This paper describes an experimental study of four different absorber designs in this type of system : cross-current and counter-current packed-bed absorbers, the spray absorber and fluid-bed absorber. In a laboratory pilot, plant, working lines for the absorbers were determined under adiabatic conditions. The influences of internal solution flow, gas flow, pressure drop and dissipation are discussed. The working lines represent the efficiency for each absorber. The highest performance occurs with the packed-bed absorbers, followed by the fluid-bed absorber and finally the spray absorber. For open absorption systems in air-conditioning applications (small scale), the cross-current absorber is preferable, and for industrial utilization (large scale) the fluid-bed absorber should be chosen.