Aspen Plus rate-based modeling for reconciling laboratory scale and pilot scale CO2 absorption using aqueous ammonia

摘要

In this study, simulations of CO2 absorption by aqueous ammonia using the rate-based model of Aspen Plus were investigated using laboratory scale experiments and pilot data in the literature. It was found that predictions are greatly influenced by the choice of transfer condition factor and reaction condition factor, mass transfer coefficients, and kinetic parameters in the rate-based model. Using the kinetic data provided by Pinsent et al. (1956), and mass transfer correlations provided by Billet and Schultes (1993), the optimal settings of transfer and reactor condition factors were found to be 0.75 and 0.25, respectively, by fitting experimental data obtained in the laboratory using 3 wt% aqueous ammonia. This set of parameters can be extended to the laboratory results of using 7 wt% aqueous ammonia, as well as pilot plant data provided by Yu et al. (2011). The results show that it is very important to reconcile the simulation model with data from various operating conditions and different scales before it is used for reliable process design and optimization. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.