Damartzis T., Papadopoulos A., Seferlis P., 2013, Generalized Framework for the Optimal Design of Solvent- Based Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Flowsheets, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 35, 1177-1182.
A generalized framework is proposed for the optimal design of post-combustion CO2 capture processes based on a systemic and flexible equilibrium separation model that employs orthogonal collocation on finite elements (OCFE) techniques. Within this context, a column section of adaptive separation capability and functionality serves as the fundamental structural block for the identification of efficient separation schemes. Separation column sections in combination with heat transfer blocks as well as stream splitters and mixers enable the generation and evaluation of alternative flowsheet configurations within a non-linear optimization program. The main objectives for the flowsheet evaluation involve separation and thermal efficiency that eventually impact the economics of the overall process. The proposed design framework was used for the optimal design of alternative flowsheet configurations for the separation of CO2 from a flue gas stream using a 30% weight MEA aqueous solution.
