Air Pollution Control Equipment Selection Guide, 3rd Edition

27

Absorber Optimization

27.1 Define Complete Absorber Operation Including Ancillary Equipment

In a packed tower, the packed bed design and operation provides the basis upon which the desired mass transfer of the contaminant gas into the liquid can be achieved. The packed section (or “absorption” or “contact” section) is essentially of mechanical design (the surface of the absorbing or cooling liquid being mechanically increased, or “extended” as that liquid passes over the media) but that often exhibits a “chemical” function. As the gases are absorbed, for example, there may be an exotherm that could reduce the absorption of subsequent gases through the reduction in gas solubility. The absorbed gases may react with chemicals in the liquid ...