LAUSR

Abstract Gas–liquid mass transfer of rotating disk reactor was studied in CO2 absorption using 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene (DBU)-glycerol solution as solvent. Effects of the rotating disk structure and various operation parameters on the CO2 absorption rate and CO2 removal efficiency were investigated. The rotating disk with optimal holes is conducive to mass transfer of CO2 and the formation of thin liquid film at the opening increases the gas–liquid contact area. With the increase of rotating speed, the liquid flow pattern on the rotating disk surface changes from thin film flow to separated streams and creates extra liquid lines attached to the rim of the disk, which leads to a very complicated change on the CO2 absorption rate and CO2 removal efficiency. The overall gas-phase mass transfer coefficient increases 138% as the rotating speed increasing from 250 to 1400 r·min−1. Increasing temperature from 298 to 338 K can enhance the CO2 absorption rate due to lowering the viscosity of the solvent. The rate-determined step for the absorption is focused on the gas side. The rotating disk reactor can effectively enhance the absorption of CO2 with viscous DBU-glycerol solvents.