19-08-2014, 10:29 AM
The present research investigation titled "Studies in Process Development" deals with development of novel formulated solvent for the removal of carbon dioxide from desulfurised and denoxed flue gas. In terms of gross volume of emissions, CO2 is by far the most important green house gases (GHG). The flue gas from power stations, boilers in Chemical Process Industries, is the concentrated source of CO2.
The present research investigation titled "Studies in Process Development" deals with development of novel formulated solvent for the removal of carbon dioxide from desulfurised and denoxed flue gas. In terms of gross volume of emissions, CO2 is by far the most important green house gases (GHG). The flue gas from power stations, boilers in Chemical Process Industries, is the concentrated source of CO2.
The separation of CO2 from mixtures with other gases is a process of substantial industrial importance. The recovery of CO2 is not only necessary for the manufacture of chemicals but also for Carbon Credit business. Conventionally aqueous alkanolamines are the best chemical solvents to absorb CO2 from flue gas, as it is available at near atmospheric pressure. Oxygen present in the flue gas is responsible or the degradation of active solvent, which results into loss of its absorption capacity. The hybrid solvent system is preferred because it combines the desirable absorption characteristics such as higher loading capacity and rapid reaction rates. In the present work, the formulated solvent containing N-methyl-2- pyrrolidone (as a physical solvent), mixture of potassium carbonate and bicarbonate (as a hydroxyl adical scavenger to suppress the degradation of solvent) and monoethanolamine (as a chemical solvent) was used for the reactive absorption of CO2. The degradation of formulated solvent was studied in the presence of O2 as well as CO2. The solubility of CO2 in the formulated solvent was inferred from that of N2O measured in chemical solvent. The reaction kinetics was also studied in a glass stirred cell reactor by using ‘Fall in pressure technique’ with the help of data acquisition system (SCADA). It was observed that CO2 reacts not only with MEA but also with NMP, thus enhancing the overall rate of absorption.
Kinetic data were analysed using theory of mass transfer with chemical reaction.