Abstract:
The application of blended amine absorbents, which harness the advantages of high absorption capacity and low regeneration energy consumption over single organic amines, is investigated as a mainstream approach for carbon dioxide capture. Despite its promising potential, the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of blended amine absorbents remain potential, the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of blended amine absorbents remain understudied. Consequently, we focus on a CEU ternary blend comprising sterically hindered amines AMP (2–amino–2–methyl–1–propanol) and MDEA (N–methyldiethanolamine) as primary constituents. A comprehensive process flow model for a 500 kt/a CO
2 capture process from coal-fired power plant flue gas was developed with Aspen Plus software. This model serves as the basis for rigorous analyses aimed at optimizing process parameters and enhancing energy efficiency. The findings reveal a close correlation between the VLE simulation data and experimental results, validating the thermodynamic model's accuracy. Further, through simulation and optimization, we determine optimal equipment configurations, including 15-meter packing height for the absorber and 10-meter packing height for the regenerator. Additionally, the paper identify the 18th stage as the ideal location for interstage cooling, a 15% split ratio for rich liquid fractionation, and a 2 bar regeneration pressure that minimizes system energy consumption to 2.38 GJ/t CO
2. A technical and economic analysis based on these optimized parameters demonstrates a 19.72% reduction in total capture costs compared to the traditional 30wt% MEA technology. Experiment provides valuable insights and data support for the industrial adoption and advancement of blended amine absorbents in CO
2 capture processes.