A simulation study on the abatement of CO2 emissions by de-absorption with monoethanolamine

• Published in: Environmental technology 2010-01, Vol.31 (1), p.107-115
• Main Authors: Greer, T., Bedelbayev, A., Igreja, J.M., Gomes, J.F., Lie, B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Air Pollutants - chemistry; Air Pollutants - isolation & purification; amine; Applied sciences; Atmospheric pollution; Carbon dioxide; Carbon Dioxide - chemistry; Carbon Dioxide - isolation & purification; Chemical engineering; Chemical thermodynamics; Chemistry; Combustion; Computer Simulation; Conservation of Natural Resources - methods; de-absorption; dynamic model; Emission analysis; Ethanolamine - chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Fossil fuels; Fugacity; General and physical chemistry; General. Theory; Liquids; Mathematical models; Models, Chemical; Pollution; Reactors; Solutions; Studies; Vapour
• ISSN: 0959-3330; 1479-487X
• DOI: 10.1080/09593330903373764

Because of the adverse effect of CO 2 from fossil fuel combustion on the earth's ecosystems, the most cost-effective method for CO 2 capture is an important area of research. The predominant process for CO 2 capture currently employed by industry is chemical absorption in amine solutions. A dynamic model for the de-absorption process was developed with monoethanolamine (MEA) solution. Henry's law was used for modelling the vapour phase equilibrium of the CO 2 , and fugacity ratios calculated by the Peng-Robinson equation of state (EOS) were used for H 2 O, MEA, N 2 and O 2 . Chemical reactions between CO 2 and MEA were included in the model along with the enhancement factor for chemical absorption. Liquid and vapour energy balances were developed to calculate the liquid and vapour temperature, respectively.