Summary

The solvent-based absorption technique is an important and mature solution for CO2 capture. This Aspen Plus example
models CO2 capture from coal power plant flue gas at the rate of 1 Million ton/year by using MEA. The absorber and
stripper are modeled with the rate-based distillation model. It can be used as a starting point for more complex models for
process design and optimization, debottlenecking, and plant and equipment design.

Example File Details

This example is based on a design case [1]. The dry flue gas, which consists of CO2, H2 and N2, is sent to the absorber
column to remove CO2.
The packed absorber column is divided into 20 stages in the simulation. The syngas enters the column at the bottom and the
lean MEA solvent enters the column on stage 1. CO2 is absorbed by the solvent in the column. Clean gas comes out the top
of the absorber and the rich solvent leaves the absorber from the bottom and is sent to the stripper.
Before entering the stripper, the rich solvent stream goes through a heat exchanger to increase the temperature to 200 °F. The
stripper is divided into 20 stages in the simulation. Rich solvent enters the stripper column on the first stage. CO2 is stripped
from the rich amine in the column and the MEA solvent is regenerated. The lean solvent from the bottom of the stripper is
recycled with makeup back to the absorber.

Relevant Sustainability Trainings

EAP2510 Achieve Sustainability Targets through Carbon Capture Modeling - Learn how to build more
accurate rate-based models to make better predictions for sustainability calculations. Learn how to determine and
setup component properties and reactions needed to model carbon capture processes to meet sustainability
goals.

EAP101 Model Sustainable Processes by Accurately Predicting GHG and Minimizing Energy and Material
Waste - Learn how to use Aspen Plus to accurately predict greenhouse gas emission and improve energy
efficiency to meet your sustainability targets.

EAP250 Optimize Column Design and Run Sustainable Operations with Rate-Based Distillation Modeling
- Leverage Aspen Plus rate-based modeling capabilities of RadFrac to model CO2 capture processes to
meet sustainability goals. Learn how to use Column Analysis feature to optimize column design and run
sustainable operations

EAP2980 Meet Sustainability Goals by Accurately Modeling Complex Chemistry for CO2 Capture and H2
Production - Leverage Aspen Properties’ powerful thermodynamic engine to tackle complex sustainability
processes involved in carbon capture and hydrogen production.

Summary

Carbon Capture, CO2 capture, syngas