Comparison of MEA degradation in pilot-scale with lab-scale experiments

Energy Procedia, Volume 4, 2011, Pages 1652-1659

10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies

GHGT-10

Comparison of MEA degradation in pilot-scale with lab-scale experiments

Hélène Lepaumier (a), Eirik F. da Silva (b), Aslak Einbu (b), Andreas Grimstvedt (b), Jacob N. Knudsen (c), Kolbjørn Zahlsen (b), Hallvard F. Svendsen (a)

hallvard.svendsen@chemeng.ntnu.no

a Department of Chemical Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway

b SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, N-7465 Trondheim, Norway

c DONG Energy Power, A. C. Meyers vaenge 9, 2450 Copenhagen SV, Denmark

Abstract

To understand which part of the CO₂ amine-based system is mostly responsible of amine degradation, MEA degradation under real CO₂ capture conditions is compared with two laboratory experiments; a thermal degradation experiment representative of the stripper conditions (MEA 30 wt%, CO₂ loaded, α=0.5, 135 °C) and an oxidative degradation experiment representative of the absorber conditions (MEA 30 wt%, CO₂ loaded, α=0.4, sparged with air+CO₂, 55 °C).

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for the quantification of the remaining amine and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the identification and quantification of the main degradation compounds. This study suggests that MEA degradation in the pilot plant is more dominated by oxidative degradation than by thermal degradation. It is also found that reactions between MEA and carboxylic acids present in the solution may play a significant role in solvent degradation. This implies that carboxylic acids, usually referred to as “Heat Stable Salts”, are not stable and can react further to give more complex compounds.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211002347

Comparison of experimental results from three dual fluidized bed test facilities capturing CO2 with CaO

Energy Procedia, Volume 4, 2011, Pages 393-401

10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies

GHGT-10

Comparison of experimental results from three dual fluidized bed test facilities capturing CO2 with CaO

Nuria Rodríguez (a), Mónica Alonso (a), Juan Carlos Abanades (a), Alexander Charitos (b), Craig Hawthorne (b), Günter Scheffknecht (b), Dennis Y. Lu (c), Edward J. Anthony (c)

a INCAR-CSIC, Spanish Research Council, Francisco Pintado Fe, 26, Oviedo 33011, Spain

b IFK, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring, 23, Stuttgart 70569, Germany

c Canmet Energy, Natural Resources Canada, 1 Haanel Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 1M1

Abstract

Postcombustion CO₂ capture technologies using CaO as a regenerable solid sorbent have emerged as a promising route to reduce the electricity penalty and the cost of CO₂ capture from flue gases of both new and existing fossil fuelled power plants. Rapid progress is taking place in the understanding of these processes at different levels. However, experimental information, validating the concept under continuous operating conditions similar to those expected for large-scale application, remain scarce.

Authors present a comparative analysis of the results obtained in three laboratory-scale dual fluidized bed (DFB) test facilities in Spain, Germany and Canada. The test facilities range from 10 to 75 kW th with riser heights between 4.5 and 12.4 m. They have been operated to capture CO₂ with CaO from simulated flue gases in the bubbling, turbulent and fast fluidization fluid-dynamic regimes. The carbonator reactors are interconnected with regenerators, where the CaCO₃ decomposition has been conducted continuously and semi-continuously, operated in both air-combustion and oxy-combustion modes. Many stationary and non stationary states have been achieved at different combinations of the key operating parameters (e.g. calcium looping ratio). All DFB test facilities showed a carbon balance closure of high quality in most tests. The trends of CO₂ capture efficiency with respect to operating conditions and sorbent characteristics are compared and a discussion is made on the most appropriate methodology to conduct future tests under a joint new FP7 project (CaOling) that aims at the rapid scaling up of the calcium looping technology.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211000695

Open-loop step responses for the MEA post-combustion capture process: Experimental results from the Esbjerg pilot plant

Energy Procedia, Volume 4, 2011, Pages 1427-1434

10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies

GHGT-10

richard.faber@vattenfall.de

Open-loop step responses for the MEA post-combustion capture process: Experimental results from the Esbjerg pilot plant

