Simulation of Biogenic Carbon Capture and Utilization Process Chain

Abstract

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is a growing field in chemical engineering with high expectations to replace fossil carbon. This paper focuses on modeling and simulation of a CCU process chain utilizing biogenic CO2. A scenario with a pulp mill recovery boiler effluent is assumed. CO2 capture is performed with a membrane-based system. This is followed by methanol synthesis, and the majority of produced methanol is directed to dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis.The process chain with fixed process design was simulated for different scenarios of the flue gas properties. The key process indicators were observed. Further, the flexibility of the processes was evaluated to mitigate the changes in process indicators due to fluctuating flue gas properties. Finally, model parameter uncertainties and modeling assumptions were discussed. The results indicate the level of uncertainties of CCU models and their key process indicators that should be considered when moving on to the system level simulations and techno-economic or life cycle analyses.