Open absorption system: Experimental study in a laboratory pilot plant

The open absorption system is specially fitted in drying processes using air for the transport of the water. Advantages of the system are that different types of energy supply can be used, and that direct contact between the working media and the solution gives an effective absorber. This experimental study concerns measurements of the capacity of the system when a cross-flow absorber is used. Experiments were done under adiabatic and non-adiabatic conditions, and the results show that non-adiabatic conditions give a considerable increase in the absorption capacity. The dissipation of solution media increases strongly for air velocities over 2 m/s. However, a demister can be used to reduce these losses. Investigation of the packing depth shows that the absorption takes place mainly in the first quarter of the packing. Different types of plastic packings were studied, the Telpac packing giving the best results.