Objective As an innovative process intensification technology, the high-gravity reactor significantly enhances the mass transfer coefficient in gas-liquid reaction systems, effectively addressing the low mass transfer efficiency problem of conventional columns during carbon capture. It is anticipated to offer a novel technical solution for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). However, the high-speed rotary shear of the packing in the reactor results in complex fluid flow and mass transfer characteristics, complicating the structural design and parameter optimization of the reactor.

Methods This study focused on the characteristics of liquid flow, dispersion, and mass transfer during chemical absorption of CO₂ in high-gravity reactors, based on their structural types, characteristics, and mass transfer intensification principles. The discussion was framed around two key aspects: experimental study and numerical simulation. Additionally, the future development trends of carbon capture research in high-gravity reactors were explored.

Results Compared to experimental methods, numerical simulation offers distinct advantages in determining the flow characteristics of fluids within the packing. A numerical model that closely resembles the real packing structure can provide valuable insights into key flow parameters, such as gas-liquid effective interface area, liquid microelement grain size, and phase interface parameters. The shape of the packing’s surface and cross-section significantly influences the liquid’s dispersion characteristics; specifically, hydrophobic surfaces and oval or diamond cross-sections enhance dispersion. However, the synergistic effects of the packing’s surface properties and cross-section shape remain unclear. Both numerical and process simulation methods could yield relatively accurate mass transfer results, with key sub-models—such as gas-liquid effective contact area, phase interface parameters, and liquid microelement grain size—playing crucial roles in the results of the simulations.

Conclusion Given the unclear flow and dispersion behavior characteristics in the packing of high-gravity reactors, both domestically and internationally, as well as the need to enhance mass transfer performance, the following recommendations are proposed: develop a new type of packing that promotes effective liquid dispersion and extends liquid residence time; primarily utilize numerical simulation to obtain detailed flow characteristics of liquids in actual packing, supplemented by experimental research; and establish a CFD-process simulation coupling model to simulate the entire carbon capture system, thereby optimizing the performance of both the high-gravity reactor and the overall carbon capture system by evaluating system efficiency.