Predicting supersaturation by rate-based simulations of reactive absorption

• Extended rate-based model for predicting supersaturation in absorption columns.
• Heterogeneous condensation in PCC absorption columns due to supersaturation.
• Detailed study of influence of various process parameters on the supersaturation.
• Estimation of solvent loss due to aerosol formation.
• Supports the development of countermeasures that prevent the formation of aerosols.

A method for predicting supersaturation of the gas phase in absorption columns with rate-based simulations is presented. The method is used for studying reactive absorption of carbon dioxide in an aqueous solution of monoethanolamine (MEA). Supersaturation drives the formation of aerosols in absorption columns, which is important for solvent losses. The influence of different input parameters such as temperature of rich gas and solvent, and concentration of carbon dioxide in the rich gas on the supersaturation is studied. Saturation profiles in the absorption column are reported, and it is shown that the predicted saturation is in the range which is relevant for heterogeneous nucleation. The observed trends are in excellent agreement with the trends found for the aerosol formation in a carbon dioxide absorption column, which were recently reported in the literature. The approach presented here opens a route for modeling aerosol formation in absorption columns using rate-based models.

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