Process simulation and optimization for post-combustion CO2 capture pilot plant using high CO2 concentration flue gas as a source

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2024-12, Vol.349, p.127873, Article 127873
• Main Authors: Yan, Zuyi, Zheng, Wenchao, Liu, Sen, Luo, Xiao, Huang, Yangqiang, Jin, Bo, Gao, Hongxia, Xiao, Min, Liang, Zhiwu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blended amine; CO2 absorption; MEA/MDEA/AMP; Pilot plant; Process simulation
• ISSN: 1383-5866
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.127873

•An MEA/MDEA/AMP model for the CO2 absorption process was established in Aspen Plus.•The models were validated respectively by MEA and MEA/MDEA/AMP pilot plant data.•The optimization processes reduced CO2 unit consumption by more than 20%. This work mainly focuses on process simulation and optimization of a high-concentrated CO2 chemical absorption process using aqueous amine solutions based on both pilot plant data and process modeling. To optimize operating parameters for reducing energy consumptions, this study explores the influence of process structure and operational parameters on the product purity, capture rate, and energy consumption, which would provide theoretical and technical support for optimizing high-concentration CO2 capture. At first, the rate-based absorption/desorption models are established and well-verified by a total of 25 sets of pilot plant data, which shows high accuracy for reliable model predictions. Under an annual absorption capacity of 50 tons at a 90% capture rate and 95% product purity, the optimal case using Monoethanolamine (MEA) solution shows an increased CO2 capture rate of 12.37% and a decreased unit energy consumption of 22.5%. After flowsheet optimization, a new system of blended MEA, Methyl diethanolamine (MDEA), and 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) solution is designed to capturing high-concentrated CO2 under the same conditions. Compared with the MEA system, its specified energy consumption is reduced by 10.35% and its CO2 capture capacity increases by 11.6 tons annually.