Mathematical modeling of carbon dioxide removal using amine-promoted hot potassium carbonate in a hollow fiber membrane contactor

In this study, a mathematical model has been developed for absorption of carbon dioxide into promoted hot potassium carbonate in hollow fiber membrane contactors (HFMC). The model, which is based on a conventional split flow absorber (CSFA) unit data of Shiraz Petrochemical Complex, has been validated with the experimental data obtained from literature for CO2 absorption in MEA promoted NaOH solution as a solvent. The model prediction of carbon dioxide absorption in HFMC has been compared with CSFA. The results indicated that HFMC can be used as an industrial alternative for CO2 absorption. Absorption of CO2 in promoted hot potassium carbonate is simulated and compared with N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) and aqueous blend of DEA and MDEA. The results represented that the performance of various absorbent solutions for CO2 removal is as follows: Promoted hot potassium carbonate > AMP > DEA > MDEA > blend of MDEA and DEA. Also investigation of related parameters in carbon dioxide absorption indicated that the removal efficiency enhances with increasing liquid velocity, number of fibers, temperature and also decreasing gas velocity in the membrane contactor.