Simulation of CO2 Catalytic Absorption Process Using Amine Solutions Based on the Lattice Boltzmann Method

Carbon emission reduction strategies are crucial for addressing global climate change, with chemical absorption-based carbon capture technology being one of the core methods for achieving large-scale CO2 mitigation. The current research focus in chemical absorption lies in selecting blended amine–catalyst systems and applying efficient absorption–desorption equipment. This study employs the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to simulate the catalytic CO2 absorption process within an absorption column, obtaining data such as solution flow velocity, CO2 absorption rate, and temperature distribution. The simulation results align well with experimental data from a continuous pilot-scale setup. Furthermore, the effects of different operating parameters and catalyst conditions on the absorption process were investigated. The findings indicate that higher catalyst volume fractions and smaller catalyst particle sizes enhance CO2 absorption but may also lead to significant temperature rises across the column. Additionally, an optimized ternary amine–catalyst combination should be selected over a single amine to achieve superior CO2 absorption capacity. Provided that the cyclic loading capacity is maintained, the absorbent solution flow rate should be minimized to ensure optimal absorption efficiency.