Experimental and theoretical analyses of effects of membrane properties on CO2 absorption performance of a hollow fiber membrane contactor

Use of a hollow fiber membrane for chemical absorption Of CO2 is expected to significantly reduce the volume and construction cost of equipment in comparison with a conventional packed tower. In the present study, experiments to examine the effects of membrane properties on CO2 absorption performance were performed using a counterflow-type hollow fiber membrane contactor. The membrane materials employed were PTFE, PP and PE: and 30 wt% M EA aqueous solution was used as an absorbent of CO2.In addition, a simulation model was developed to examine the effects theoretically. Except for the drawn membrane of PE, the measured values of total mass transfer coefficient and CO2 recovery rate were in good agreement with the values predicted by the simulation, proving the validity of the simulation model developed in this study. The hollow fiber membranes of PP and PE showed high CO2 recovery rates of 80-90%. On the other hand, the hollow fiber membranes of PTFE were larger in diameter and thickness, resulting in the lowest CO, recovery rates. In the case of PTFE, CO2 recovery rate increased with increasing pore diameter of membrane, which was theoretically supported by the simulation model, while it decreased with increasing pore diameter in most cases of PP and PE. The drawn membranes of PE showed remarkably high CO2 recovery rates near 100%, indicating that the drawing treatment of hollow fiber membranes was very effective in enhancing mass transfer through them.