Downflow Gas Contactor

The Downflow Gas Contactor (reactor) is a system that has become the main process for carbon capture and ammonia recovery, from industrial companies to agricultural and many more, it is increasingly more popular compared to it’s rivals. Here we will explore this technology in more depth.

What is Downflow Gas Contactor?

The DGC (Reactor) with its ability for complete gas absorption is a very effective gas-liquid contacting device which can be used for GAS ABSORPTION (CO2 CAPTURE), EFFLUENT TREATMENT OR CHEMICAL REACTIONS. Many applications of gas-liquid contacting for absorbing gases into liquids are found in the process industries, where a variety of different of simple, compact, flexible design and easy scaleup. Use of the DGC Reactor allows shorter operating and contact times, lower energy requirements, reduced capital and lower operating costs and a smaller footprint – than systems currently used – like a Scrubber.

How does Downflow Gas Contactor (DGC) work?

The DGC reactor is an efficient mass transfer gas-liquid contacting/absorption device [column], where a gas and liquid stream are introduced simultaneously through a specially designed entry (SDI) section at the top of a fully flooded column. This high velocity inlet jet stream, generates intense shear and energy, producing a vigorously agitated gas-liquid dispersion in the upper section of the column. This shear causes the break-up of any gas pocket at the inlet and allows the formation at the top of the column, of a vigorously agitated gas-liquid dispersion zone with a very high interfacial area in a small operating volume.

Downflow Gas Contactor (DGC) technology in the industry

Many applications of gas-liquid contacting for absorbing gases into liquids are found in the process industries, where a variety of different types of contacting device and methods are used. Contacting devices range from simple stirred tank reactors to complex multi-stage packed bed bubble columns and aim to provide the maximum exposure between the gas and liquid surface for maximum gas-liquid mass transfer. Most applications employ an upflow mode of gas flow with relatively low (< 20%) gas hold- ups along with subsequent gas disengagement with recycling, coalescence and back-mixing problems. Free gas liquid interfaces with gas pockets are formed in these reactors causing additional safety problems. Furthermore, many downflow bubble columns usually operate with jet entrainment of gas and gas bubbles therefore require subsequent disengagement and uneconomic utilisation of gas whilst the interfacial area is not optimised. Use of the DGC eliminates the above disadvantages.

With this innovative technology new applications are being discovered to utilize DGC within various processing industries. The DGC can be used for the following:

APPLICATION 1: CARBON CAPTURE, UTILISATION AND STORAGE (AKA CCUS). The industries that involve CCUS such as Power Generators, Industrial Processing companies, Oil Refineries, Petrochemical Industries, Waste-to-energy facilities, Natural gas processing plants.

APPLICATION 2: AMMONIA PRODUCTION FROM PIG LIQUID WASTE (AKA SLURRY). The industries that cover this would include: Agriculture, Fertiliser industry, Renewable energy sector, Waste Management sector, Chemical Industry, Hydrogen energy sector.

APPLICATION 3: DECARBONISATION AND DE-SULFURIZATION OF BIOGAS/METHANE. Industries of interest include: Energy generation (and renewables energy sector), Industrial processing sectors, transport sector, residential and commercial heating companies, waste management industry, agricultural sector.

Do you have more questions on this technology?

Membracon UK are market leaders in technology for carbon capture. With over 80 years of combined experience within the Agricultural, chemical and process industry sector our technical team takes pride in providing sustainable circular solutions for companies to achieve a Net 0 carbon state.

Join the ranks of successful enterprises that have already integrated our product into their operations. Embrace innovation, revenue generation, and carbon neutrality—all packaged into one exceptional solution.

Contact us today if you have any further questions regarding this technology or if you would like a free consultation.

In need of expert advice?

Contact us and our team will be in touch to handle your query.

Join our online community to see the latest news around Membracon and our sustainable solutions .