of this
line hLa/kGaMBP. Do for various P point between (TL1, Hy1) to (TL2, Hy2).

4.

Use numerical or graphical integration to obtain the value of integration in

height tower equation. For example using graphical method, plot 1/(Hyi-Hy)
versus Hy.

44

Design of Water Cooling Tower Using

Overall Mass Transfer Coefficient
dH y
Hy 2
G
z
M B K G aP Hy1 H * y H y
H yi H y
hL a

k G aM B P
Ti TL

1.
2.
3.
4.

Often overall mass transfer coefficient KGa (kgmol/s.m3.Pa) is available. Then

to determine tower height, z
Draw equilibrium line ( Data from table 10.5-1) in H-versus-T plot
Draw operating line with slope LcL/G.
Determine H*y-Hy by plot a line from P (TL, Hy) to R (TL, H*y). The slope of this
line hLa/kGaMBP. Do for various P point between (TL1, Hy1) to (TL2, Hy2).
Use numerical or graphical integration to obtain the value of integration in
height tower equation. For example using graphical method, plot 1/(Hyi-Hy)
versus Hy.

45

46

Example 10.5-1

A packed countercurrent water-cooling tower using a gas flow

rate of G = 1.356 kg dry air/s. m2 and a water flow rate of L =
1.356 kg water/s. m2 to cool the water from TL2 = 43.3 C to TL1
= 29.4 C. The entering air at 29.4 C has a wet bulb
temperature of 23.9 C . The mass-transfer coefficient kG a is
estimated as 1.207 x 10-7 kg mol/s.m3.Pa and hL a / kG aMBP as
4.187 x 104 J/kg.K . Calculate the height of packed tower z. The
tower operates at a pressure of 1.013 x 105 Pa.

47

Solution Example 10.5-1

Following the step outlined, the enthalpies from the saturated air-water vapor
mixtures from Table 10.5-1 are plotted in Fig. 10.5-4.
The inlet air at TG1 = 29.4 C has a wet bulb temperature of 23.9 C . The
humidity from the humidity chart is H1 = 0.0165 kg H2O/kg dry air.
Substituting into Eq.(9.3-8),
Hy1 = cs (T-T0) + H0 = (1.005 + 1.88H) (T-T0) + H0
Hy1 = (1.005 + 1.88 x 0.0165)103 (29.4-0) + 2.501 x 106 (0.0165).
= 71.7 x 103 J/kg.
The point Hy1 = 71.7 x 103 and TL1 = 29.4 C is plotted.
Then substituting into Eq. (10.5-2) and solving,
G(Hy2 Hy1) = LcL (TL2 TL1)
1.356 (Hy2 71.7 x 103) = 1.356 (4.187 x 103) (43.3 29.4).
Hy2 = 129.9 x 103 J/kg dry air.

48

Solution Example 10.5-1

49

50

Minimum Value of Air Flow

The air flow G is not fixed but must be set for the design of the cooling
tower.
For a minimum value of G, the operating line MN is drawn through the
point Hy1 and TL1 with a slope that touches the equilibrium line at TL2,
point N.
If the equilibrium line is quite curved, line MN could become tangent to
the equilibrium line at a point farther down the equilibrium line than
point N.
For the actual tower, a value of G greater than Gmin must be used. Often,
a value of G equal to 1.3 to 1.5 times Gmin is used.

51

Design of Water Cooling using Height of

Transfer Unit

52

Using Film Mass Transfer Coefficient

dH y
Hy 2
G
z
M B k G aP Hy1 H yi H y
G
HG
M B k G aP

NG

Hy 2

Hy1

dH y
H yi H y
z= height of transfer unit
X number of transfer unit

Using Overall Mass Transfer Coefficient

dH y
Hy 2
G
z
M B K G aP Hy1 H * y H y
H OG

M B K G aP

N OG

Hy 2

Hy1

dH y
H *y H y

Gas-Liquid Separation
Part 03
53

+
Types

54

Next Part

of Separation Processes and Methods

Equilibrium Relation Between Phases
Single and Multiple Equilibrium Contact Stages
Mass Transfer Between Phases
Continuous Humidification Processes
Absorption in Plate and Packed Tower
Pressure Drop & Flooding in Packed Towers
Absorption of Dilute Gas Mixtures in Packed Tower
Absorption of Concentrated Gas Mixtures in
Packed Tower
Design of Packed Towers Using Transfer Units

+Equipment for Absorption & Distillation

1.

