Solubilization and concentration of carbon dioxide: novel spray reactors with immobilized carbonic anhydrase.

Novel spray reactors are described that employ immobilized biocatalyst (carbonic anhydrase), enabling concentration and solubilization of emitted CO(2) by allowing catalytic contact with water spray. The reactors were fed with simulated emission gas. The performance of the reactors was investigated with respect to operation variable: emission flow rate; gas composition in the emission stream; water flow rate; area-to-volume ratio of immobilized reactor core; and the enzyme load within the core. The reactors were also investigated for pressure drop and extractability of CO(2) from the emission with single vs. multiple reactors (of combined equal volume). The biotechnological process of solubilization and concentration of CO(2) from emission exhausts or streams occurring in the spray reactors could be coupled for further biochemical/chemical conversion of the concentrated CO(2). Copyright 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.