A process is being developed to produce carbonated beverages. As part of this process, a packed-bed absorption
tower will be used to dissolve carbon dioxide, CO2, gas into
water. Pure mountain spring water, containing no dissolved
CO2 enters the top of the column at a molar flow rate of 5.0
kgmole/min. Pure CO2 gas at 2.0 atm is also fed to the top of
the tower at a flow rate of 1.0 kgmole/min. As the liquid flows
down the tower, CO2 gas absorbs into the water, and the
dissolved CO2 concentration increases down the length of
the bed. The carbonated water and the unused CO2 gas exit
the bottom of the tower. The absorption process