Pressure swing absorption of carbon dioxide in n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solutions

The mass transfer rates during CO₂ absorption and desorption from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solutions were measured at 293.15 K in a baffled agitated reactor with a flat gas-liquid interface. Based on the measured values of pressure changes, the desorption rate was determined and compared to the absorption rate at the same driving force. Two distinct mechanisms of desorption were observed. The transition from bubbling to the diffusive desorption is found to be a function of the supersaturation ratio, pressure and the stirring speed.