Model uncertainty of interfacial area and mass transfer coefficients in absorption column packings

Abstract

Uncertainty in model input parameters propagates through the model to make model output imprecision. Here, mathematical models used to calculate interfacial area and mass transfer coefficient for both random and structured packing in a packed bed absorption column was studied to investigate the propagation of model input parameters of viscosity, density and surface tension through the models. Monte Carlo simulation was used to examine the uncertainty propagation, and expectation E(Y) and standard deviation σ for the model output values were determined. This study reveals ±5% model output uncertainty for mass transfer coefficient and ±3.7% uncertainty for interfacial area for the Onda, Bravo and Fair models used in random packings. Further, the analysis predicts ±1.3% of uncertainty for interfacial area and ±0.8% of uncertainty for mass transfer coefficient for the Rocha's correlations used in structured packings.

Physical Properties of MEA + Water + CO2 Mixtures in Postcombustion CO2 Capture: A Review of Correlations and Experimental Studies

“…Viscosity measurements of MEA and water mixtures are equally important as density measurements in the postcombustion absorption process. Viscosity has a high impact on the mass transfer coefficient of gas into a liquid in a packed bed absorber [32]. e viscosity of MEA varies with the amount of water and CO 2 present in the solution and decreases as the solution temperature increases.…”

“…Surface tension has a high influence on the effective interfacial area of the packing material [32] and ultimately influences the overall mass transfer rate. Accurate and reliable surface tension data can enhance the confidence in process simulations, which will reduce the cost and safety margins [40].…”

“…Lee and Lin [14] and Amundsen et al [2] adopted the ree-Body model as shown in equation (32) to fit viscosity data of aqueous MEA at different temperatures. Arachchige et al [33] used a correlation suggested by Teng et al [59] given in equation (33) to correlate measured viscosity of aqueous MEA at different temperatures.…”