Rate-based Modelling and Validation of a Pilot Absorber Using MDEA Enhanced with Carbonic Anhydrase (CA)

The focus of this work is to develop a rate-based model for CO2 absorption using MDEA enhanced with CA and to validate it against pilot-scale absorption experiments. In this work, we compare model predictions to measured temperature and CO2 concentration profiles for different L/G ratios, lean CO2 loadings, gas CO2 content and packing height. We show that the developed model is suitable for CO2 capture simulation and optimization using MDEA and MDEA enhanced with CA. Furthermore, we investigate the accuracy of the General Method (GM) enhancement factor model for CO2 absorption/desorption using wetted-wall column data: 0 to 0.5 CO2 loading and temperatures between 298 and 328 K. The present study represents a first step towards developing and optimizing a CA promoted MDEA CO2 capture process.