The hydrodynamic behaviour and mass transfer of carbon dioxide removal process by aqueous solutions of triethanolamine (TEA) are analysed. The experiments were made in a bubble column reactor (BCR) as gas-liquid contactor. The interfacial area and mass transfer coefficient were calculated by using a photographic method based on the bubble diameter determination. The influence of operation conditions, liquid phase nature and chemical reaction on the mass transfer coefficient and gas-liquid interfacial area has been also analysed. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.