Richard Faber (a), Moritz Köpcke (b), Ole Biede (c), Jacob Nygaard Knudsen (d), Jimmy Andersen (e)

a Vattenfall Research and Development AB, Puschkinallee 52, DE-12435 Berlin, Germany

b Vattenfall Research and Development AB, Jämtlandsgatan 99, SE-162 87 Stockholm, Sweden

c Vattenfall A/S Heat Nordic, Støberigade 14, DK-2450 København SV, Denmark

d DONG Energy Power, A. C. Meyers Vænge 9, Teglholmen, DK-2450 København SV, Denmark

e DONG Energy Power Esbjergvaerket, Amerikavej 7, DK-6700 Esbjerg, Denmark

Abstract

Amine based post-combustion capture is seen as one promising technology for future coal fired power plants with CO₂ capture. The coupled absorption/desorption system to remove the CO₂ from the flue gas is highly integrated with the power plant and the downstream CO₂ compression, transportation and storage. With increasing portion of alternative energy forms like e.g. wind power, the demand on modern coal-fired power plants to provide regulating net power is increasing, leading to frequent and fast load changes during operation. To make the implementation of CCS to these plants technically and economically feasible, the capture process has to be able to follow these fast load changes without restraining the overall plant performance.

To investigate the transient behavior of the individual plant components, as well as the overall dynamic performance of the capture unit, step response tests have been performed at a 1 ton CO₂/hour pilot plant for the amine-based post-combustion process within the EU project CESAR. The purpose of the tests was to gain knowledge about possible problems or bottlenecks during a dynamic operation where the plant is going from one operation point to another.

Three operation parameters were changed stepwise and the response of the entire system was monitored. In this paper the results of the tests are shown and the response of the system is analyzed. In general, no unexpected observations were made and no bottlenecks were found during the step response tests performed. The overall system acts like a buffer for any perturbation at the inlet, which is a wanted effect considering the future downstream compression unit. The average time for the entire system to reach the new steady state operating conditions after the perturbation was between 1 h 15 min and 1 h 45 min. However the interaction of the coupled absorber/desorber system led to fluctuations in the system, when all parameters have been changed simultaneously.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211002050

Modelling and simulation of the Esbjerg pilot plant using the Cesar 1 solvent

Energy Procedia, Volume 4, 2011, Pages 1644-1651

10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies

GHGT-10

Modelling and simulation of the Esbjerg pilot plant using the Cesar 1 solvent

Hanne M. Kvamsdal (a), Geir Haugen (a), Hallvard F. Svendsen (b), Andrew Tobiesen (a), Hari Mangalapally (c), Ardi Hartono (b), Thor Mejdell (a)

Hanne.Kvamsdal@sintef.no

a SINTEF Materials and Chemistry, Post Office Box 4670, Sluppen, N-7465 Trondheim, Norway

b Department of Chemical Engineering, NTNU, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway

c Laboratory of Engineering Thermodynamics (LTD), University of Kaiserslautern, Germany

Abstract

In the ongoing EU project CESAR (CO₂ enhanced Separation and Recovery) one of the main tasks is to develop new promising solvent systems and test these in pilot plants. The aim of the present paper is to show the effect of two of the modifications employed at the Esbjerg pilot plant using the Cesar 1 solvent system.

A model for the Cesar 1 solvent system has been developed and implemented in the CO₂SIM simulator. By simulation it is shown that the effect of lean vapour re-compression is higher than the effect of inter-cooling even taking into account the extra compression work needed for the compressor. The combined effect of both modifications is slightly less for the Cesar 1 solvent system than reported for 30 wt% mono-ethanolamine.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211002335

CO2 capture with CaO in a 200 kWth dual fluidized bed pilot plant

Energy Procedia, Volume 4, 2011, Pages 441-448

10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies

GHGT-10

CO2 capture with CaO in a 200 kWth dual fluidized bed pilot plant

C. Hawthorne (a), H. Dieter (a), A. Bidwe (a), A. Schuster (a), G. Scheffknecht (a), S. Unterberger (b), M. Käß (b)

a IFK, University of Stuttgary, Pfaffenwaldring 23, Stuttgart, D-70569, Germany

b EnBW Kraftwerke AG, Schelmenwasenstrasse 15, Stuttgart, D-70567, Germany

Abstract

The Calcium Looping (CaL) process using CaO as sorbent for capturing CO₂ from flue gases is a promising postcombustion CO₂-capture technology that is economically competitive with other capture technologies with an overall increased output in electric power and a low electric efficiency penalty associated with CO₂ capture.

