Experimental study and modeling of hydrogen sulfide absorption with amine solutions in a wetted wire column

Absorption of hydrogen sulfide with aqueous amine solution is one of the most important processes in refinery units. Tray and packed columns are widely used for removal of hydrogen sulfide. For modeling of these kind equipments, equilibrium and rate-based techniques can be used. Since, the hydrogen sulfide absorption with amine solutions is a reactive absorption; using equilibrium-based models would not attain appropriate results. In this study, the wetted wire column was properly introduced; low pressure experimental setup of hydrogen sulfide absorption with amine solutions was constructed and then different type of experiments were performed. the heat transfer coefficient, the gas phase mass transfer coefficient were determined experimentally based on liquid flow-rate, inlet liquid and gas temperatures, amine weight percent and also hydrogen sulfide loading. Also by assuming laminar liquid film over the wires, velocity distribution and liquid phase mass transfer coefficient were calculated based on liquid flow-rate and mean gas-liquid flow temperatures. For modeling the process the general computer code was created. There is a good consistency between experimental data and simulation results; additionally, the effect of different parameters such as liquid flow rate and gasliquid phase temperature on absorption amount were examined.