Numerical Simulation of MEA-Film Flow Along a Vertical String in Single Wetted Wire Column for CO2 Capturing Process

The main aim of this study is the investigation of a wetted-wire column performance in CO2 removal from a gas stream. Monoethanolamin (MEA) is one of the best absorbents for CO2 capturing which has been known so far. In this paper, the MEA-film flow over a vertical fiber is simulated using a multiphase flow model. Initial instabilities, cause a wavy flow on a vertical wire, which is growing up and form a string of beads flow. Hydrodynamics study of MEA-film flow using level set method (LSM) will improve understanding of the flow regimes and characteristics which are important in heat and mass transfer. Results of these study will be assists in design and optimization of a wetted-wire column. In fact, CFD results indicated that beads formation was improved by increasing the liquid flow rate, while mass transfer resistance in the liquid phase reduces by formation of the beads. This result related to velocity variation between beads and film flow which leads to a natural mixing condition in MEA-film.

Keywords:

Multiphase Flow , MEA-Film Flow , LSM Method , Simulation