Counter Current Column for absorption and desorption

One of the methods of “scrubbing” or facilitating the mass transfer of contaminants from a gaseous state to liquid, or vice versa, for secondary treatment is by absorption (or desorption) via a packed column.

atea counter current packed columns are used to achieve a mass transfer of compounds between the vapour and liquid phases.

The basic operating principle of the scrubbers is to absorb contaminants contained in waste gas  (process exhaust) and transfer them to liquid. This process is called absorption. In the reverse process, called desorption, contaminants contained in waste liquid are transferred to a gaseous state.

In the counter current column, liquid is sprayed over the packing material and the gas stream flows perpendicular to the scrubbing liquid.

High efficiency is achieved by the packing which provides for a large surface area for the mass transfer of contaminants from the gaseous phase of the waste exhaust to the liquid phase (in the scrubbing liquid).

The amount of scrubbing liquid used depends on the flow rate of waste exhaust and the dimensions of the packing column. Too much scrubbing liquid passing through the packing will cause “flooding” while too little will make the system inefficient. atea systems are designed to achieve an optimal level, thus delivering the maximum “scrubbing” efficiency.

atea provides packed columns with either random or structured packing, depending on application.

atea counter current columns are suitable for both absorption and desorption functions.

• High efficiency
• Large surface to volume ratio
• Suitable for large through-put fluctuations 

Examples of application:

• Absorption of gaseous materials, such as:

• Non-organic substances (example: hydrogen chloride gas)

• Water soluble organic substances

• Organic substances, by using a liquid with a high boiling point (example: polyethylene glycol).

• Desorption of volatile materials, such as:

• CO2 from water (example: CO2 Scrubber)

• Organic materials from water (example: ammonia stripper)

Materials used in the construction of atea columns:

• Thermoplastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, PVDF, etc.)

• Glass-fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)

• Steel with rubber lining

• Steel or other alloys

As with all of our systems, atea engineers will provide you with a complete service; from process engineering, concept design, detail design to the supply, fabrication, assembly and commissioning of the systems. For more information, please refer to our services.

Additionally, a comprehensive training program is also provided before the system is handed over to the end user. Our specialists will train the end users’ staff on the proper operating procedures and requirements of the system.

We will also provide scheduled servicing and preventive maintenance for our systems.