Separation of CO2 from flue gas in air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH) reactor

Laboratory results of an initial study on CO2 removal from gas mixture by means of the air-sparged hydrocyclone (ASH) technology are reported. The CO2 absorption rate into sodium hydroxide aqueous solution was studied on a laboratory and pilot scale. The air flow rate was 900 dm³/min and the alkaline solution flow rate was 15 dm³/min in the case of pilot scale. The influence of CO2 concentration, pH of the liquid phase, the gas flow rate, and the alkaline solution flow rate on the efficiency of the process was investigated. An increase in the alkaline concentration significantly enhanced the CO2 absorption. A very low distribution of bubble sizes enhanced the carbon dioxide absorption, too.