CO2 absorption using aqueous potassium carbonate (K2CO3) promoted by piperazine (PZ) in packed column reactor

Abstract

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main contributor in gases that can reduce the heating value and the greenhouse effect on the atmosphere. Several CO2 absorption technologies can be used to reduce CO2 content. Chemical absorption have selectivity and a high absorption rate. This research will study the effect of the addition piperazine (PZ) into 30wt % potassium carbonate (K2CO3) at 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C, PZ (1, 3 and 5) % and absorbent flow rate (1, 1.5 and 2) L min−1. The research was conducted in packed column made of stainless steel with height 150 cm and a diameter 9.6 cm filled with packing-type raschig rings made of ceramic arranged randomly to expand the contact between gas and absorbent during CO2 absorption. The process is carried in counter-current, gas streamed at constant flow rate 50 L min−1 from the bottom and absorbent with composition K2CO3, PZ and distilled water streamed from top of column. CO2 loading and CO2 removal in the sample were determined by acid-base titration. The results showed 5% PZ CO2 loading 0.0664 mole CO2/mole K2CO3 and CO2 removal 92.7575% at operating conditions 50 °C and absorbent flow rate 2 L min−1. The addition 5% PZ can increase CO2 removal 16.9525%.