Apparatus

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of the Gas Absorption Column [1].

The apparatus for this experiment is illustrated in the schematic diagram in figure 1. The apparatus contains a column that is made of two connected borosilicate glass sections and is packed with Raschig rings. It also consists of three valves connected at different positions in order to determine the pressure drop between the two connected glass sections. A pump is used to deliver the process liquid from a sump tank to the top of the column, a control valve C1 is used to control the liquid flowrate, and a variable area flowmeter F1 is used to measure the flowrate of the liquid entering the top of the column. Additionally, a gas cylinder contains the CO2 to be absorbed. The CO2 first passes through a variable area flowmeter F3 then it mixes with an air stream through another variable area flowmeter F2. After that it is directed through the bottom of the column where it contacts the water incoming from the top of the column.

Experimental Procedure
The procedure of this experiment consists of three parts: Wet column basis:

1. Set the valves to obtain a different pressure between the top and bottom sections of the column. The pressure can be read using the manometers. 2. Turn on the water pump and set C1 to around 2 L/min. 3. Turn on the compressor and set C2 to around 20 L/min. 4. Measure the differential air pressure across the column. 5. Change C2 in step 3 to 40, 60, 80, and 100 L/min and repeat step 4 for each trial. Dry column basis:

1. Set the valves so that the inlet gas stream flows through the manometers. 2. Turn on the compressor and set C2 to around 20 L/min. 3. Record the manometer readings. Then, calculate the total pressure differential (the sum of the pressure difference across the top and bottom halves of the column). 4. Change C2 in step 2 to 40, 60, 80, and 100 L/min and repeat step 3 for each trail. Absorption rate of CO2:

1. Fill the two flasks with 1M NaOH until the '0' mark is reached. 2. Turn on the water supply. Close the valves C2 and C3. Set the water flowrate to around 2 L/min using C1 and then turn on the pump. 3. Turn on the compressor and set C2 to around 20 L/min. 4. Set the CO2 flow using valve C3 to around 5 L/min. 5. Wait for about 5 minutes then take a sample of the gas and analyze it.

Gas Sample Analysis: 1. Extract the sample lines by using the piston several times and by discharging the cylinder contents to the air in order to clean the sample. 2. Close the atmosphere vent, and from the sample line fill the cylinder. 3. Wait for few minutes so that the gas reach the temperature of the cylinder. 4. Detach the cylinder from the column and the absorption globe and open it to the atmosphere for few seconds. Connect the cylinder back to the absorption globe. If the liquid level change, open the cylinder and wait until the level is back to zero. 5. Empty the cylinder carefully into the absorption globe by closing the piston.

HSE Considerations:
1. 2. 3. 4. Wear PPE equipment (lab coat, goggles, and closed shoes).
Ensure that there is no leakage from the apparatus at any time during the experiment. Wear gloves when handling the NaOH, it is irritant. The apparatus consists of several components made of glass, so be careful while working.

NaOH MSDS [2]: Potential Acute Health Effects: Corrosive and irritant in case of skin or eye contact and in cases of inhalation and ingestion. Over-exposure can cause choking, unconsciousness and damages in lungs. First Aid Measures: Eye contact: In case of direct contact with eyes, flush the eyes with cold water for about 15 minutes. Make sure to remove contact lenses before dealing with NaOH. Skin contact: in case of direct contact with skin, flush the skin with cold water for about 15 minutes and take off the contaminated clothes. Inhalation: in case of inhalation, get out to fresh air. Providing oxygen or artificial respiration may be required in serious cases. Ingestion: do not vomit unless told to do so by medical experts. Avoid eating or drinking before getting medical treatment. Fire and Explosion Data: Flammability: Non-flammable. Products of combustion: Not applicable. Flash points: Not applicable.

[1]: the lab manual there is a reference in the caption of figure 1 (the blue line) [2]: http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9924997