The process can be realized in a Dual Fluidized Bed (DFB) system utilizing a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) reactor as carbonator operating at 600–700 °C and a second CFB as regenerator operating at temperatures between 850–950 °C. The separation of CO₂ from the flue gas takes place through the carbonation reaction (CaO+CO₂→CaCO₃). The regeneration of the sorbent is realized via the reverse reaction in the regenerator at higher temperatures.

The feasibility of the CaL process has already been shown at IFK, University of Stuttgart on a lab-scale size. In order to investigate the calcium looping process using real combustion flue gas and to evaluate the process on a long-term basis, a 200 kWth pilot plant has been built at IFK. This paper delineates the design of the pilot plant to capture over 90% CO₂ and provides an overview of the main components and the control philosophy. First results from the successful commissioning of the pilot plant are also shown.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211000750

Coupling of CFD with PBM for a pilot-plant tubular loop polymerization reactor

Chemical Engineering Science, Volume 66, Issue 21, 1 November 2011, Pages 5148-5163

Coupling of CFD with PBM for a pilot-plant tubular loop polymerization reactor

Wei-Cheng Yan, Zheng-Hong Luo, An-Yi Guo

luozh@xmu.edu.cn

Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China

Abstract

Authors develop a computational fluid dynamics model, coupled with population balance model (CFD–PBM), to describe the liquid–solid two-phase flow in a pilot-plant tubular loop propylene polymerization reactor. The model combines the advantage of CFD to calculate the entire flow field and that of PBM to calculate the particle size distribution (PSD).

Authors took into account particle growth, aggregation and breakage to describe the evolution of the PSD. The model was first validated by comparing simulation results with the classical calculated data.  In addition, four case studies were designed to identify the model.  The cases involved particle aggregation, particle breakage, particle growth or involving particle growth, breakage and aggregation,. The entire flow behavior and PSD in the tubular loop reactor, i.e. PSD, solid holdup and liquid phase velocity distribution, were also obtained numerically. The results showed that the model is effective in describing the entire flow behavior and in tracking the evolution of the PSD.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009250911004647

Anti-coking property of the SiO2/S coating during light naphtha steam cracking in a pilot plant setup

Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, Volume 90, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 7-12

Anti-coking property of the SiO2/S coating during light naphtha steam cracking in a pilot plant setup

Jianxin Zhou, Zhiyuan Wang, Xiaojian Luan, Hong Xu 

hxu@ecust.edu.cn

School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China

Abstract

Describes how a SiO₂/S coating was prepared on the internal surface of HK40 alloy tube in a pilot plant setup. The coating sampled on the outlet of furnace tube was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The anti-coking property of the SiO₂/S coating was evaluated with light naphtha according to pressure changes.

The morphologies and chemical components of cokes on the outlet of the coated and blank tubes were characterized by SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. The main product yields of light naphtha steam cracking were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results show that the SiO₂/S coating is compact and has a thickness of 15 μm on the outlet of furnace tube. The SiO₂/S coating reduces coke yield by 60% compared to that observed in the blank tube during 8 h cracking run.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165237010001336

Chemical Looping Pilot Plant Results Using a Nickel-Based Oxygen Carrier

Oil & Gas Science and Technology – Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles, Vol. 66 (2011), No. 2, pp. 173-180

Chemical Looping Pilot Plant Results Using a Nickel-Based Oxygen Carrier

Résultats de l’expérimentation sur un pilote opérant en boucle chimique avec un matériau transporteur d’oxygène à base de nickel

T. Pröll, P. Kolbitsch, J. Bolhàr-Nordenkampf and H. Hofbauer

tobias.proell@tuwien.ac.at

philipp.kolbitsch@gmx.at

hermann.hofbauer@tuwien.ac.at

Vienna University of Technology, Institute of Chemical Engineering, Getreidemarkt 9/166, Vienna 1060 - Austria

Abstract

A chemical looping pilot plant was designed, built and operated with a design fuel power of 120 kW. The system consists of two Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) reactors. Operating results are presented and evaluated for a highly reactive nickel-based oxygen carrier, total system inventory 65 kg. The performance in fuel conversion achieved is in the range of 99.8% (CH₄ conversion) and 92% (CO₂ yield). In chemical looping reforming operation, it can be reported that thermodynamic equilibrium is reached in the fuel reactor and that all oxygen is absorbed in the air reactor as soon as the global stoichiometric air/fuel ratio is below 1 and the air reactor temperature is 900°C or more. Even though pure natural gas (98.6 vol.% CH₄) without steam addition was fed to the fuel reactor, no carbon formation has been found as long as the global stoichiometric air/fuel ratio was larger than 0.4.

