Abstract

An absorber for absorbing a vapor into a sorbent liquid comprised of a sequential plurality of highly effective and intensified locally cocurrent sorptions, but with non-cocurrent flow of vapor and liquid between the individual sorptions. The structure containing the locally cocurrent upflow is preferably comprised of enhanced heat transfer surface, making the sorption diabatic, further enhancing the intensification, and improving the sorption efficiency. Referring to FIG. 1, vertical cylinders (1) and (2) form an annulus which is divided into multiple compartments by partitions. Vapor is injected into the bottom portion of each compartment by injection ports (10), resulting in cocurrent upflow absorption. The compartments are pressure equalized with a common vapor space via equalization ports (6). This approach to absorption can be accomplished in a vertical cylindrical annulus as described above, in a horizontal cylindrical annulus, in plate fin exchangers, and others.