(46d) Numerical Simulation of CO2 Capture Process with Monoethanolamine and Three Types of Structure Packing Used

Carbon dioxide is considered to be the most prominent anthropogenic greenhouse gas in our planet's atmosphere. An increased concentration of this gas is one of the main responsible factors for global warming. Amine absorption processes are considered to be a viable technological solution for capturing CO2 from low pressure flue gas stream. In particular, the Monoetanolamine (MEA) based process shows promising results due to its fast reaction rate with CO2 and low cost of raw materials compared to other amines. However, MEA absorption process is associated with high capital and operating costs because of the significant amount of energy required for solvent regeneration and severe operating problems such as corrosion, solvent loss and solvent degradation. The results of the numerical simulation show the optimum operation conditions per each separation columns. With this data the dimensions of the CO2 capture process columns were calculated, considering an application related to a power generation plant. A comparison among different operation conditions and three different types of structured packing: ININ18, Sulzer BX and Mellapak were performed to determine the best operating conditions for CO2 capture. Analysis of the lean loading and porcentage recovery were carried out. The ININ 18 structured packing demonstrated the best hydrodynamic efficiency with high gas flow levels. This packing was made at the Mexican Nacional of Nuclear Research.