Simulation of Post-combustion CO2 Capture System Using New Effective Interfacial Area Correlation

An Aspen RateSep absorber model was developed based on a new interfacial area correlation which was developed by experimental data for the MEA/CO2 system for Mellapak 2X packing. The model was verified with four tests from large scale pilot data (CESAR). Experiments were performed in a 1.1m diameter absorber equipped with four 4.25m bed of Mellapak 2X packing. Although the RateSep model slightly overestimates the absorber gas temperature profile, the model successfully showed the temperature profile shapes in the absorber. The reaction affects the temperature bulge and absorption rate in the absorber. The lower CO2 removal efficiency predicted by the RateSep model can be explained by the assumptions behind the kinetic model development.