Simulation modelling of the Otway CO2/CH4 adsorption separation process and optimization

Lefu Tao, Penny Xiao, Abdul Qader, Paul A. Webley

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperOther

Abstract

CO2CRC Ltd., the leading CCS R&D organization in Australia, has designed and implemented a carbon capture demonstration skid in Australian Otway National Research Facility. One important part of the skid is a Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) rig with two parallel columns and an additional buffer tank. The two months of operation results proved that the PSA rig can successfully remove high concentration of CO2 from in-situ high pressure natural gases. To improve our understanding of the process and gain further insight, we have simulated the entire two-bed PSA process using MINSA (Melbourne University Integrated Simulation of Adsorption) and found that blowdown pressures would significantly impact the separation performance. Based on the simulation results of the Otway plant, an efficient cyclic PSA process with six-bed PSA system is design, which including four pressure equalizations. With six-bed simulation, CO2 concentration in the downstream can be achieved to 88% and CH4 purity in the top stream 95% when a high content CO2 of 50% feed gas is treated at the operating pressure of 50 bar.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication14th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, GHGT 2018
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventInternational Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies 2018 - Melbourne, Australia
Duration: 21 Oct 201825 Oct 2018
Conference number: 14th
https://ghgt.info (Website)

Conference

ConferenceInternational Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies 2018
Abbreviated titleGHGT 2018
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CityMelbourne
Period21/10/1825/10/18
Internet address

Keywords

  • High pressure natural gas separation
  • Otway CO2 capture skid
  • PSA
  • Simulation

Cite this