Optimization of amine-based carbon capture: Simulation and energy efficiency analysis of absorption section

• Published in: Results in engineering 2024-12, Vol.24, p.103574, Article 103574
• Main Authors: Moghaddam, Amin Hedayati, Esfandyari, Morteza, Sakhaeinia, Hossein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Amine; Carbon capture; Optimization; Simulation
• ISSN: 2590-1230; 2590-1230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.103574

•Achieved over 98 % CO2 removal efficiency with a minimum energy consumption of 6035 KW using amine-based absorbents in post-combustion carbon capture.•Optimized operational parameters (temperature, pressure, number of stages, gas/amine ratio) through simulation in Aspen-Hysys and response surface methodology (RSM).•Identified minimum number of absorption column stages (16) for maximum capture efficiency and energy savings.•Provides critical insights into designing more efficient carbon capture systems with enhanced performance and cost-effectiveness. Carbon capture is an essential technology in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2, from industrial and power generation sources. This study investigates the post-combustion carbon capture using amine-based absorbents and evaluates the efficiency of CO2 removal and energy consumption in absorption section of this process. Through simulation with Aspen-Hysys and design of experiment (DoE) using response surface methodology (RSM) as well as optimization, the study investigates the effects of operational parameters such as temperature and pressure of absorption column, number of stages in absorption column, flue gas/amine ratio, and CO2 mol fraction in inlet flue gas on CO2 capture efficiency and energy consumption. Key performance metrics such as capture efficiency, energy consumption for compressor and cooler, and optimal operational conditions were analyzed. In optimum conditions, CO2 removal efficiency of more than 98 % with possible minimum energy consumption of 6035 KW as well as minimum number of stages of 16 were achieved. The results significantly highlight not only improvements in capture efficiency, reduced energy and capital cost savings, but also address the significant environmental benefits, providing crucial insights into the design and operation of more efficient carbon capture systems.