Optimal design and sensitivity analysis of post-combustion CO2 capture process by chemical absorption with amines. (1st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arias, Ana M.; Mores, Patricia L.; Scenna, Nicolas J.; Mussati, Sergio F.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 115(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 315
• Page End: 331
• Publication Date: 2016-03-01
• Subjects: CO2 capture processes -- Optimal design -- Simultaneous optimization approach -- Chemical absorption with amines -- Sensitivity analysis -- Mathematical programming; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.12.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This paper focuses on the optimization of the specific total annual cost (operating costs and investments) of a post-combustion CO2 capture plant with chemical absorption and on the sensitivity analyses of all of the model parameters. Using a mathematical programming approach and a detailed model the optimal design of the entire process (absorption, amine regeneration, compression stage, and energy recovery system) is investigated. For a more general discussion, two optimal designs that differ on how the total operating cost is computed are discussed. In the former case, the operating cost includes the MEA and H2 O make-ups and cooling water costs. In the second case the cost of the steam required in the reboiler and the total electricity cost are also included. In both cases, the entire process is simultaneously optimized in order to determine the optimal sizes of each process unit and the operating conditions that minimize the specific total cost. The solutions obtained for both objective functions are compared in detail. Then, sensitivity analyses are performed in order to identify and to investigate how the two optimal designs are modified with the variations of the model parameters. Among others, the results revealed that the specific total cost varies from −0.10 to 7.7% when the parameters are ±2.5% of their nominal values. However, significant differences are observed in the optimal sizes in several process units (variations up to 118.30% depending on the case) and also in the requirements of steam, electricity and cooling water (variations up to 27.60% depending on the case). The numerical results that support the conclusions are presented and discussed through several optimization solutions. Highlights: Minimization of TAC for entire CO2 capture process by MEA solution is discussed. Two objective functions based on CAPEX and OPEX were investigated. Sensitivity study was based on all of the model parameters. Obtained results are useful for optimal design of entire CO2 capture process.