Open AccessSystematic study of aqueous monoethanolamine‐based CO 2 capture process: model development and process improvement
Author(s) -
Li Kangkang,
Cousins Ashleigh,
Yu Hai,
Feron Paul,
Tade Moses,
Luo Weiliang,
Chen Jian
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
energy science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.638
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2050-0505
DOI - 10.1002/ese3.101
Subject(s) - flue gas , process (computing) , process engineering , stripping (fiber) , process optimization , aqueous solution , process simulation , power station , materials science , environmental science , computer science , engineering , mechanical engineering , waste management , chemistry , environmental engineering , electrical engineering , operating system
In this paper, we present improvements to postcombustion capture ( PCC ) processes based on aqueous monoethanolamine ( MEA ). First, a rigorous, rate‐based model of the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture process from flue gas by aqueous MEA was developed using Aspen Plus, and validated against results from the PCC pilot plant trials located at the coal‐fired Tarong power station in Queensland, Australia. The model satisfactorily predicted the comprehensive experimental results from CO 2 absorption and CO 2 stripping process. The model was then employed to guide the systematic study of the MEA ‐based CO 2 capture process for the reduction in regeneration energy penalty through parameter optimization and process modification. Important process parameters such as MEA concentration, lean CO 2 loading, lean temperature, and stripper pressure were optimized. The process modifications were investigated, which included the absorber intercooling, rich‐split, and stripper interheating processes. The minimum regeneration energy obtained from the combined parameter optimization and process modification was 3.1 MJ/kg CO 2 . This study suggests that the combination of a validated rate‐based model and process simulation can be used as an effective tool to guide sophisticated process plant, equipment design and process improvement.