Mass-transfer efficiency of a spray column for CO2 capture by MEA

A parametric study of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption performance into an aqueous solution of monoethanolamine (MEA) in the spray column was carried out experimentally over wide ranges of process conditions. The performance of the spray was interpreted in terms of the overall mass transfer coefficient (KGae) and was found to vary with process parameters, including gas flow rate, liquid flow rate, CO2 partial pressure, MEA concentration, CO2 loading, and size of spray nozzle. The performance of the spray column was compared to that of a packed column and showed a promise for CO2 capture application.