21st European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering – ESCAPE 21 E.N. Pistikopoulos, M.C. Georgiadis and A.C. Kokossis (Editors) © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Modelling and process integration of carbon dioxide capture using membrane contactors Albo, J., Cristóbal, J. and Irabien, A. Departamento Ingeniería Química y Química Inorgánica. Universidad de Cantabria, Av de los Castros s/n. 39005 Santander. Spain Abstract A zero solvent emission process is proposed using a membrane device and an ionic liquid as a solvent; integrating a non-dispersive absorption-desorption process, gas compression, and transport to sequestration area analysis. The study is based on a model of a hollow fibre module formulated with a system of partial differential equations in axial and radial directions, depending of the Graetz (Gz), solvent selection (H) and Sherwood (S h ) numbers. Numerical absorption results showing carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) recovery costs are presented, comparing them with those obtained in an integrated conventional process where Monoethanolamine (MEA) is applied as absorbent liquid. Keywords: CO 2 recovery, zero solvent emission process, process intensification, mass transfer modelling. 1. Introduction CO 2 capture and storage (CCS), which involves the processes of capture, transport and long-term storage of carbon dioxide, is a technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels. Previous works [1-4] showed that process intensification in CO 2 capture can be performed in two steps to develop a zero solvent emission process: on the one hand the substitution of the equipment for a membrane device avoiding dragging of solvent drops. On the other hand the substitution of the absorption liquid for a solvent with lower vapour pressure (e.g. ionic liquids) [1-2]. The use of this membrane-based technology supposes a relatively new concept in gas absorption processes and offers many advantages including flexibility, modularity and controlled interfacial area and flow rates [5-7]. However, the application of membrane processes is strongly influenced by their economic feasibility as shown in studies developed in the literature [8]. The model is formulated with a system of partial differential equations in axial and radial directions, depending on operating conditions and solvent selection [4]. After capture, the next step in the CCS value chain is compression and transport of CO 2 to sinks for reuse or permanent storage. Several studies [9-11] have investigated the costs of undertaking compression and different forms of transportation of CO 2 . In order to have a better understating of the whole process these costs are also analyzed in this work.