Dynamic modelling and control of a pilot plant for post-combustion CO2 capture

A dynamic model of a post-combustion capture pilot plant is developed using Aspen Plus Dynamics. An innovative process control strategy is studied for regulating the water balance of the process. A washing section where the flue gas from the absorber is washed with cold water is included to the process in order to reduce the emissions of amine to the air. Control of the water balance in the solvent loop is successfully achieved by changing the washing water temperature. In previous publications regarding CO2 capture pilot plants, the regulation of the water balance always required a water make-up flow which appears here as unnecessary. Rejection of disturbances and different load reduction scenarios are tested to confirm the efficiency of this strategy. Potential operational problems of this control strategy are identified and solved.