Kinetics of absorption of carbon dioxide into aqueous sodium sulfite solutions

The rates of absorption of pure carbon dioxide into aqueous sodium sulfite solutions containing or not containing sodium sulfate were measured at 15, 25, 35 and 45°C and at atmospheric pressure using a liquid‐jet column, a wetted‐wall column, and a quiescent‐liquid absorber. The experimental results were analyzed by the chemical absorption theory based on the penetration model. The second‐order forward rate constants for the reaction between carbon dioxide and sulfite ion in aqueous solutions were calculated and correlated as a function of temperature and ionic strength of the solution. The chemical equilibrium constants for the reaction were also determined from the measurements of the total solubility of carbon dioxide in aqueous sodium sulfite solutions.