(382a) Packed Bed Absorption -- Experiments From Afar

A senior WPI student completed an 8 week Major Qualifying Project in renovating and facilitating the remote operation of a packed-bed absorption column at UTC. This presentation describes the procedures used and the resulting equipment.  It also describes the remote usage of the equipment and shows the range of results achievable.

The remote user can operate and watch the equipmet as the experiment is running via the internet.  The system is set up for absorbing CO2 from an air stream using counter-flow water. The remote user can operate the gas and liquid flow rates and observe the measured flow rates, pressure drops and concentrations of the gas stream. The live cameras and the pressure drop data allow students to learn about flooding conditions and behavior.

This equipment is available 24/7 for approved users.  Automatic lighting allows for watching the behavior even at nighttime. Demonstration of the capabilities will be performed live during the presentaiton.