Toward energy-efficient sour gas treatment: exergy-based modeling and response surface methodology optimization of a diethanolamine absorption process

The objective of this M.Tech project is to improve the energy efficiency of sour gas treatment processes involving diethanolamine (DEA) absorption. The primary focus of this study is to develop exergy-based models to locate and quantify thermodynamic inefficiencies within a gas sweetening unit. This is achieved by constructing a comprehensive process model in Aspen HYSYS and validating it against design data. The first exergy analysis shows the absorber column is the leading cause of exergy destruction among all gas sweetening units, and is therefore the largest source of total thermodynamic losses. In order to improve the absorber column's thermodynamic losses, a generalized approach to optimization was used. Essential parameters such

as the solvent circulation rate and the DEA concentration along with the solvent inlet temperature to the absorber were evaluated to determine their individual impact on process performance and overall system efficiency. Subsequently, these parameters were simultaneously optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The implementation of this multivariable optimization method noticeably enhanced the gas sweetening process thermodynamic efficiency. Optimized parameters resulted in a significant reduction of total exergy destruction, improved exergy efficiency, and satisfied all operational requirements. This study exemplifies the use of advanced thermodynamic analysis and optimization techniques in improving the energy footprint of industrial sour gas treatment facilities.

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