Process simulation of CO2 absorption at TCM Mongstad

Abstract

Developing robust and predictable process simulation tools for CO2 capture is important for improving carbon capture technology and reduce man made CO2 emissions. In this thesis, five different scenarios of experimental data from the amine based CO2 capture process at TCM have been simulated in rate-based model in Aspen Plus and equilibriumbased model in Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus. The simulations have been compared based on the prediction reliability for removal grade, temperature profile and rich loading. In previous work, these five scenarios have been simulated and compared in Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus. Some of the results from earlier work are verified in this thesis. The main purpose have been to fit the simulated results with performance data from TCM, and evaluate whether fitted parameters for one scenario gives reasonable predictions at other conditions. Two new EM-profiles were estimated, and scaled to fit all five scenarios by developing an EM-factor. From this work the new model with fitted parameters gave a reliable prediction of removal grade and temperature profile for all scenarios, and predicted more reliable results than rate-based model with estimated IAF. The scenarios were also simulated with default EM-profile in Aspen HYSYS, where the removal grade was fitted to performance data by adjusting number of stages. The scenarios were also simulated with three different amine packages in Aspen HYSYS, Kent-Eisenberg, Li-Mather and Acid Gas - Liquid Treating.