Abstract

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 (CO₂) 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 CO₂ absorption and CO₂ stripping process. The model was then employed to guide the systematic study of the MEA ‐based CO₂ capture process for the reduction in regeneration energy penalty through parameter optimization and process modification. Important process parameters such as MEA concentration, lean CO₂ 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 CO₂. 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.

We present improvements to postcombustion capture ( PCC ) processes based on aqueous monoethanolamine ( MEA ). A rigorous, rate‐based model of the MEA ‐based CO₂ capture process is validated against the pilot plant results. Process improvements significantly reduce the energy requirement of solvent regeneration.