Sensitivity Analysis by the 2^k Factorial Experimental Design of CO₂ Capture with Amine Gas Treating Process Using Aspen Plus

Abstract

It is well-known that CO₂ capture with amine treating process has been used and developed in industry to purify the off-gas from the process. Nowadays, the simulation via computer software is one of the most effective tools to improve and optimize the existing process because there is no environmental effect and uses lower cost compared to the experiments. Generally, for sensitivity analysis, the parameters are studied individually without considering the interaction effects between parameters. In this study, the equilibrium model of CO₂ capture by monoethanolamine (MEA) pilot plant was modelled using Aspen Plus by ENRTL-RK thermodynamics property model. A sensitivity analysis with the 2^k factorial experimental design was performed. The main and interaction effects of five parameters (which are liquid-gas mass ratio (L/G), sour gas temperature, lean MEA temperature, lean MEA concentration and CO₂ concentration in sour gas) were then investigated. From the sensitivity analysis with the 2^k factorial experimental design, liquid-gas mass ratio contributed 75.82% to CO₂ removal efficiency; while CO₂ concentration in sour gas and liquid-gas mass ratio (L/G) occupied 29.14% and 17.36% to CO₂ removal efficiency and specific heat duty at the reboiler, respectively.