Deformation and water loss from solvent filled microcapsules under compressive loads

Journal Article · Wed Jan 08 00:00:00 EST 2020 · AIChE Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.16905· OSTI ID:1786049

Finn, Justin R.  ^[1]; Galvin, Janine E.  ^[2]; Panday, Rupen ^[3]; Ashfaq, Huda ^[4]

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1. National Energy Technology Laboratory Albany Oregon, AECOM, Inc., National Energy Technology Laboratory Albany Oregon
2. National Energy Technology Laboratory Albany Oregon
3. National Energy Technology Laboratory Albany Oregon, REM Engineering Services PLLC, National Energy Technology Laboratory Morgantown West Virginia
4. National Energy Technology Laboratory Albany Oregon, ORISE Oak Ridge Tennessee

Abstract Microcapsules filled with liquid solvents for CO ₂ absorption can be easily deformed due to their elastic polymer shells. We present a combination of experiments and model predictions to demonstrate that modest compressive forces can lead to significant capsule deformation and performance issues for this enabling technology. Contrary to expectations based on Raoult's law, capsules containing aqueous carbonate solution were found to lose water to flows of humidified nitrogen in centimeter‐scale packed beds. Water loss increased with gas velocity, suggesting compression was responsible for mass transfer, an interpretation supported by microscope images of deformed and broken capsules. A model for compression induced mass transfer under packed/fluidized bed operating conditions was developed and validated with the experimental data for a range of conditions (gas velocities, temperatures, humidities). Design criteria for future generations of microcapsules that will more effectively resist compression are evaluated.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1786049
• Journal Information: AIChE Journal, Journal Name: AIChE Journal Vol. 66 Journal Issue: 5; ISSN 0001-1541
• Publisher: Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English