| dc.description.abstract | This thesis is based on earlier work conducted by the USN, HSN, and TUC on cost estimation and optimization of CO2 capturing from flue gas using monoetahnol amine absorption (MEA).
A simulation model has been implemented in the Aspen HYSYS V10 to simulate the CO2 removal process by using the calculations in spreadsheets. Spreadsheets have been used to compute capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), equipment dimensioning, and removal efficiency. Prices for the base cases were calculated in Aspen In-Plant Cost Estimator V10, and the power-law equation was applied to account for new equipment dimensions. The tools case study, Aspen simulation workbook, and Visual Basic for Application (VBA) in Excel have been used as solutions to automate the simulation. The chance of making a mistake when selecting the appropriate installation factor and subfactors for each equipment has been eliminated through the VBA code, which does it automatically.
The best trade-off between heat exchanger area and energy consumption has been obtained for the minimum approach temperature (ΔTmin) in a lean-rich heat exchanger at 9 degrees Celsius (°C). In addition, the optimal number of absorber stages in the process has been determined to be 15 stages, and the gas through the absorber has an optimal superficial velocity of 2 to 2.2 m/s.
With this model, iterative cost estimation of CO2 absorption and desorption processes can be implemented automatically and instantly. Human errors in selecting installation factors and subfactors for different equipment are also eliminated. | |
