Dynamic Modeling and Control of the Carbon Dioxide Capture Process Using Monoethanolamine Solvent

Abstract

ABSTRACT MEA (monoethanolamine) process is the most extended chemical absorption solvent for CO2 capture in post-combustion process. Improvements of the energy consumption of this process has continuously been the significant research focus. A rate-based dynamic model for the comprehensive CO2 absorption process using aqueous MEA solution is developed on Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM) and verified by the pilot plant dynamic data from the literature. A carbon dioxide absorption process with a typical control scheme for the treatment of the coal-fired power plant flue gas is simulated using this model. The dynamic responses to the disturbances of the flue gas flow rate, temperature, and carbon dioxide concentration as well as the set point change of the absorption efficiency are obtained. The response time is about 6 hours for disturbance change and about 9 hours for set point change. The model can be utilized to evaluate the performance of alternative control schemes and optimal dynamic operations.