Solvent regeneration with a high volatility liquid as stripping carrier

Stripping of CO2-loaded monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions was carried out with the addition of a low latent energy of vaporization compound as a stripping carrier. The compound used in the stripper was immiscible with the aqueous MEA solution. The impact of the carrier in the stripping experiments was compared with control experiments with no carrier at 90, 100, and 108 °C. The carrier contributed significantly to increase the amount of CO2 stripped from the solution at the lower temperatures (<100 °C) when there was reduced water vapor generated from the aqueous MEA solution. The potential of using the process to reduce steam and the consequent energy savings in solvent regeneration have been highlighted.

► Volatile chemical used as additional stripping carrier for solvent regeneration.
► Carrier enhanced stripping of MEA solution at low temperatures (<100 °C).
► Marginal impact of carrier for stripping temperatures above 100 °C.
► Potential to reduce steam input to reboiler could result in energy savings.