In this paper, we present improvements to postcombustion capture (PCC) processes based on aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA). First, a rigorous, rate-based model of the carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) capture process from flue gas by aqueous MEA was developed using Aspen Plus, and validated against results from the PCC pilot plant trials located at the coal-fired Tarong power station in Queensland, Australia. The model satisfactorily predicted the comprehensive experimental results from CO 2 absorption and CO 2 stripping process. The model was then employed to guide the systematic study of the MEA-based CO 2 capture process for the reduction in regeneration energy penalty through parameter optimization and process modification. Important process parameters such as MEA concentration, lean CO 2 loading, lean temperature, and stripper pressure were optimized. The process modifications were investigated, which included the absorber intercooling, rich-split, and stripper interheating processes. The minimum regeneration energy obtained from the combined parameter optimization and process modification was 3.1 MJ/kg CO 2 . This study suggests that the combination of a validated rate-based model and process simulation can be used as an effective tool to guide sophisticated process plant, equipment design and process improvement. 24

Highlights  CO2 absorption into aqueous amine blended solutions containing MEA, AMP, N,N-DMEA, and N,N-DEEA  Overall CO2 mass transfer coefficients in blends similar to those in standalone MEA solutions  CO2 absorption and cyclic capacities predicted using chemical equilibrium modelling tool

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