CO2 separation by rotating liquid sheet contactor: A novel procedure to improve mass transfer characterization

In this work, the rotating liquid sheet (RLS) contactor was used as a new contactor device for the separation of CO2 content from CO2/N2 gas mixtures by pure water, MDEA and DEA solutions. To do so, an RLS module with a helical slot in the wall of central tube was designed to provide a single continues helical liquid sheet with high levels of the liquid-gas contact area. Subsequently, the influence of various operating parameters including gas flow rate, CO2 inlet concentration and solvent concentration was investigated. The obtained results clearly revealed that separation efficiency could reach higher than 95% by DEA solution. Also, experimental observations proved that with increasing the gas flow rate and CO2 inlet concentration, the absorption flux increases while the separation efficiency reduces. In addition, the CO2 removal process can be improved by increment solvent concentration. Further, as a unique advantage, tube rotation intensified mass transfer from the gas stream into the liquid absorbents. (c) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The rotating liquid sheet contactor was utilized to separate CO2 content from CO2/N2 gas mixtures, achieving a separation efficiency of over 95% with DEA solution. An increase in gas flow rate and CO2 inlet concentration leads to higher absorption flux but lower separation efficiency. Improving solvent concentration enhances the CO2 removal process.