Experimental results of split-flow modification for post-combustion CO2 capture process

Abstract

Process development unit (PDU) for amine-based post-combustion carbon capture located at Clean Coal Technologies Centre in Zabrze, Poland, was used to validate split steam configuration. Process development unit having a capacity of up to 100 m3n/h was designed to test the amine scrubbing carbon capture process from flue gases or mixtures of technical gases. Flexible process flow sheet of the unit allowed investigation of the split-flow process. The split-flow flow sheet modification was compared to a standard system for chemical absorption based CO2 capture. The tests were conducted using well-accepted baseline solvent: 30%wt aqueous MEA solution. The flow sheet modification resulted in a decrease of reboiler heat duty by 4–6% and an increase in CO2 recovery. Split-flow process modification was examined together with standard process flow sheet, and a vast number of process parameters recorded during the trials have been presented. The explanation of beneficial effects of split-flow designs has been shown together with detailed analysis of experimental trials carried out using PDU for amine-based post-combustion carbon capture. This paper is also a valuable source of experimental data useful during validation of models.