The fibre membrane contactors is presented. One-dimensional and two-dimensional approaches are compared. A relatively wide operating domain was covered, ranging from fresh solvent and partial MEA conversions which correspond to experimental data, to partially loaded solvent and almost complete MEA conversion which represent industrial conditions. Both models predicted solvent flux reversal through the membrane and significant temperature peaks, up to 75 degrees C. Moreover, important solvent losses are expected for the absorption unit. For considerably reduced calculation times, the one-dimensional model provided average results that compared well with those of the two-dimensional model. A relative difference of only 2.88% was found in the average absorbed specific flux of CO2. In the considered operating domain, the diffusion of the complex reaction product, protonated-amine-carbamate, could be considered non-limiting. Furthermore, the use of an average equivalent membrane mass transfer coefficient was found to be adequate. Finally comparison with the packed bed technology evidenced similar trends and significant process intensification. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.