Drop Size Measurements of Loaded Amine Solvents for CO2 Capture Applications

Spray columns can potentially be utilized for large scale CO₂ absorption in aqueous amine solvents. Drop sizes produced by commercially available nozzles are strongly dependent on the physical properties of the solvent, and they can greatly affect the rate of CO₂ absorption. Monoethanolamine (MEA) is considered as the baseline solvent for most CO₂ capture applications. The physical properties of MEA are a strong function of the loading or saturation of the solvent with CO₂. At present, there is a scarcity of drop size distribution data for loaded solutions of MEA. This work addresses this gap by evaluating the effect of CO₂ loading on the drop size distributions emerging from multiple commercially available nozzles. The radial and axial dropsize distribution measurements are made with a Phase Doppler Interferometer (PDI). The effect of MEA concentration, liquid rate, and counter-current gas rate on the drop size distribution of loaded MEA solution will be ascertained. Results will also be compared with the drop size data for unloaded MEA solutions.