Based on the experimental findings and on the general state of the art, it is concluded that niche applications such as industrial steam generation from natural gas or CO₂-ready coupled production of H₂ and N₂ can be interesting pathways for immediate scale-up of the technology.

Free Full Text Source: http://ogst.ifpenergiesnouvelles.fr/index.php?option=com_article&access=standard&Itemid=129&url=/articles/ogst/abs/2011/02/ogst100057/ogst100057.html

Validation of dividing-wall columns based on experimental data and dynamic simulations: pilot plant and production scale columns

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., Just Accepted Manuscript (2011)

Validation of dividing-wall columns based on experimental data and dynamic simulations: pilot plant and production scale columns

Gerit Niggemann and G. Fieg

Abstract

Dividing-wall columns are a promising separation technique considering energy efficiency since they are suitable for the complete separation of ternary mixtures. Application of the technology is increasing due to its reduced capital and operating costs.  

Reliable knowledge is lacking when dealing with the dynamics of this separation process. To bridge this gap experimental data concerned with the process dynamics of dividing-wall columns around a steady-state operating point are presented together with a novel extensive model validation of the transient behavior of dividing-wall columns.

In addition, the process model was successfully compared with experimental data from a production scale dividing-wall column, emphasizing the validity of the model.  The validated process model serves as a virtual plant which can be used to develop and test future process control structures.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ie201598q

Basic Examination of a Pilot Plant for Continuous Flow Microwave-Assisted Chemical Reaction Combined with Microreactors

Journal of Thermal Science and Technology, Vol. 6 (2011) , No. 1 pp.69-79

Basic Examination of a Pilot Plant for Continuous Flow Microwave-Assisted Chemical Reaction Combined with Microreactors

Mitsuhiro MATSUZAWA 1, Shigenori TOGASHI 1 and Shinji HASEBE 2

1) Mechanical Engineering Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.

2) Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyoto University

Abstract

A pilot plant for continuous flow microwave-assisted chemical reaction combined with microreactors was developed and water heating tests were conducted for evaluation of the developed plant.

Authors designed a continuous-flow microwave-assisted chemical reactor in which a reaction solution absorbs microwave energy efficiently and can be used in chemical processes using microreactors. They designed the reactor using electromagnetic simulation and found that the energy absorption rate by the water was more than 80% by conducting water heating tests.

Next, they developed a microwave apparatus having a single microwave generator that can heat reaction solutions in four reaction fields simultaneously in order to increase throughput. They also designed a four-branch waveguide using electromagnetic simulation, and found that the transmission efficiency at 99%. Finally, They developed the pilot plant using the developed microwave apparatus and conducted water heating tests. The temperatures in the respective reaction fields were controlled within ±1.1 K at 353.2 K. Moreover, the energy absorption rates by the water were about 90% in the respective reaction fields, whereas the energy absorption rate was about 40% when 100 cm³ of water was heated by a commercially available multimode microwave chemical reactor.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jtst/6/1/6_69/_article

CFD simulation of free liquid surface motion in a pilot plant stirred tank

The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, Volume 89, Issue 4, pages 717–724, August 2011

Special Issue: Special Issue Section–Computational Fluid Dynamics

CFD simulation of free liquid surface motion in a pilot plant stirred tank

1. M. Jahoda 1,*

Milan.Jahoda@vscht.cz

2. M. Moštěk 1

3. I. Fořt 2

4. P. Hasal 1

1. Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague, Technická 5, 166 28 Praha 6, Czech Republic

2. Czech Technical University, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technická 4, 166 07 Praha 6, Czech Republic

Abstract

The Volume of Fluid method together with the Large Eddy Simulation technique for turbulence flow was used for CFD prediction of liquid flow and free liquid surface motion in a pilot plant cylindrical flat-bottomed stirred tank with an inner diameter of 1 m filled with tap water at room temperature.

