Dual-Mode Gas Absorption and Desorption Unit Operations Training Pilot Plant

Introduction

The Dual-Mode Gas Absorption and Desorption Practical Training Unit Operations Pilot Plant is an industrial-scale, two-story laboratory system designed for chemical engineering and related academic disciplines. It provides a hands-on environment for undergraduate students to investigate gas-liquid mass transfer processes, specifically packed-tower absorption and desorption (stripping). Built on a robust, double-tier steel framework with integrated safety handrails and an access staircase, this pilot plant bridges the gap between theoretical classroom concepts and industrial process operations.

To align with diverse laboratory spaces and specific curriculum goals, this pilot plant features a fully customizable design. Both the hardware components—such as column dimensions, piping configurations, and structural footprints—and the software systems—including control interfaces and mathematical simulation models—can be tailored to meet individual institutional requirements.

Key Features and Educational Advantages

• Dual-Mode Operation System:
  • Real-Material Mode: The SCADA software collects real-time data from actual physical sensors and controls active hardware components such as pumps and flow control valves, enabling students to run physical mass transfer experiments.
  • Simulated-Material Mode: The system operates using benign materials (such as water and air) while the software runs mathematical process models. By reading physical valve positions and instrument signals, the software dynamically simulates the behavior of complex or hazardous chemical systems, allowing safe, cost-effective, and green laboratory sessions.
• Visualized Mass Transfer: The absorption and desorption columns feature transparent packed sections, allowing students to visually observe critical two-phase flow phenomena, such as gas-liquid contact, wetting, loading, and the onset of flooding.
• Versatile Process Configurations: The system supports independent absorption, independent desorption, or combined absorption-desorption loops. In the combined mode, the liquid solvent can be run in a closed loop (recirculation) or an open loop (continuous feed and discharge).
• Industrial-Grade Engineering Experience: Operating on a two-story structure equipped with a safety staircase and 1.2-meter guardrails, students practice standard industrial tasks, including unit startup, shutdown, steady-state monitoring, maintenance checks, and process troubleshooting.

Technical Specifications

Curriculum Integration and Textbook Alignment

This pilot plant is designed to seamlessly integrate with core engineering curricula. By performing experiments on this unit, students gain practical insight into the transport phenomena and design principles covered in standard reference textbooks.

The experiments performed on this unit map directly to fundamental topics in key chemical engineering textbooks, including:

• Mass Transfer Theories: Directly relates to topics on diffusion, interphase mass transfer, and the determination of individual and overall mass transfer coefficients ($K_y a$, $K_x a$) found in Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering.
• Equilibrium-Stage Operations: Helps students visualize operating lines, equilibrium curves, and the concept of HTU (Height of a Transfer Unit) and NTU (Number of Transfer Units) described in Transport Processes and Unit Operations.
• Packed Column Design & Hydraulics: Illustrates pressure drop profiles, gas-liquid loading, and column flooding limits, which are critical parameters discussed in Chemical Engineering Design.

Syllabus Mapping

To ensure that the equipment continuously aligns with evolving academic standards and laboratory spaces, LABPARK offers comprehensive hardware and software modifications. This adaptability ensures long-term educational utility and allows instructors to update experimental parameters in step with regional curriculum updates.

About LABPARK

LABPARK is a dedicated manufacturer of higher education laboratory equipment, with over 20 years of experience serving universities and technical colleges worldwide. We specialize in providing comprehensive practical training systems across six key academic disciplines: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, Food Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, and Environmental Engineering.

Driven by continuous innovation, LABPARK holds 209 technical patents and has established successful partnerships with more than 289 universities and institutes globally. Our state-of-the-art research, development, and manufacturing base spans 49,000 square meters, ensuring that all equipment is manufactured to rigorous engineering standards for reliable and safe performance in educational environments.

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