Modeling and simulation of an enzymatic reactive absorption process in the internal zone of a rotating packed bed apparatus

Abstract

A kinetic model of carbon dioxide absorption within an internal of a rotating packed bed (RPB) apparatus was developed using experimental data. Kinetics of the chemical reaction between carbon dioxide and aqueous solution of N-methyldiethanolamine with and without carbonic anhydrase additive were determined in a flat phase contact surface batch stirred reactor and implemented into the model. Overall pressure drop and absorption efficiency within a metal foam internal were modeled and compared with experimental measurements. The model's predictions of CO2 absorption and pressure drop fit mostly within 20% error range. Validated model served as a tool for further absorption process simulations and sensitivity analysis.