A pitched-blade (45°) down pumping impeller (diameter of 0.33 m) with six blades was used for stirring. The impeller speed was 180 rpm.  The sliding mesh method was adopted to simulate impeller motion. The CFD simulations of the flow field predicted a highly complex, multi-dimensional dynamic system exhibiting unstable, pseudo-stationary behavior. The main advantage of simulation is the prediction of the velocity flow patterns and the free surface elevation/depression in the whole system at one time. Results for the location and dimensions of the free liquid surface fluctuation correspond well with an experimental investigation by a conductivity method.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cjce.20477/full

Whole Crude Oil Hydrotreating from Small-Scale Laboratory Pilot Plant to Large-Scale trickle-Bed Reactor: Analysis of Operational Issues through Modeling

Energy Fuels, Article ASAP (2011)

Whole Crude Oil Hydrotreating from Small-Scale Laboratory Pilot Plant to Large-Scale trickle-Bed Reactor: Analysis of Operational Issues through Modeling

Aysar T. Jarullah†, Iqbal M. Mujtaba†*, and Alastair S. Wood†

I.M.Mujtaba@bradford.ac.uk

School of Engineering, Design and Technology, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, U.K.

Abstract

Catalytic hydrotreating (HDT) is a mature process technology.  It is used to treat the oil fractions from a crude oil distillation (CDU) unit for the removal of contaminants including sulfur, nitrogen, etc. Hydrotreating of whole crude oil before it goes to a CDU unit is a new technology.  

The authors’ recent study using a laboratory small-scale pilot plant shows significant improvement in middle distillate yields and quality of crude oil in terms of contaminants present.  The authors also determined best kinetic parameters for several hydrotreating reactions using experimental data from a small-scale trickle-bed reactor (TBR), using parameter estimation techniques.

Using these parameters, they developed a process model of TBR validated with the experimental data from the pilot plant. In this study, they scale up the pilot-scale TBR where the throughput of crude oil changes from 45 × 10–6 m3/h to 66.243 m3/h (10 000 bpd), the reactor height increases from 65 cm to 1061 cm, and the diameter changes from 2 cm to 399 cm. While isothermal conditions could be easily maintained in the small-scale TBR, it is not the case for a large-scale reactor.  Consequently, a detailed model with energy balance was considered for the analysis of the large-scale reactor, and the temperature control issues are discussed. The ratio of reactor length to reactor diameter (LR/DR) is chosen in such a way so that radial variation could be neglected and it was obtained using an optimization technique. All the main simultaneously occurring hydrotreating reactions are considered. These reactions are hydrodesulfurization (HDS), hydrodenitrogentaion (HDN), hydrodeasphaltenization (HDAs), and hydrodemetallization (HDM), including hydrodevanadization (HDV) and hydrodenickelation (HDNi). In addition, the chemical reactions responsible for converting part of the crude oil to middle distillate are also considered. The gPROMS modeling software is used for modeling and simulation of the scaled-up TBR process.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ef201406r

Ionic Liquid Performance in Pilot Plant Contactors for Aromatics Extraction

Ionic Liquid Performance in Pilot Plant Contactors for Aromatics Extraction

Summary

Onink, SAF (Ferdy)

Eindhoven University of Technology (2011)

The main objectives of this study were an investigation into the applicability, in this case extraction capacity and equipment performance, of room temperature ionic liquids as solvent in the extraction of aromatics from aliphatics and a comparison of three types of contactors (a rotating disc contactor (RDC), a Kühni contactor and a pulsed disc and doughnut column (PDDC)) for this extraction.

The separation of aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes) from C4 – C10 aliphatic hydrocarbon mixtures is challenging since these hydrocarbons have boiling points in a close range and several combinations form azeotropes, ruling out conventional distillation processes. The contactors, RDC, PDDC and Kühni were selected since they are amongst the most commonly used extractors, or are most promising for (aromatics) extraction in the (petro)chemical industry. Early research showed that ionic liquids are promising solvents for the extraction of aromatics from aliphatics, but these studies are mainly based on a thermodynamic approach and only a conceptual process design was suggested. However, successful introduction of RTILs into extraction operations also requires knowledge on their physical properties, hydrodynamics, mass transfer characteristics, stability after long term usage and, since the costs of replacement of lost solvent plays an important role, recovery of the RTIL from the raffinate stream.

