Mathematical modelling of carbon capture process by sorption

Abstract

Concern for carbon dioxide emissions have been growing considerably during the last years and this has motivated research in topics like carbon capture. Carbon capture consists in capturing the carbon dioxide that is produced in fossil fuel plants before releasing it to the atmosphere to reduce the greenhouse effect. In this work a mathematical model for column sorption that can be applied to carbon removal by adsorption is described. After neglecting some terms of the governing equations an analytical solution for the model is shown. The breakthrough curve from the analytical solution is compared with experimental data. Finally, the existence of an analytical solution allows an analysis of the effect of the parameters to be done. With it, it is discussed which possible modifications of the parameters could be used to make the carbon dioxide removal more efficient.