Amine CO2 Separation Process Integrated with Hydrocarbon Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydrocarbon processing plants, such as olefins production plants, face inefficiencies in energy use due to the release of thermal energy from low-pressure steam, and existing CO2 separation processes consume significant volumes of steam, necessitating an improvement in energy efficiency and integration of CO2 capture methods.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an amine CO2 separation process with hydrocarbon processing plants using extraction turbines and/or back-pressure turbines to generate exhaust steam for regeneration, which is then used to heat the CO2-rich amine stream, while also utilizing the shaft power to drive equipment within the plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If steam turbines are configured to exhaust steam at very low pressure to maximize shaft power production, then power generation is improved, but thermal energy is wasted through substantial release to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the previously wasted low-pressure exhaust steam into a useful resource by directing it to the amine regeneration column for CO2 separation. The thermal energy that would have been released to the atmosphere is now utilized to heat the rich amine stream, simultaneously maintaining shaft power production and eliminating thermal energy waste.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If amine CO2 separation process is implemented, then CO2 capture is achieved, but significant volumes of steam are consumed in the regeneration step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the steam turbine system multi-functional by configuring it to simultaneously generate shaft power for driving compressors and pumps while producing exhaust steam for CO2 separation. This eliminates the need for separate steam sources for the amine regeneration process, reducing overall steam consumption requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocarbon processing plant's own steam turbine system provides the steam needed for its integrated CO2 separation process. The plant essentially serves itself by using its waste thermal energy resources to fuel its own emissions reduction technology, making the system self-sufficient for steam requirements.
3Loss of energy
If surface condensers are used to condense low-pressure steam, then steam condensation is achieved, but substantial thermal energy is released to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the low-pressure exhaust steam from the steam turbine system and redirects it to the amine regeneration column, removing it from the conventional condensation pathway. This extraction prevents the thermal energy from being released to the atmosphere through surface condensers while maintaining the shaft power generation function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This integration enhances energy efficiency by utilizing the exhaust steam for regeneration and power generation, reducing the need for surface condensers and minimizing thermal energy release, thereby improving overall energy utilization and reducing CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
utilize an amine to preferentially absorb the CO2 from the gas mixture to produce a CO2-rich and amine-rich mixture
Implementation Method 2
heating the at least a portion of the CO2-rich amine stream in the separation column using the exhaust steam stream
Data Source
AI summary
An exhaust steam stream having an absolute pressure from 200 kPa to 1,050 kPa and shaft power are produced from an extraction turbine and/or a back-pressure turbine. The exhaust steam stream can be supplied to an amine regenerator of an amine CO2 separation process. The shaft power can be utilized to drive equipment in a hydrocarbon processing plant such as an olefins production plant.