Modeling and simulation of CO2 gas desorption process in promoted MDEA solution using packed column

Abstract

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) gas at atmospheric pressure will tend to freeze, because of low temperature (-78°C), this results in frequent blockages in the piping section. In the process of synthesis of ammonia in the industry in the presence of a catalyst, CO2 gas will be toxic because it can cover the active-side of the catalyst. The process of CO2 gas absorption that is often used is reactive absorption using promoted solvent. The most commonly used solvent is a tertiary amine alkanol solution, one of which is a solution of Methyldiethanolamin (MDEA) using a piperazine catalyst. The output solution from the absorption of CO2 gas is processed by desorption to regenerate the solvent. CO2 gas desorption process is needed to save the use of solvents and catalysts. The purpose of this research is to do modeling and simulation on the process of desorption of CO2 gas from a promote MDEA solution using a packed column. Modeling assisted software media with a rate-based model approach using numerical equations with the completion of Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE) - 45. The data obtained was simulated and validated by comparing experimental data. The research parameters are the temperature of the input solution desorber, type and concentration of catalyst. Increasing the temperature of the solution and the concentration of the catalyst will increase the percent removal of CO2. This is caused by the effect of the temperature of the solution on the value of the reaction rate constant, and the type of catalyst influences the catalyst reactivity level of CO2 gas. The results of simulation data validation with experimental data show the average deviation of 22.05%, 14.24% and 7.85%.