Plate (tray) tower

Sieve tray
Valve tray
Bubble cap tray

2.

Structured packing

3.

Packed tower

Raschig ring
Lessing ring
Berl saddle
Pall ring
etc

55

56

Tray/Plate Tower

57

Tray (Plate) Tower

Sieve tray

Valve tray

58

Tray (Plate) Tower

Bubble cap tray

Structured Packing

59

Structured Packing

Corrugated structured packing

60

61

Packed Tower

Packed Tower

62

Pressure Drop & Flooding in Packed Towers

Flooding velocity upper limit of gas flow rate
At low gas velocities the liquid flow downward through the
the packing, essentially uninfluenced by the upward gas flow
As the gas flow rate increased at low gas velocities, the
pressure drop is proportional to the flow rate to the 1.8
power.
At a gas flow rate called the loading point, the gas start to
hinder the liquid downflow, and local accumulations or pools
of liquid start to appear in the packing. The pressure drop of
the gas starts to rise at a faster rate
As the gas flow arte is increased, the liquid holdup or
accumulation increase. At the flooding point, the liquid no
longer flow down through the packing and is blown out with
the gas.
The optimum economic gas velocity is about 0ne-half or
more of the flooding velocity

63

+ Pressure Drop in Random Packing

Note: this capacity parameters is not dimensionless and that only

these unit (english) should be used

64

+ Pressure Drop in Structured Packing

65

Packing Factors (Fp) for Random and

Structured packing

66

Flooding Pressure Drops in Packed and

Structured Packing

Can be used for packing factors from 9 up to 60. It predicts all the
data for flooding within +- 15% and most for +-10%

for packing factor of 60 or higher, this equation is not valid and the
pressure drop can be taken as 2 in H2O/ft( 166.7 mm H2O/m)

Pflood = 0.115F 0.7

67

+
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Procedure to Determine Limiting Flow Rate

and Tower Diameter
A suitable random packing or structured packing is selected, giving an Fp value
A suitable GL/GG is selected along with the total gas flow rate
The pressure drop at flooding is calculated
The flow parameter is calculated, and using the pressure drop at flooding and either fig 10.6-5 or
10.6-6, the capacity parameter is read off the plot
Using the capacity parameters, the GG is obtained, which is the maximum at flooding
Using a suitable % of the flooding value of GG for design, a new GG and GL are obtained. The
pressure drop can also be obtained from the plot.
Knowing the total gas flow rate and GG, the tower cross sectional are and ID can be calculated.

68

69

Example 10.6-1

Ammonia is being absorbed in a tower using pure water at 25C

and 1 atm abs pressure. The feed rate is 1440 lbm/h (653 kg/h)
and contains 3 mol% ammonia in air. The process design
specifies a liquid to gas mass flaw rate ration GL/GG of 2/1 and
the use of 1-in metal Pall rings.
a) calculate the pressure drop n the packing and gas mass
velocity at flooding. Using 50% of the flooding velocity,
calculate the pressure drop, gas and liquid flows and tower
diameter.
b) Repeat(a) above but use Mellapak 250Y structured
packing.

Design of Plate Absorption Tower

Operating line assumption

solute A diffusing through a stagnant gas B

the moles of pure air and pure water remain constant throughout the
entire tower

similar equation to countercurrent stages process

Overall material balance

Balance around the dashed-lined box

If x and y are very dilute, (1-x) and (1-y)

can be taken as 1.0 and the operating line
is straight with a slope L/V

70

Number of Tray

Graphical determination of the number of trays

71

72

Example 10.6-2

A tray tower is to be designed to absorb SO2 from an air stream

by using pure water at 293 K. the entering gas contains 20 mol
% SO2 and that leaving 2 mol % at the total pressure of 101.3
kPa . The inert air flow rate is 150 kg air/h.m2 and the entering
water flow rate is 6000 kg water/h.m2. Assuming an overall tray
efficiency of 25 %, how many theoretical trays and actual trays
are needed? Assume that the tower operate at 293 K.

+ Design of Packed Tower for Absorption

solute A diffusing through a

stagnant gas B

Overall material balance

Balance around the dashed line box

73

give a curve line on yx plot

If x and y are very dilute, (1-x) and (1-y)

can be taken as 1.0 and the operating line
is straight with a slope L/V

Location of Operating Line

74

75

Limiting and Optimum L/V Ratios

In absorption, V1, y1, y2, x2 is always known.

Only amount of the entering liquid flow (L2 or
L) is open to choice.

