Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of the Regenerator Section of a Carbon Capture Unit Using Amine-Based Solid Sorbents

In this study, the regeneration procedure of CO2-laden amine-based solid sorbents in the regenerator fluidized bed was investigated. The Eulerian–Eulerian two fluid model is used to conduct two-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation of the regeneration section of a circulating fluidized bed carbon capture unit, based on the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) setup. A two-dimensional reactive CFD model was used to simulate the extent of CO2 desorption from carbonated amine-based solid sorbents. The carbonated solid sorbents were up to 73% regenerated in this regeneration system. The effect of the regenerator's different configuration on the carbon dioxide concentration at exiting gas flow was investigated. Results showed that extension of the fluidized bed height and providing heat to the system through heating coils could increase the carbon dioxide concentration in the exiting gas flow up to 40%. Our reacting CFD numerical model also compared well with the experimental data on the regeneration efficiency and the pressure profile of the regenerator.