Optimising CO2 stripping in carbon capture with integrated heat pump systems, a focus on regenerator pressure selection
Andrea Orsetti
Senior Technology Process Engineer, NEXTCHEM
A. Orsetti (*), E. Disarò, P. Felici, F.E.G. Ferrari
(*) reference Author
Post-combustion carbon capture is a technology designed to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial flue gases, by capturing their CO2 content. One critical aspect of this technology is related to its energy consumption, which is often crucial to determining its economic feasibility. The skilled engineer knows that the most widely used post-combustion carbon capture technology is based on chemical absorption with an amine solvent that selectively retains CO2. Usually, the CO2-laden solvent is then regenerated in a regeneration section by providing thermal energy (typically in the form of steam), in the range 2.0-4.0 GJ per tonne of captured CO2, and then recirculated to the absorption section.
Therefore, in carbon capture systems, the integration of heat pumps presents an opportunity to improve overall energy efficiency and provides a viable alternative to steam generation. However, the operating pressure of the stripper plays a critical role in determining the system’s performance. Higher pressures reduce the energy required for CO₂ compression but increase the heat pump’s power consumption due to higher temperature lift. Conversely, lower pressures enhance heat pump efficiency and reduce the reboiler duty due to higher degree of flashing of the rich amine, but result in higher downstream compression costs. This work investigates the trade-offs between stripping pressure, heat pump performance, and CO₂ compression energy, aiming at identifying optimal operating conditions that minimize total energy consumption, capital expenditure and overall process cost.
Andrea OrsettiSenior Technology Process Engineer, NEXTCHEM
Nitrogen+Syngas 39th
Session: Technical Showcases
Date: 11th February
Session Time:
12:00 - 12:30
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