Membrane contactors modelled for process intensification post combustion solvent regeneration

Abstract

Membrane gas-solvent contactors are potentially more efficient at undertaking solvent regeneration in carbon capture applications compared to traditional desorber columns. This potential is investigated here through modelling of two experimentally reported membrane contactors based on Teflon AF1600 and polydimethylsiloxane active layers, by a simple approximate model and a one-dimensional mass transfer model. The respective membrane contactors could be operated at temperatures below that corresponding to the vaporisation of the solvent, due to the separation of the solvent and gas phase by the membrane. This required a steam sweep operating under vacuum conditions. The calculated module leng..