Liquid Flowrate for Absorption Column on Solute Free Basis Calculator

Formula Used:

\[ Ls = Gs \times \frac{(YN+1 - Y1)}{(XN - X0)} \]

Gas Flowrate on Solute Free Basis (Gs):

mol/s

Solute Free Mole Fraction of Gas in Inlet (YN+1):

Solute Free Mole Fraction of Gas in Outlet (Y1):

Solute Free Mole Fraction of Liquid in Outlet (XN):

Solute Free Mole Fraction of Liquid in Inlet (X0):

Liquid Flowrate on Solute Free Basis (Ls): mol/s

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1. What is Liquid Flowrate for Absorption Column on Solute Free Basis?

Definition: This calculator determines the required liquid flowrate (solvent) in an absorption column based on gas flowrate and mole fractions at different points in the column.

Purpose: It helps chemical engineers design and operate absorption columns for gas purification processes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ Ls = Gs \times \frac{(YN+1 - Y1)}{(XN - X0)} \]

Where:

\( Ls \) — Liquid flowrate on solute free basis (mol/s)
\( Gs \) — Gas flowrate on solute free basis (mol/s)
\( YN+1 \) — Solute free mole fraction of gas in inlet
\( Y1 \) — Solute free mole fraction of gas in outlet
\( XN \) — Solute free mole fraction of liquid in outlet
\( X0 \) — Solute free mole fraction of liquid in inlet

Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum liquid flowrate required to achieve the desired gas purification based on material balance.

3. Importance of Liquid Flowrate Calculation

Details: Proper liquid flowrate estimation ensures efficient solute absorption, optimal column sizing, and cost-effective operation.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter gas flowrate in mol/s and mole fractions (values between 0 and 1). All values must be ≥ 0 with appropriate constraints on mole fractions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does "solute free basis" mean?
A: It means the calculations exclude the solute component, focusing only on the carrier gas and solvent.

Q2: What are typical values for mole fractions?
A: Inlet gas mole fraction (YN+1) is typically high (0.1-0.9), outlet gas (Y1) is low (0.001-0.1), and liquid mole fractions are usually low (0.001-0.3).

Q3: Why is the outlet liquid mole fraction important?
A: XN determines how much solute the solvent can carry, affecting the required liquid flowrate.

Q4: What if XN equals X0?
A: The denominator becomes zero, which is physically impossible - the solvent must have some capacity to absorb solute.

Q5: How does this relate to the operating line?
A: This calculation gives one point on the operating line for absorption column design.