Dynamic model validation of the post-combustion CO2 absorption process

A general dynamic process model of the post-combustion carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption process based on aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) is developed and implemented in MATLAB. The overall process model contains several unit models developed from first principle conservation laws for mass and energy, each representing individual process equipment. An equation based numerical integration method is used to solve the overall equation system simultaneously in MATLAB. Pilot plant data from specifically designed dynamic experiments with 30 wt% MEA is collected from a pilot plant at NTNU and SINTEF laboratories. This includes steady state data for eight different conditions along with six dynamic data sets with relevant step changes in lean solvent flow rate and reboiler duty. The pilot plant data show a very good steady state mass balance which indicates that the generated data sets are reliable. Two of the dynamic data sets are used for model validation and the results shows adequate agreement between model and pilot plant data. An average of 0.3% and -2.8% deviation in absorbed CO2 is seen for the two simulated cases compared to pilot plant results and it is concluded that the model is able to capture the main dynamics of the experiments. The main cause of deviation is believed to concern uncertainties in mass transfer and effective mass transfer area correlations. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.