A Review on CO₂ Absorption using Chemical Solvents at Low and High CO₂ Partial Pressure Conditions in a Packed Column

Abstract

CO₂ removal is important for industrial flue gas treatment, biogas enhancement, and natural gas (NG) processing applications. Chemical absorption using an amine-based solvent is a proven technology for CO₂ removal from various gases. In recent years, various promising amine solvents have been investigated, either as single or blended solutions, to enhance the CO₂ absorption process at low and high CO₂ partial pressure conditions. Low CO₂ partial pressures (1 – 47 kPa) have been utilized in numerous research works focusing on flue gas treatment and biogas enhancement applications. On the other hand, high CO₂ partial pressures were instead applied in NG processing ranging between 750 and 1600 kPa. To provide more insight into the current trends, existing research on CO₂ absorption in amine-based solvents is presented in this review focusing on absorption performance in a packed column at low and high CO₂ partial pressures. Reports on the effect of different parameters, namely CO₂ partial pressure, gas, and liquid flow rates, amine concentrations, and liquid temperature, on the removal of CO₂ in the packed column are included. Based on the review, the future direction is further highlighted in this area.