Download Formulation and Design of a CO

Formulation and Design of a CO 2 Utilization Network Detailed Through a Conceptual
Example
Rebecca Frauzem * , Kasper Fjellerup, Rafiqul Gani
CAPEC-PROCESS, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of
Denmark, Søltofts Plads Building 229, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
* corresponding author: [email protected], +45 45252912
Climate change is a global issue that has come to the forefront of environmental concern. With the increasing
emissions of greenhouse gases, efforts have increased to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Regulatory
guidelines are becoming more stringent and efforts for long-term reduction are being investigated and
implemented [1]. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the dominant method that is discussed. However, CO2
utilization is receiving increased attention for its ability to help in long-term CO2 reduction and the formation of
various chemical products. One of the primary elements of utilization is the conversion of CO 2 to valuable
products via chemical reactions with other raw materials. In order for this to be implemented at a large and
industrial level, further work is necessary. As part of this, the work focuses on the formulation and design of a
CO2 utilization network via a superstructure-based methodology. The sustainability and feasibility of linking
carbon capture and CO2 conversion is studied in detail in a case study.
CCS is still under development and CO2 utilization is showing great promise as an additional method of
combatting CO2 emissions [2]. The method developed involves three stages: a process synthesis stage, a
design stage and an innovation stage. Following a superstructure based approach, a network of conversion
processes is created. This network links CO2 and products through various processing blocks. The network also
links carbon capture to ensure the sustainability. Each processing block within the developed network needs to
be mathematically described for optimization. The second stage is the detailed design of a path within the
network, followed by analysis and improvement by creating a more sustainable design in the innovation stage.
However, as not all information is available to describe the network mathematically, the most promising paths
based on known technologies are designed and analyzed first. This makes the stages iterative rather than
purely sequential. As part of this, the network is analyzed in the conceptual example of methanol synthesis via
CO2 hydrogenation. This case study illustrates the utility of the utilization network and elements of the
methodology being developed. In addition, the conversion process is linked with carbon capture to evaluate
the overall sustainability. Finally, the production of the other raw materials is also analyzed for economic
feasibility and environmental sustainability. Using computer-aided methods, the feasibility and sustainability of
CO2 conversion is shown through the design and optimization of a methanol synthesis process.
Keywords: CO2 utilization, sustainability, process synthesis and design
References:
[1]
IPCC, Climate Change 2007: Mitigation of Climate Change. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2007.
[2]
M. Aresta, Carbon Dioxide as Chemical Feedstock. 2010.