Simulation Studies on H2S Absorption in Potassium Carbonate Aqueous Solution Using a Membrane Module

Abstract

Removal of H₂S from H₂S/N₂ gas mixture using a hollow-fiber membrane module is studied theoretically in this work. The absorption medium is aqueous solution of potassium carbonate. A mathematical model was developed to describe absorption of H₂S in the module. Laminar parabolic velocity profile was used for the gas flow in the tube side; whereas, the liquid flow in the shell side was characterized by Happel's free surface model. The effect of various operating conditions on H₂S removal is examined. The operating conditions examined included the gas flow rate, the liquid flow rate and the liquid concentration. The model was found to be efficient in prediction of membrane performance in gas absorption.