CAGC Computer Controlled Gas Absorption Column

The Computer Controlled Gas Absorption Column, "CAGC", is a scale unit designed to study hydrodynamic and absorption processes in packed columns. This system absorbs ammonia or CO₂ from a mixture with air in a watery solution that flowing down the column.

The main parts of the unit are:

• Packed column: it consists of a glass cylindrical column filled with Raschig rings. Two differential pressure sensors measure the pressure in different parts of the column.
• Liquid circuit (water): the liquid, that is stored in a PVC tank, is impelled towards the column by a pump. It feeds the column through its upper end using a glass diffusion shower. After crossing the column, the liquid is returned to the storage tank. The liquid flow that arrives to the column is measured by a flow sensor and a flowmeter. In the storage tank, through aeration, the CO₂ can be desorbed from the liquid previously filled in the column.
• Gas circuit (air and CO₂): it consists of a CO₂ and air (supplied by a blower) mixture current. Both gaseous currents are mixed, and later they enter the base of the column through a side inlet located below the bed level, so that the gaseous mixture is an homogeneous as possible. Both gas flows are measured by sensors and flowmeters.
• CO₂ measuring system: it allows to determine the concentration of this gas in the currents originated from the upper and central parts of the column. The measurement can be performed analytically or directly with the CO₂ sensor.

This Computer Controlled Unit is supplied with the EDIBON Computer Control System (SCADA), and includes: The unit itself + a Control Interface Box + a Data Acquisition Board + Computer Control, Data Acquisition and Data Management Software Packages, for controlling the process and all parameters involved in the process.