TY - JOUR Y1 - 2012/// VL - 37 UR - https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863718457&doi=10.1016%2fj.energy.2011.11.034&partnerID=40&md5=33381ed6507f39a6a51929fdcafb26dc JF - Energy A1 - Khoa, T.D. A1 - Shuhaimi, M. A1 - Nam, H.M. KW - Desulfurization; Distillation; Distillation columns; Optimization; Sulfur; Sulfur dioxide; Three dimensional; Visualization KW - Absorption columns; Absorption process; Exergy Analysis; Graphical correlation; Molar flows; Operating parameters; Operating state; Optimum designs; Process specification; Separation techniques; Two degrees of freedom KW - Exergy KW - absorption; distillation; exergy; gas flow; optimization; sulfur; sulfur dioxide; three-dimensional flow; visualization ID - scholars3178 N2 - This paper presents the application of three dimensional exergy analysis curves method to absorption column, which is the second most important separation technique in industries after distillation. A three dimensional graphical correlations of exergy lost to the ratio of liquid and gases molar flow (Lm/. Gm), number of stages (N) and stage efficiency (η) inside the column is presented at different operating states of an absorption column. The curves provide visualization on the effect of design and operating parameters to the exergy lost of an absorption column. A case study on the recovery of sulfur dioxide was carried out to demonstrate the application of this method. It was found that the three dimensional exergy analysis curves method is useful in not only identifying the magnitude of exergy lost in absorption column but also providing direction on how the losses can be minimized while maintaining the required process specification. Results suggested that the absorption column should be operated with (Lm/. Gm) ratio approaching minimum while maintaining the required recovery of sulfur dioxide. In addition, exergy lost of absorption column can be decided with two degrees of freedom. Consequently, the method is useful to guide engineers to make insightful decision on the optimum design and operating parameters at minimum exergy lost. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. IS - 1 SN - 03605442 PB - Elsevier Ltd EP - 280 AV - none SP - 273 TI - Application of three dimensional exergy analysis curves for absorption columns N1 - cited By 11 ER -