(558bt) Study on Optimal Side Draw Amine Design to Improve the Performance of the Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Processes

CO₂ is the major greenhouse gas that is widely condemned as the root cause of the global climate change. The emission of CO₂ from fossil fuel combustion and industry processes contribute 78% of total greenhouse gas emission due to the globally economic and population growth. Therefore, the continuous technology advancement for CO₂ capture are crucial to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions as well as global climate changes. Amine-based post combustion CO₂ capture process has a long application history and has been recognized as a mature technology for coal-based power plant. Many studies have been conducted to improve the performance of this process, such as choosing better amine solvents, optimizing the lean solvent inlet conditions, and improving the absorption and regeneration process designs.

The design of a side draw from the stripper to absorber is a promising way to reduce the energy consumption and thus to improve the performance of the post combustion CO₂ capture process. However, few studies provide a systematic method for the relevant optimal design and operation. This study employs both steady-state and dynamic modeling and simulation to investigate the best tray position, temperature, and flowrate of the semi-lean amine for the side draw. First, by investigating the solvent on each stage of stripper and the liquid/gas composition on each stage of absorber, the approximate location for side-draw flow inlet and outlet could be roughly identified. Second, multiple simulations will be conducted to obtain the energy saving operating conditions under different side-draw flow designs including different temperature and flowrate of the side-draw stream. Finally, by comparing both steady-state and dynamic simulation results, the optimal design and operation will be identified.