CO2 Absorption Tower Solvent Concentration Control
Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas absorbing and regenerating methods for CO2 and H2S recovery face challenges in achieving optimal absorption performance while minimizing energy consumption, particularly in reducing the heat quantity supplied to the reboiler in the regeneration process.
Innovation Solution
A gas absorbing and regenerating apparatus that includes an absorption tower with a packed bed unit for countercurrent contact between the gas and amine absorbent, a regeneration tower for releasing CO2 from the absorbent, and a system for sampling and analyzing the absorbent concentrations to control the flow rate and heat load, ensuring efficient absorption and regeneration operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heat quantity supplied to the reboiler is increased to improve CO2 absorption performance, then the absorption rate and recovered amount of CO2 are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time monitoring of solvent cyclic capacity using sensors and probes that continuously measure CO2 concentration in the absorbent. This feedback information is used by the control system to dynamically adjust the heat quantity supplied to the reboiler, ensuring optimal absorption performance while minimizing energy consumption. The feedback loop enables the system to respond to changing conditions and maintain efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters including the heat quantity supplied to the reboiler, the flow rate of the absorbent, and the circulation rate based on real-time analysis of solvent cyclic capacity. By dynamically adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed settings, the system optimizes the balance between CO2 absorption performance and energy consumption under varying operating conditions.
2Loss of energy
If the heat quantity of saturated water vapor supplied to the reboiler is reduced to minimize energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the absorption performance and CO2 recovery rate may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time measurement of solvent cyclic capacity provides continuous feedback to the control system, enabling dynamic adjustment of heat quantity to the reboiler. This ensures that the minimum necessary heat is supplied to maintain required CO2 recovery rates, avoiding both energy waste and insufficient regeneration. The feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize energy efficiency while guaranteeing performance requirements are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed heat supply to dynamic heat adjustment based on real-time absorbent condition analysis. The heat quantity supplied to the reboiler is continuously adapted according to the measured solvent cyclic capacity and operational requirements, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance with variable energy input rather than constant high energy consumption.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control of solvent cyclic capacity is implemented to optimize operational conditions, then the balance between absorption performance and energy consumption is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors, probes, and a control system that continuously monitor solvent cyclic capacity and automatically adjust operational parameters. This feedback-based automated control improves operational efficiency by maintaining optimal conditions without requiring complex manual intervention or oversight, as the system self-regulates based on real-time measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of operational conditions through automated analysis of solvent cyclic capacity and corresponding control actions. The apparatus essentially monitors and optimizes its own performance, reducing the need for external control complexity while improving operational efficiency through continuous automated optimization.
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 approach enables the achievement of required absorption performance for CO2 and H2S while minimizing the heat quantity of saturated water vapor supplied to the reboiler, optimizing energy usage and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption tower (13) which absorbs CO2 gas from introduced gas (11) containing the CO2 gas by using an amine absorbent (12)
Implementation Method 2
a regenerator which releases the CO2 gas from the amine absorbent (12) which absorbs the CO2 gas in the absorber (13)
Implementation Method 3
a cooling unit (26) which condenses water vapor (22) contained in a mixture of CO2 gas and water vapor (25)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
When CO2 gas is absorbed from flue gas 11 containing CO2 as absorbed gas by using an absorbent 12 circulating in an absorber 13 and an absorbent regenerator 14 in a closed system, a first sampling part X at which a lean solution sample 101 is collected in the vicinity of an inlet for a lean solution supply line L2 in the absorber 13, a second sampling part Y at which a rich solution sample 102 is collected in the vicinity of an outlet for a rich solution supply line L1 in the absorber 13, and an analyzing device 103 which analyzes the collected lean solution sample 101 and rich solution sample 102 are provided; the lean solution sample 101 at the first sampling part X and the rich solution sample 102 at the second sampling part Y are collected, respectively, in the same time period, and concentrations of CO2 gas in the lean solution sample 101 and the rich solution sample 102 are measured, and then the gas absorbing and regenerating operation is controlled based on measured results.