Free Full Text Source: http://alexandria.tue.nl/extra2/715602.pdf

Using Biological Treatment of Henan Oilfield -Produced Water: Pilot Plant Test Study

Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 361 - 363), Pages       593-597 (2011)

Using Biological Treatment of Henan Oilfield -Produced Water: Pilot Plant Test Study

Feng He, Peng Cheng Fu, Chun Ming Xu

Abstract

Biological treatment of heavy crude oil production wastewater is well-established method for remediation.

Authors describe development of effective biological treatments by (1) utilizing microbes with high oil-degrading abilities, (2) allowing greater organic loads while increasing both process stability and the resistance to shock loading, (3) minimizing the production of waste sludge byproducts, and (4) adopting anaerobic and aerobic biological processes to improve the biodegradation of the wastewater.

Results with an in situ pilot system show that the bioreactor's hydrolytic acidulation and contact oxidation tanks are suitable for treating oilfield wastewater, and that water quality after treatment fully meets national drainage standards.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://www.scientific.net/AMR.361-363.593

Multiple Input-Single Output (MISO) Feedforward Artificial Neural Network (FANN) Models for Pilot Plant Binary Distillation Column

Multiple Input-Single Output (MISO) Feedforward Artificial Neural Network (FANN) Models for Pilot Plant Binary Distillation Column

Abdullah, Z.; Ahmad, Z.; Aziz, N.

Fac. of Chem. Eng., Univ. Teknol. MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia 

2011 Sixth International Conference on Bio-Inspired Computing: Theories and Applications (BIC-TA), Penang, 27-29 Sept. 2011, page(s): 157 - 160

ABSTRACT

Distillations column control of intense interest because of the intensive energy usage in industry and the nonlinearity behavior in control variables. The growing importance of "green technology" and sustainability has inspired researchers to focus on this matter.  A method of modeling and control of the column is crucial. Neural networks are a powerful tool, particularly in modeling nonlinear and intricate processes.  

In this paper Feed forward Artificial Neural network (FANN) has been used to model the multiple input-single output (MISO) for the distillation column, predicting top and bottom composition. The performance and the accuracy of the models have been presented in terms of correlation coefficient (R value) and the smallest sum squared error (SSE).

It was found that FANN can model MISO in representing the process. The results obtained also show that the MISO model is suitable to be used to represent the distillation process accurately.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=6046890

Adaptive Generalized Predictive Control of a heat exchanger pilot plant

Adaptive Generalized Predictive Control of a heat exchanger pilot plant

Zidane, Z.; Lafkih, M.A.; Ramzi, M.

Electr. Eng. Dept., Univ. of Sultan Moulay Slimane, Beni-Mellal, Morocco 

2011 International Conference on Multimedia Computing and Systems (ICMCS), Ouarzazate, 7-9 April 2011, page(s): 1 - 6

ABSTRACT

Describes design of the Adaptive Generalized Predictive Control to control a heat exchanger pilot plant. Presents The standard Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) algorithm. The Adaptive Generalized Predictive Control is then applied to achieve set point tracking of the output of the plant.

For control purposes, a Single Input Single Output (SISO) model is used. The model parameters are estimated on-line using an identification algorithm based on Recursive Least Squares (RLS) method. The performance of the proposed controller is illustrated by a simulation example of a heat exchanger pilot plant. Obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=5945715

Novel full height pilot plant for solvent development and model validation

Energy Procedia, Volume 4, 2011, Pages 1753-1760

10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies

GHGT-10

Novel full height pilot plant for solvent development and model validation

Thor Mejdell (a), Terje Vassbotn (a), Olav Juliussen (a), Andrew Tobiesen (a), Aslak Einbu (a), Hanna Knuutila (a), Karl Anders Hoff (a), Vibeke Andersson (b), Hallvard F. Svendsen (c)

thor.mejdell@sintef.no

a SINTEF Materials and Chemistry,7465 Trondheim, Norway

b Aker Clean Carbon, Drammensveien 147A, 0277 Oslo, Norway

c Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway

Abstract

A novel full height pilot plant has recently been built at SINTEF in Trondheim, Norway.

The plant is designed by SINTEF and is based on the experience from building and operating two smaller pilot plants and long term research on absorption processes. The plant is erected inside a new 11 floor building giving full access to all parts of the plant and stable ambient conditions. This unique test facility has been erected as part of the SOLVit project, an eight years R&D program where SINTEF, NTNU and Aker Clean Carbon work together to develop novel solvents for CO₂ capture.

