CO2 Separation from Flue Gases by Adsorption

Abstract

This paper deals with gas separation by adsorption processes. The key objective is to investigate the adsorption suitability for Post-combustion Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Capture (PCC). Adsorption is a promising technology suitable for a high volume of diluted gas processing. Unlike commercialised amine-based absorption processes, adsorption seems to require less energy for sorbent regeneration and extends the sorbent lifetime. Two common industrial methods utilizing a difference in adsorption equilibrium of the gas components were investigated: 1) Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) including Vacuum Swing Adsorption (VSA), 2) Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA). A comparison of their energy consumption, suitability for industrial use with consideration of Carbon Capture and Storage standards is evaluated. A complex mathematical model for the adsorption step of the fixed bed adsorber was proposed and solved by the structural programming. Three adsorbent materials: Mg-MOF-74, UTSA-16, and Zeolite 13X were evaluated based on their CO2 adsorption capacity, selectivity, and market availability. Zeolite 13X was further explored. As a benchmark case, a medium-sized natural gas cogeneration unit was used to study the potential of VSA unit. The lower limit of CO2 capture efficiency in simulations was 75 %. The results presented in this paper suggest that adsorption can be a feasible CO2 capture solution for a low-carbon emission power generation technologies. Optimal parameters for the adsorption step and column configuration are proposed.