CO₂ Removal from Engine Exhaust Flue Gas
Simulation-based technical evaluation of CO₂ capture from engine exhaust gas using Adsorption (VPSA) and Chemical Absorption (MEA-based) technologies.
Project Overview
The increasing focus on emission reduction and decarbonization of mobility systems has driven significant interest in post-combustion CO₂ capture from engine exhaust streams.
The primary objective of this study was to assess technical feasibility, capture efficiency, energy consumption, and operational suitability of both Adsorption (VPSA) and Chemical Absorption (MEA-based) technologies under representative engine exhaust conditions using industry-standard Aspen simulation tools.
Tools Used
Aspen Adsorption
VPSA Simulation
Aspen Plus
MEA Absorption
ENRTL-RK Framework
Thermodynamic Model
4-Phase Validation Process
A systematic approach to engineering excellence, ensuring every component meets global safety and efficiency benchmarks.
Define
Establishing engine exhaust composition (6–9 vol% CO₂), operating pressures (up to 4 bar), and cooling requirements (from 150°C to 40°C).
Model
Developing non-isothermal packed-bed VPSA models with LDF mass transfer, and MEA absorption models using the ENRTL-RK framework.
Evaluate
Executing sensitivity analyses across solvent flowrate, CO₂ concentration, and column dimensions to identify optimal operating windows.
Deliver
Validating models against literature/industrial standards and compiling energy usage, sizing requirements, and preliminary CAPEX/OPEX estimates.
Scope of Work
Our deliverables encompass the entire lifecycle of the technical design, providing a single source of truth for technology selection and pilot-scale evaluation.
Project Compliance
100% CAPTURE EFFICIENCY EVALUATION
Aspen Simulation Files
Validated Aspen Adsorption and Aspen Plus simulation files for both technologies.
Process Flow Diagrams
Updated Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and comprehensive stream summaries.
Column Hydraulics Results
Established flooding percentages and precise pressure drops across the columns.
Detailed Energy Usage
Comprehensive breakdowns, including specific energy requirements per kg of captured CO₂.
CAPEX & OPEX Estimates
Preliminary financial estimates formulated for base and maximum throughput scenarios.
Trade-off Analysis
Correlating flowrates and dimensional sizing directly against capture efficiency metrics.
Engineering Challenges & Solutions
Non-isothermal VPSA Modeling
Accurately modeling the complex, non-isothermal, and highly cyclic behavior of the Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption (VPSA) system specifically for varying gas mixtures.
Engineering Solution
Employed Aspen Adsorption utilizing a packed-bed approach with Linear Driving Force (LDF) mass transfer kinetics and Langmuir-Freundlich adsorption isotherms (evaluating Zeolite 13X and 5A) to achieve close agreement with literature data.
Thermodynamic Framework Stability
Initial evaluation of the absorption process using a CCSI-based framework yielded unstable and non-representative results for the specific engine exhaust conditions.
Engineering Solution
Transitioned the thermodynamic model to the ENRTL-RK framework from the AspenTech databank, successfully stabilizing the simulation and validating high capture efficiencies (>99%).
Have a Similar Project?
Partner with our elite engineering specialists to rigorously validate your thermal and mechanical designs, ensuring uncompromising safety, regulatory compliance, and peak operational performance.