An absorption operation is required to remove CO$2$ from a $250$ kmol$/$hr flue gas stream using an aqueous $20$ mole$\%$ monoethanolamine $($MEA$)$ solution supplied at a flow rate of $1\mathrm{.}5$ times the minimum. The gas feed contains $13$ mole$\%$ CO$2$ in air, and the exhaust gas stream should contain no more than $0\mathrm{.}7$ mole$\%$ CO$2.$ The MEA solution is to be supplied from a regeneration column and contains $1\mathrm{.}1$ mole$\%$ CO$2.$ This absorption operation is to be carried out in an existing column with internal height and diameter of $10$ and $1$ m$,$ respectively. Packing in the form of ceramic berl saddles are available in sizes from $0\mathrm{.}5$ to $1\mathrm{.}5$ inches, the column should be designed for a pressure drop of $0\mathrm{.}5$ inches H$2$O per foot of packing. Assume that sufficient cooling is supplied for the column to be nearly isothermal $($note that in practice this is not usually done$).$

a$)$ Discuss the suitability of this solvent for this operation, stating what factors may influence your choice of

solvent.

b$)$ Determine the mole$\%$ CO$2$ in the liquid stream leaving the column and determine the number of transfer units.

c$)$ Evaluate the height and diameter of the column required for each choice of packing.

d$)$ Discuss the suitability of each packing size for this operation and select one of these packing sizes, stating your

reasoning.

e$)$ Sketch the column arrangement, providing justification for this arrangement.