Structural and Vibration Characteristics of Rotating Packed Beds System for Carbon Capture Applications Using Finite Element Method

The application of carbon capture systems on ships is technically constrained by limited onboard space and the weight of the conventional absorption tower. The rotating packed bed (RPB) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its small footprint and high mass transfer performance. However, despite its advantages, the structural and vibration stability of RPBs at high rotational speed remains insufficiently studied, and no international design standards currently exist for RPBs. To address this gap, this study performed a comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) using ANSYS to investigate the structural and dynamic characteristics of an RPB. A three-dimensional model was developed to evaluate the effects of material selection (316 stainless steel, aluminum alloy, titanium alloy), bearing stiffness, and unbalanced mass on deformation, stress, and natural frequencies. In the structural analysis, 316 stainless steel exhibited the highest von Mises stress and deformation. However, it was confirmed that all three materials did not exceed their yield strengths at the maximum rotating speed. Modal analysis and Campbell diagrams showed no resonance risk within the rated speed range, and increased bearing stiffness led to higher natural frequencies and improved stability. The findings provide quantitative design guidance for material selection, bearing stiffness optimization, and vibration control in high-rotational-speed RPB systems. This study contributes to establishing a foundational framework for the mechanical reliability and standardization of marine carbon capture units.