CFD Modeling of Reactive Absorption of CO2 by Aqueous MEA Solution in a Rotating Packed Bed

In this paper, carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption by monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions in a rotating packed bed (RPB) is simulated using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. First, a new gas–liquid–solid three-phase interaction force model is developed based on the modified Kołodziej model. Then, the new interaction force model is combined with the interfacial area model, mass transfer model, chemical reaction model, and heat transfer model. Finally, a new simulation framework for RPBs based on the Eulerian multifluid approach is developed for modeling CO2 absorption in an RPB. The simulated CO2 absorption efficiency (η) and overall gas-phase volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KGa) by using the Eulerian multifluid CFD model are verified by experimental data, and the pressure drop is compared with a general pressure drop model. In addition, the pressure drop, η, and KGa are investigated considering the influences of the rotational speed, gas and liquid flow rates, and MEA concentration.