Compact bubble absorber design

This paper presents performance results and analysis for three compact bubble absorbers developed for generator-absorber heat exchange absorption cycles (GAX). The results were found as part of a study undertaken to develop a compact GAX absorber for incorporation into the distillation column of an absorption machine. It has been shown that enhancement techniques are effective in reducing absorber length. However, enhancement techniques must be carefully applied, enabling sufficient vapor volume fractions for needed vapor injection. Results show that solution circuitry or flow configuration significantly impact absorber performance. Results also show that increased solution tube diameters may increase absorber performance: namely, an increase in absorber load and a reduction in exit solution subcooling. Optimum compact bubble absorber designs require a careful balance between vapor introduction capacity and heat transfer augmentation.