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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.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the minimum liquid flowrate required to achieve the desired gas purification based on material balance.
Details: Proper liquid flowrate estimation ensures efficient solute absorption, optimal column sizing, and cost-effective operation.
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.
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.