What is a Stripping Column?

A stripping column is a vital piece of chemical engineering equipment used to remove one or more components from a liquid stream by contacting it with a gas stream. This process is the reverse of absorption. In stripping, mass transfer occurs from the liquid phase to the gas phase, making it essential for wastewater treatment, oil refining, and gas purification.

How to Use This Calculator

To calculate the number of theoretical stages (N) required for your stripping operation, you need five primary variables: the molar flow rates of the liquid (L) and gas (G), the equilibrium constant (m) representing the distribution coefficient (y/x), and the desired inlet and outlet concentrations of the solute in the liquid phase.

Simply enter these values into the fields above. Our tool uses the Kremser Equation, a standard analytical method for calculating stages in dilute systems where the operating and equilibrium lines are assumed to be straight.

Understanding the Stripping Factor (S)

The stripping factor is a dimensionless number defined as S = mG/L. For efficient stripping, S should ideally be greater than 1. If S is less than 1, an infinite number of stages might be required to reach very low outlet concentrations. This calculator automatically computes the stripping factor as the first step in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between absorption and stripping?

Absorption involves transferring a solute from a gas to a liquid. Stripping is the exact opposite—transferring a solute from a liquid to a gas, typically to clean the liquid or recover a valuable component.

Why are theoretical stages important?

The number of theoretical stages helps engineers determine the physical height of the column. By applying a stage efficiency (HETP or Murphree efficiency), you can convert these theoretical steps into real-world equipment dimensions.