Packed Absorption Column - Solving for min water rate and transfer units.

In summary, the conversation discusses the design of an absorber using water to reduce the ammonia concentration in a waste gas stream. The inlet ammonia flow, operating slope line, and equilibrium line are also mentioned. The task is to determine the required water rate and number of theoretical transfer units for the packed column. The conversation is related to a homework problem and should have been submitted to the engineering homework forum.
  • #1
stanley.b
2
0
Having much difficulty with the problem below. Any direction would be greatly appreciated.

A waste gas stream contains .045 mole of ammonia per mole of carrier gas. Its desired to design an absorber using water which will reduce the ammonia concentration in the exit gas from the absorber to a max value of 600 ppm. The inlet ammonia flow is 2000 ft^3/min when measured at 1 atm and 77 degrees F. The system is to be counter flow and the operating slope line is to be 33.3 percent greater than the slope of the equilibrium line. Assume the equilibrium line is represented by y = .75x. Determine the water rate required and the number of theoretical transfer units for the packed column.
 
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  • #2
This is a homework problem, and should have been submitted to the engineering homework forum.
 

1. What is a packed absorption column?

A packed absorption column is a piece of equipment used in chemical engineering to remove one or more components from a gas stream by absorbing them into a liquid. This process is used for various purposes such as purification, separation, and heat exchange.

2. How do you solve for the minimum water rate in a packed absorption column?

To solve for the minimum water rate in a packed absorption column, you need to use the material balance equation. This equation takes into account the flow rates and compositions of the gas and liquid streams entering and leaving the column, as well as the equilibrium relationship between the two phases. By manipulating this equation, you can determine the minimum water rate required for a given absorption process.

3. What are transfer units in a packed absorption column?

Transfer units are a measure of the efficiency of a packed absorption column. They represent the number of theoretical stages required for a given separation process to occur. A higher number of transfer units indicates a more efficient column, meaning that it can achieve a given separation with a smaller column size or lower operating costs.

4. How is the number of transfer units calculated?

The number of transfer units is calculated by dividing the height of the column by the height of a theoretical stage. The height of a theoretical stage is determined by the packing material used in the column and is typically provided by the manufacturer. This calculation can also be done using the slope of the operating line and the equilibrium curve.

5. What factors affect the minimum water rate and transfer units in a packed absorption column?

The minimum water rate and transfer units in a packed absorption column are affected by several factors, such as the gas and liquid flow rates, their compositions, the type and size of the packing material, and the operating conditions (temperature and pressure). Additionally, the equilibrium relationship between the gas and liquid phases plays a significant role in determining these values.

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