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Solvent Selection for Efficient CO2 Capture
1, 2 , 3 , * 3 , 2
1  Faculty of Food Engineering in Shahrisabz, Karshi State Technical University, Shahrisabz 181306, Uzbekistan
2  Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology, Tashkent 100011, Uzbekistan
3  Department of Automation and Digital Control, Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Academic Editor: Blaž Likozar

Abstract:

Carbon capture is an essential technology for reducing industrial CO2 emissions, particularly in the power and cement sectors. Among the various capture methods, solvent-based absorption systems are widely used due to their efficiency and scalability, making the selection of the right solvent critical for near-term applications. This study analyzes several solvents for use in an absorption-based CO2 capture system, emphasizing identifying the most suitable solvent for 2025-2030. The research methodology involves process modeling in Aspen Plus, sensitivity analysis, and evaluation of the regeneration duty for each solvent. The objective is to achieve at least 90% CO2 capture and 95% CO2 purity. The flue gas composition considered in this analysis is 19.8% CO2, 9.3% O2, 63% N2, 7.5% H2O, and other trace gases. Various solvents are evaluated to determine their effectiveness in capturing CO2 while minimizing the energy consumption during solvent regeneration. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to optimize the system’s performance based on the solvent type, operating conditions, and regeneration duty. The results showed that amine blends demonstrated a CO2 capture rate of 92% and a CO2 purity of 96%, with regeneration energy requirements of around 3.2 GJ/ton of CO2, significantly lower than those of traditional MEA systems, which typically require around 4.0 GJ/ton. In contrast, ionic liquids showed a CO2 capture rate of 89% and a purity of 95%, with a regeneration energy of 2.8 GJ/ton, though their current cost is higher, limiting their immediate large-scale application. Annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) calculation revealed that amine blends could potentially reduce the CAPEX by 15-20% compared to MEA, while amino acid salts showed similar CAPEX reductions with a capture efficiency of 90%. Overall, the results indicate that hybrid amine solvents are the most cost-effective and practical solution for 2025-2030, with ionic liquids and amino acid salts emerging as promising alternatives as their costs decrease.

Keywords: Absorption; Efficiency; Amine blends; Capital expenditure; ionic liquids; Flue gas; CO2 capture

 
 
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