Influence of five model parameters on the performance of a CO2 absorber column by a loaded aqueous MEA solution

Abstract

Rigorous packed-bed absorber modeling and simulation are significant for post-combustion CO2 capture processes design. Hence, a good knowledge and judicious selection of model parameters are essential to ensure reliable predictions. In this paper, the reactive absorption of CO2 into loaded aqueous monoethanolamine solution was modeled, furthermore, the effects of five different parameters (kinetic model, enhancement factor, enthalpy of absorption, CO2 diffusivity, and vapor pressure) were investigated. Finally, this study revealed that some model parameters have a large influence on the column performance, contrary to others. In addition, methods and correlations that generally provide more accurate predictions of the empirical data relative to the other cases involved in this research were determined for each model parameter. It was also found that the model deviation was reduced by 18% and 4% for the liquid temperature and liquids CO2 loading profiles, respectively, while comparing between the worst and the best case.