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Chemical Absorption of CO2 Enhanced by Nanoparticles Using a Membrane Contactor: Modeling and Simulation
1Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, UAE University, Al-Ain 15551, UAE.
Membranes
|November 14, 2019
Summary
Adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) solvent significantly boosts CO2 removal in membrane contactors. This enhancement, driven by nanoparticles, improves separation performance by approximately 20%.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Membrane resistance increases significantly upon pore wetting.
- Chemical absorption is a key process for CO2 capture.
- Aqueous methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) is a common solvent for CO2 absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a model predicting CO2 absorption in MDEA-based CNTs within a hollow fiber membrane (HFM) contactor.
- To analyze the impact of nanoparticles on CO2 removal efficiency.
- To validate model predictions against experimental data.
Main Methods:
- A two-dimensional (2D) mathematical model was developed.
- The finite element method was employed using COSMOL software.
- Membrane regions were defined as wet and dry for analysis.
Main Results:
- The presence of solid nanoparticles (CNTs) enhanced CO2 removal rates.
- Liquid flow rate and nanoparticle concentration were identified as key influencing variables.
- A 20% increase in CO2 removal was observed with 0.5 wt% CNT addition to 5 wt% MDEA.
Conclusions:
- Solvent enhanced by solid nanoparticles significantly improves membrane contactor separation performance.
- The developed model accurately predicts experimental results.
- CNTs show promise for enhancing CO2 capture technologies.
Keywords:
CO2 captureMDEAcarbon nanotubes (CNTs)gas absorptionglobal warmingmembrane wettingnanofluid
