Optimal Parameters of the Aqueous Ammonia Process for CO 2 Separation

In this study the operating parameters influence was analyzed for CO2 separation process based on ammonia solution. The separation process indicators determined were: the CO2 separation degree, the NH3 losses, the energy consumption for regeneration, for cooling stream gases and ammonia solution, L/G ratio. The varied parameters were: the temperature of stream gases and ammonia solution at the entrance to absorber, the NH3 concentration, and the amount of ammonia solution. In the case of stream gases temperature decrease from 50 to 20 °C, a significant increase for the separation and NH3 losses degree was achieved. Also, in the case of ammonia solution temperature decrease an improvement of these indicators was observed, but not as significant. However, as the absorption process temperature decreases, the total energy consumption increases. Using a lower concentration of NH3 led to a decrease in the ammonia lost, but to achieve a separation degree of 100%, the larger amounts of solution are needed, thus increasing the energy consumption.