In the plant the energy requirement and necessary absorber height might be demonstrated directly, and optimal loading and circulation rates may be found for the different solvents. Long-term degradation of amines and solvent replacement rate are also studied. The plant is designed for unmanned and remote operation. The layout provides flexibility with regards to operating conditions, and facilitates various design changes, if necessary, in a later stage of the project.

The plant operation started with a base-case campaign with 30 wt% MEA in April 2010. Afterwards the new solvents in SOLVit will be tested. The results show so far show very good mass balances and a comparison with simulations gives very well accordance.

Free Full Text Source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610211002475

Heat transfer study in a pilot-plant scale bubble column

Chemical Engineering Research and Design, Volume 89, Issue 1, January 2011, Pages 78-84

Heat transfer study in a pilot-plant scale bubble column

Rahman S. Abdulmohsin (a), Balasim A. Abid (b), Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan (a)

aldahhanm@mst.edu

a Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409-1230, USA

b Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Technology, Baghdad, Box 35010, Iraq

Abstract

Authors investigated the effects of superficial gas velocity on heat transfer coefficient and its time-averaged radial profiles along the bed height in a pilot-plant scale bubble column of 0.44 m diameter using air–water system.

They observed significant differences in heat transfer coefficients along the bed axial locations.  This was especially evident between the sparger (Z/D = 0.28) and the fully developed flow (Z/D = 4.8) regions. In the fully developed flow region larger heat transfer coefficient values were obtained compared to those in the sparger region. The heat transfer coefficients in the column center for all the conditions studied are about 9–13% larger than those near the wall region.  In the fully developed flow region, the axial variation of the heat transfer coefficients was not significant.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263876210001358

Fuzzy model-based fault detection and diagnosis for a pilot heat exchanger

International Journal of Systems Science, Volume 42, Issue 4, 2011, pages 587-599

Fuzzy model-based fault detection and diagnosis for a pilot heat exchanger

Abstract

Addresses the design and real-time implementation of a fuzzy model-based fault detection and diagnosis (FDD) system for a pilot co-current heat exchanger. The design method is based on a three-step procedure which involves the identification of data-driven fuzzy rule-based models, the design of a fuzzy residual generator and the evaluation of the residuals for fault diagnosis using statistical tests.

The fuzzy FDD mechanism has been implemented and validated on the real co-current heat exchanger.  It has proven to be efficient in detecting and isolating process, sensor and actuator faults.

Full Text Source (Subscription or Fee): http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00207721003653666

Cyclic Deactivation with Steam of Metallated Cracking Catalysts: Catalytic Testing at the Bench Scale and the Pilot Scale

Topics in Catalysis, Volume 54, Numbers 8-9, 547-560, DOI: 10.1007/s11244-011-9619-8

ORIGINAL PAPER

Cyclic Deactivation with Steam of Metallated Cracking Catalysts: Catalytic Testing at the Bench Scale and the Pilot Scale

R. Quintana-Solórzano, A. Rodríguez Hernández, R. García-de-León and E. Terrés

1. Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo, Eje Central Lázaro Cárdenas Norte 152, C.P, 07730 México D.F, México

Abstract

In addition to offering adequate product distribution, a cracking catalyst must exhibit a reasonable resistance to the combined effect of high temperature, steam and metals.

Two commercial catalysts, poisoned with Ni ? V, are subjected to a large scale cyclic deactivation with steam.  They are then characterized using basic techniques.  Finally, they are tested via bench scale and pilot scale cracking experiments.

As examples of industrial deactivation, corresponding equilibrium catalysts (E-CATs) are investigated in parallel. Depending on their specific formulation, catalysts deactivate differently due to the exposition to high temperature steam and metals. The intrinsic deviations in the catalytic properties of cyclic deactivated catalysts (CD-CATs) related to E-CATs are further biases by the particular history of the latter and the particular reactor configuration and hydrodynamics, such deviations being magnified in the bench scale testing. Relative differences in activity and product yields of CD-CATs referred to E-CATs are below 10% at the pilot scale, and within 23% at the bench scale. Relative biases in hydrogen and coke yield of may be as high as 75 and 26% in the pilot plant and as much as 150 and 32% at the bench scale.

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