Lmin when operating line has a minimum

slope and touch (becoming tangent) to the
equilibrium line. The value of x1 is x1max.

To solve Lmin, insert the value y1 and x1max in

operating line equation.

The choice of optimum L/V ratio depend

on an economic balance

too high ratio value require a large liquid flow

and a large diameter tower.

too small value give small liquid flow result in a

high tower, which is also costly.

An optimum liquid flow rate can be taken as

1.2-1.5 times L min.

For stripping, optimum gas flow rate is taken

at about 1.5 times V min.

+ Analytical Equations for Theoretical

76

Number of Steps or Trays

Absorption
Stripping
Procedure (for varying A):
Procedure (for varying A):
1.
Calculate m1 and m2
1.
Calculate m1 and m2
2.
Calculate A1 and A2
2.
Calculate A1 and A2
3.
Calculate geometric average area, Aave.
3.
Calculate geometric average area, Aave.
= /A1A2
= /A1A2
4.
Used m2 in equation
4.
Used m1 in equation

x2 y1 / m

In (
) (1 A ) + A
x1 y1 / m

N=
In(1 / A)

y1 mx2
1 1
In
1 +
A A
y2 mx2
N=
InA

77

Example 10.6-3

A tray tower is absorbing ethyl alcohol from an inert gas stream

using pure water at 303K and 101.3 kPa. The inlet gas stream
flow rate is 100 kmol/h and it contains 2.2 mol% alcohol. It is
desired to recover 90% of the alcohol. The equilibrium
relationship is y=0.68x for this dilute stream. Using 1.5 times
the minimum liquid flow rate. determine the number of trays
needed. Do this graphically and also using the analytical
equations.

Film and Overall Mass Transfer

Coefficients in Packed Towers
Defining a as interfacial area in m2 per m3 volume of packed
section, the volume of packing in a height dz m is S dz, where S is
m2 cross sectional area of tower. Also
dA = aS dz

The volumetric film and overall mass transfer coefficient are then
defined as

78

+ Design Method for Packed Tower using Mass

79

Transfer Coefficient

Absorption of A from stagnant B and the moles of A leaving V equal

to the moles entering L (i.e d( Vy)= d(Lx)

Using film coefficient

Using overall coefficient

The equilibrium and operating

lines are usually curved, and kxa,
kya, Kya and Kxa vary somewhat
with total gas and liquid flows

Then, these equations must be

integrated
numerically
or
graphically

+ Simplified Design Method for Absorption of

Dilute Gas Mixture in Packed Towers

Assumptions

Concentration can be considered dilute when mole fraction y or x

are less than about 0.10 (10%).
Operating line is straight

V
( y1 y 2 ) k ' y az ( y y i ) M
S
V
( y1 y 2 ) K ' y az ( y y * ) M
S

L
( x1 x 2 ) k ' x az ( xi x) M
S
L
( x1 x 2 ) K ' x az ( x * x) M
S

L = (L1+L2)/2
V = (V1+V2)/2

80

+ Simplified Design Method for Absorption of

Dilute Gas Mixture in Packed Towers

1.
2.

Plot operating line and equilibrium line

Determine interface composition yi1
and xi1 at point y1, x1. To get this , find
intersection point by draw a line to
equilibrium line with slope

slope

3.
4.

k ' x a /(1 x1 )
k ' y a /(1 y1 )

Then determine interface composition

yi2, xi2 at point y2,x2 using the same
method. Do trial and error if necessary.
If overall mass transfer coefficient use,
find appropriate y1*, y2*, x1* or x2*.
Calculate related (y-yi)M or (y-y*)M for
gas coefficient and (xi-x)M or (x*-x)M.
Calculate the column height by
appropriate simplified equation.

81

82

Example 10.6-4

Acetone is being absorbed by water in a packed tower having

a cross sectional area of 0.186 m2 at 293 K and 101.32 (1 atm).
The inlet air contains 2.6 mol % acetone and outlet 0.5%. The
gas flow is 13.65 kg mol inert air/h. The pure water inlet flow is
45.36 kg mol water/h. Film coefficients for the given flows in
the tower are ky a = 3.78 x 10-2 kg mol/s.m3.mol frac. And kx a
= 6.16 x10-2 kg mol/s.m3.mol frac. Equilibrium data are given in
Appendix A.3.
(a) Calculate the tower height using ky a.
(b) Repeat using kx a.
(c) Calculate Ky a, and the tower height.

