Performance of industrially implemented turbulent contact absorbers – A comparative study

Abstract

The current study aims to assess the performance and industrial feasibility of using three-phase fluidized bed absorption columns for post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. The analysis is based on a mathematical model of a scaled-up fluidized bed absorption column that has been validated using pilot plant experimental data. The focus is on evaluating the energy efficiency of the fluidized bed column in comparison to packed bed technologies, which are currently widely used. The results of the analysis are evaluated in terms of three performance indicators (i.e., absorption efficiency, carbon capture rate, and energy performance index) and compared to packed bed columns. Simulation results indicate that the best column configuration is represented by a three-stage absorber and that the system performs optimally when particle diameter and density decrease with each section. Consequently, this leads to an increase in the total fluidized bed height and carbon capture rate by up to 25%. The energy performance index is maintained below 3.6, indicating an energy-efficient operation of the system. As such, the findings of this study suggest that the use of gas-solid-liquid three-phase fluidized bed absorption columns for post-combustion CO2 capture is a promising technology for the implementation of CCUS and for achieving of climate neutrality targets.