desorberer

Desorber (also called desorberer in some contexts) refers to a unit used to remove adsorbed species from solids by desorption, or to regenerate an absorbent by heating to release the captured component. The term is commonly applied in adsorption systems and in solvent regeneration in gas treatment. Desorption can be driven thermally, by reducing pressure, or by a combination, depending on the adsorbent, adsorbed species, and the required product quality.

In adsorption-based processes, the desorber heats the adsorbent bed (for example activated carbon or zeolite) to liberate the adsorbed molecules. The desorbed effluent is collected, condensed, or purged, while the bed is cooled for reuse. In solvent-based gas treating, the desorber (often called a regenerator) heats a rich solvent to release dissolved gas such as CO2 or H2S. The regenerated lean solvent returns to the absorber, and the desorbed gas undergoes further processing.

Desorbers may be simple vessels or packed/tray columns and are equipped with heat transfer, a reboiler or furnace, a condenser, and separators to recover liquids from the desorbed stream. Operating conditions vary, but desorption generally requires elevated temperature and, in some cases, reduced pressure. Materials of construction depend on the chemical species and temperature.

Safety and environmental considerations include handling corrosive solvents, toxic desorption products, solvent losses, and emissions. Energy efficiency is often addressed by integrating the desorber with the absorber and by optimizing heat recovery.