Theoretical and experimental study of the absorption process of ammonia in ionic liquids for absorption refrigeration systems

Identifier:  TDX:3382

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX3382

Authors:  Rives Sanz, Ronny

Abstract:
Recently, ionic liquids have been proposed as alternative, adjustable absorbents for natural refrigerants in absorption refrigeration systems. However, the high viscosity, low mass diffusivity, and the lack of reliable information on the thermophysical properties of their mixtures with these refrigerants are important limitations for their effective implementation. The main objective of this thesis is to study the absorption process of ammonia in ionic liquids to determine the time evolution of the absorption rate and the concentration profiles in the absorbent fluid. These types of experimental data are useful for selecting ionic liquids suitable as absorbent of ammonia in new absorption refrigeration and heat pump systems. The ionic liquids studied are: ethylammonium nitrate (EAN); 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium-tetrafluoroborate ([emim] [BF4]); and 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium-tetrafluoroborate ([bmim][BF4]), with different ammonia solubilities and viscosities. The Pressure Drop Method was implemented to determine the time evolution of the absorption rate of ammonia in the ILs selected, throughout the absorption process. Absorption experiments were performed at infinite dilution of ammonia, at the temperatures of 293.15 K and 303.15 K, during more 15 hours.