Simple model for CO 2 absorption in a bubbling water column

Abstract

A simple analytical model is presented for the time-evolution of dissolved CO 2 concentration in a batch water column. The application in mind is the removal of the CO 2 produced by the propulsion plant of a submarine cruising underwater. The model is based on a constant number of constant size CO 2 bubbles within the water column, with uniform gas injection through a porous membrane at the bottom, and bubbles flowing upwards by their own buoyancy through a short water column (the exhaust gas is recirculated). Analytical results are validated with experimental data found in the literature and the advantages of this simple analytical model pinpointed.