Design Method for Absorption of

Concentrated Mixtures in Packed Tower
The design equation must be integrated graphically or
numerically.

Vdy

y1

y2

k ' y aS
(1 y ) iM

Vdy

y1

y2

(1 y )( y y i )

K ' y aS
(1 y ) *M

(1 y )( y y )
*

x1

Ldx

x2

k ' x aS
(1 x)( xi x)
(1 x) iM

x1

Ldx

x2

K ' x aS
(1 x)( x * x)
(1 x) *M

83

Design Method for Absorption of

Concentrated Mixtures in Packed Tower

1.

Plot operating line and equilibrium line

2.

Calculate value kya and kxa from empirical equation given

3.

Use trial and error to determine interface composition at several

point between P1(y1,x1) and P2(y2,x2) by draw a line with following
slope from the point to intersect to equilibrium line.

4.

Using the value yi and xi, calculate the value f(y) as follows. Then
plot f(y) vs. y. Calculate numerically or graphically area under
curve to insert into design equation for height.

k ' a /(1 x ) iM
slope x
k ' y a /(1 y ) iM

f ( y)

V
k ' y aS
(1 y ) iM

(1 y )( y y i )

84

85

Example 10.7-1

A tower packed with 25.4 mm ceramic rings is to be designed

to absorb SO2 from air by using pure water at 293 K and 1.013 x
105 Pa abs pressure. The entering gas contains 20 mol % SO2
and that leaving 2mol %. The inert air flow is 6.53 x10-4 kg mol
air /s. the tower cross-sectional area is 0.0929 m2. For dilute SO2
,the film mass transfer coefficients at 293 K are for 25.4 mm
rings,
kya = 0.0594 Gy0.7 Gx0.25 and kxa = 0.152GX0.82.
where kya & kxa is kg mol/s.m3. mol frac., and Gx ,Gy are kg
total liquid or gas, respectively, per sec per m2 tower cross
section. Calculate the tower height.

Design Of Packed Towers Using Transfer Units:

Design for Concentrated Solutions
Use transfer-unit concept for designing packed tower:
Height, z= Height of transfer unit (H) x Number of transfer unit (N)
z= HGNG= HLNL=HOGNOG=HOLNOL

86

Design Of Packed Towers Using Transfer Units:

Design for Dilute Solutions
The terms (1-y)iM/(1-y), (1-x)iM/(1-x), (1-y)*M/(1-y) and (1-x)*M/(1-x)
are close to one, and if the operating lines and equilibrium line are
straight and dilute,

z = H G NG = H G

dy
y y
= HG 1 2
y2
y yi
(y yi )M
y1

z = H OG N OG = H OG
z = HL NL = HL

dy
y1 y2
=
H

G
y2
y y*
(y y* )M
y1

dx
x x
= HL 1 2
x2
xi x
(xi x)M
x1

z = H OL N OL = H OL

dx
x1 x2
=
H

OL
x2 *
x x
(x * x)M
x1

87

Design Of Packed Towers Using Transfer Units:

Design for Dilute Solutions

Using the equilibrium line equation y = mx and letting A = L/mV, the number
of transfer unit for absorption and stripping are

N OG

1
y1 mx2
=
In[(11 / A)(
) +1 / A]
(11 / A)
y2 mx2

N OL

1
x2 y1 / m
=
In[(1 A)(
) + A]
(1 A)
x1 y1 / m

When the operating and equilibrium lines are straight and not parallel, NOG
is related to the number of theoretical trays N by equation:

N OG =

N In A
(11 / A)

The height of theoretical trays (HETP)

In(1 / A)
(1 A) / A
Then, z = N x HETP
HETP = H OG

88

89

Example 10.6-5

Acetone is being absorbed by water in a packed tower having

a cross sectional area of 0.186 m2 at 293 K and 101.32 (1 atm).
The inlet air contains 2.6 mol % acetone and outlet 0.5%. The
gas flow is 13.65 kg mol inert air/h. The pure water inlet flow is
45.36 kg mol water/h. Film coefficients for the given flows in
the tower are ky a = 3.78 x 10-2 kg mol/s.m3.mol frac. And kx a
= 6.16 x10-2 kg mol/s.m3.mol frac. Equilibrium data are given in
Appendix A.3.
a) Use HG and NG to calculate tower height
b) Use HOG and NOG to calculate tower height
c)
Use E 10.6-52 to calculate NOG and tower height
d)

Using analytical equations, calculate HETP, theoretical

steps N and tower height.