Modeling of CO2 capture by amine solution (MDEA) in hollow fiber membranes

The absorption of carbon dioxide is investigated in a hollow fiber membrane contactor, a two dimensional model is suggested to predict the CO2 removal efficiency. The continuity equation consisting of convection and diffusion terms is applied in both shell and tube sides, and only diffusion is considered in axial and radical directions through the membrane. All equations are solved numerically by COMSOL software and the numerical method is on the basis of Finite Element Method (FEM). Amine solution is chosen as an absorbent to remove CO2 in different operating conditions such as gas and liquid flow rate. The result of this modeling was compared with experimental data taken from literature and good agreement was observed. The simulation results revealed that methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) was an efficient absorbent. The suggested model is recommended to predict CO2 concentration in a hollow fiber membrane contactor. © 2014 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.