Modelling of a post-combustion CO2 capture process using neural networks

•Modelling post-combustion CO2 capture process using neural networks.•Both steady state and dynamic models are developed.•The neural network models predict CO2 capture rate and CO2 capture level.•Bootstrap aggregated neural networks offer very accurate long range predictions.

This paper presents a study of modelling post-combustion CO2 capture process using bootstrap aggregated neural networks. The neural network models predict CO2 capture rate and CO2 capture level using the following variables as model inputs: inlet flue gas flow rate, CO2 concentration in inlet flue gas, pressure of flue gas, temperature of flue gas, lean solvent flow rate, MEA concentration and temperature of lean solvent. In order to enhance model accuracy and reliability, multiple feedforward neural network models are developed from bootstrap re-sampling replications of the original training data and are combined. Bootstrap aggregated model can offer more accurate predictions than a single neural network, as well as provide model prediction confidence bounds. Simulated CO2 capture process operation data from gPROMS simulation are used to build and verify neural network models. Both neural network static and dynamic models are developed and they offer accurate predictions on unseen validation data. The developed neural network models can then be used in the optimisation of the CO2 capture process.