A rate-based model for the design of gas absorbers for the removal Of CO2 and H2S using aqueous solutions of MEA and DEA

A rate-based model was developed for the design of acid gas absorbers using aqueous alkanolamine solutions. The model adopts the film theory and assum es that thermodynamic equilibrium among the reacting species exists in the bulk liquid. The diffusion-reaction equations for the reacting species in t he liquid film are solved using collocation techniques. Heat effects accomp anying diffusion and reaction are accounted for using appropriate heat bala nces on each tray. The algorithm adopts a plate-by-plate calculation starti ng at the bottom of the tower. Tray hydraulics was added to the algorithm t o ensure proper operation of the tower. The program was developed to handle either monoethanolamine (MEA) or diethanolamine (DEA) as chemical solvents . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.