Study on the C02Absorption in Several Types of Amines

This report detail the findings of the lab experiment of C02 gas absorption into
amine based solvents. Prior a literature review established mixture of amine solution
processes as the most attractive alternative to the most common solvent in industry,
secondary amine. On that basis these processes were selected to compare against the
secondary amine, Diethanolamine (DEA). As a starting point, understanding the
process and operational variables in the industry is an advantage to relate the
industrial practices and theoretical values. Those variables could be used as
guidance in carrying out this work
The experiment is driven by two issues: The capability of each of the amine
solution in C02 absorption process and to test the tendency of 'foaming' in all the
prepared solvent in this work. The comparison of C02 loading in each of the
prepared solventwas doneby simplemathematical method. The methodwas used to
determine the amount ofC02 absorbed per 1milliliter of solvent. The methodology
is a must due to the difficulties infixing the concentration ofC02 inthe feedgas.
Rate of absorption of C02 into amine was determined from the gas phase material
balance using the measured inlet and outlet gas concentration. The comparison
between the two solvents was carried out on the basis of the different concentration
and lean solvent flowrate. Theoretically, different flowrate and concentration of
solvent will affect the rate of absorption as well as the C02 loading capacity. Again,
the rate ofreaction ofthe mixture ofvarious amines is slightly lower relatively to the
single amine with higher concentration. The foaming tendency tests were carried out
in order to test the reliability of each of the prepared solvents. Higher foaming
tendency in the solvent can cause the instability in operating the unit. In this work,
the mixture of solvent was found not really at the higher risk of foaming. The
mixture of 21.83 wt% DEA and 10.23 wt% MEA can be concluded as the most
attractive interm ofcapability to absorb C02 aswell asthe resistance to foaming.
More study on this solvent is required especially on the corrosiveness, hydrocarbon
loading and reclamation process.