Dynamic modelling and experimental validation of CO2 removal using hydrophobic membrane contactor with different types of absorbent

Functionalization of silica nanoparticles to reduce membrane swelling in CO2 absorption process

“…The diffusion of the gas molecules through the membrane pores that are either filled with gas or liquid determines the membrane mass transfer resistance. In fact, mass transfer resistance of gas penetrant to transfer in the liquid phase is much higher than that in the gas phase . Because it is more difficult for liquid absorbent to penetrate into the pores of the composite membrane, the gas diffusivity across the membrane is faster with lower mass transfer resistance.…”

“…Membrane gas absorption (MGA) merges membrane separation and absorption/desorption process by using a membrane as a barrier between the gas and liquid phases so that phase dispersion does not occur and gas–liquid interaction can be promoted . By utilizing MGA process, operational issues such as foaming and flooding can be avoided, and it has the potential of having lower capital and operating costs . For example, Kaerner Oil & Gas Ltd. and WL Gore & Associates GmbH have initiated a joint project to develop MGA process to remove acid gases with a pilot plant built in Kårstø, on the west coast of Norway.…”

“…Despite its advantages over the conventional CO 2 absorption process, MGA process has one vital flaw; incorporating a membrane in the process would increase mass transfer resistance to the absorption process . However, as long as the membrane has not been wetted by the absorbent, the membrane mass transfer resistance is negligible . On the contrary, the membrane mass transfer resistance could increase up to 60%, even if liquid absorbent penetrates into only 2% of the membrane pores, leading to a significant drop in CO 2 absorption flux.…”

“…Because the membrane is in direct contact with the liquid absorbent, it is vulnerable to chemical attack. Although MEA is commonly used as absorbent, other absorbents such as methyl diethanolamine (MDEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diglycolamine (DGA), triethylamine (TEA), diisopropylamine (DIPA) and 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP) as well as their blends also have been utilized for CO 2 absorption, as MEA incurs high capital and regeneration costs . So far, there is no information on the consequences of membrane swelling or morphological changes when the LDPE‐functionalized silica/PVDF composite membrane is subjected to long‐term MGA process.…”

“…1 By utilizing MGA process, operational issues such as foaming and flooding can be avoided, and it has the potential of having lower capital and operating costs. 2 For example, Kaerner Oil & Gas Ltd. and WL Gore & Associates GmbH have initiated a joint project to develop MGA process to remove acid gases 3 with a pilot plant built in Kårstø, on the west coast of Norway. Moreover, a pilot plant that is capable of capturing 150 kg CO 2 h -1 using MGA process also has been developed by the Netherlands Organisation of Applied Scientific Research, 4,5 which indicates the feasibility of MGA in CO 2 removal.…”