Analysis of CO2 equilibrium data in aqueous solutions of DEA, MDEA and their mixtures using the modified Kent Eisenberg model and the Deshmukh-Mather model

Abstract

Alkanolamine solutions are widely used for the removal of acid gases such as CO2 and H2S from process streams containing these components in the industries. The technique has been proven to be reliable and has found wide application in many chemical industries such as ammonia production, coal gasification and natural gas processing. In this work, equilibrium data of CO2 absorption in aqueous solutions of single and mixed amine was analysed using the Modified Kent Eisenberg model and the Deshmukh-Mather model. Experimental data on CO2 loading in aqueous solutions of DEA and MDEA at temperatures ranging from 303K to 323K and CO2 partial pressure from 0.09kPa to 100 kPa obtained using a stirred cell reactor was fitted to generate the different parameters required in each model. Using the generated parameters, the models were applied to predict the CO2 loading in solutions of DEA and MDEA reported in the literature. In all cases, it was found that both models were found to give a good prediction of CO2 loading over a wide range of operating conditions. However, the Deshmukh-Mather model was found to be more accurate compared to the Kent Eisenberg model in predicting CO2 loading, especially at low CO2 partial pressures.