CO2 capture processes - Opportunities for improved energy efficiencies

CO2 capture from flue gas streams and disposal into geological formations has been considered as a technically feasible but a costly option for the reduction of CO2 emission into the atmosphere. CO2 capture is the major cost component. Therefore, there is considerable incentive in finding energy efficient and thus less costly processes for the capture of CO2 as compared to the conventional monoethanolamine (MEA) based processes. In this paper, some strategies for reduced energy consumption in a chemical solvent based separation process are identified and their impacts on the overall process are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.