CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORPTION AND DESORPTION BY TRIS WITH CARBONIC ANHYDRASE
Abstract
One concept of carbon dioxide control in aerospace vehicle atmosphere regeneration and control requires an efficient gas absorber which is effective in a moist gas stream. A tris (tri(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) solution containing the enzyme, carbonic anhydrase (CA), was studied as to carbon dioxide absorption and desorption. The carbon dioxide content and the pH changes were monitored during the recycling of a gas mixture through the absorber solution. Desorption was accomplished by nitrogen aeration. The application of DC potentials to the absorber solution indicated an acceleration of carbon dioxide desorption. Vacuum desorption of carbon dioxide without nitrogen bubbling was not effective. Nitrogen Vacuum desorption of carbon dioxide without nitrogen bubbling was not effective. Nitrogen aeration at 33 C was more effective than at room temperature or at 13 C. This pH of the enzyme-tris solution varied inversely with the carbon dioxide content. The tris solution was a more effective carbon dioxide absorber than 0.1 N NaOH when the enzyme was present. A long time stability of approximately five weeks for a 70-ml aliquot of tris at 0.1 N with 10 mg of CA was indicated by the repeated absorption and desorption runs made in the regeneration studies. The application of a buffered enzyme solution to carbon dioxide control is supported by a rapid removal rate from a recycling air stream and a regeneration capability. This concept of carbon dioxide control requires additional research for the evaluation of techniques to accelerate the carbon dioxide desorption process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0818902
Entities
People
- John P. Allen
Organizations
- Flight Dynamics Laboratory