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What is Aspen Plus?

Aspen Plus is a process simulation software package widely used in industry to model and optimize chemical processes through rigorous process simulation. It allows engineers to break down the process into steps, including reaction chemistries, heat transfer, and phase changes, which can then be simulated to predict the behavior of the processes under different conditions.To learn more about Aspen Plus please select the button below.

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Why Use Aspen Simulation in Biomethane Upgrading Projects?

Process Optimization:

Aspen Plus is versatile to capture the entire natural gas upgrading process, including water scrubbing, chemical reactions, heat exchange, separation steps and more. This approach enables creating the best productions system corresponding to minimum energy and maximum yield of methane.

Environmental Impact Assessment:

Besides, the software can also simulated the environmental effect of the process, which in turn will help to optimize the process not only for the economic efficiency but also for the reduced environmental footprint. This is therefore a crucial aspect when it comes to projects that seek to build resilience.

Parameter Sensitivity Analysis:

Engineers can understand which process variable or parameters in Aspen Plus that are critical and how sensitive the process is to either increase or decrease the given operation conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature, flow rates). This is vitally important for a robust process which can reconcile the differences in biogas composition or environmental conditions.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety:

Simulation in predicting and controlling the behavior of harmful substances in the course of the process guarantees a necessary degree of safety and ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Scale-Up and Feasibility Studies:

Aspen Plus comes in handy immensely for scale ups, from the pilot to production processes. It permits the implementation of feasibility studies and economic evaluations through the modeling of large-scale operations based on the data obtained from small-scale tests.

Training and Development:

Aspen Plus simulation models can be used as instruction method for training the plant operating staff without having the risks of handling the real equipment.

To learn more about Aspen simulation please select the button below.

Process Flow Diagram

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Figure 2 : Biomethane upgrading process simulated through Aspen Plus 

01

Process Explanation

Biogas Input

Biogas (CH4 predominantly with the carbon dioxide (CO2) and a mixture other gases, trace) enters the system. It is commonly derived from the anaerobic digestion of organic materials.

02

Biogas Compression (MCOMP)

The biogas is firstly compressed in a multistage compressor to the pressure desired by the scrubbing process. Adequate compression makes for a more productive and efficient CO2 absorption process in the water scrubber.

03

Water Scrubbing System

Water Injection: Water is pumped via a pump from a source into the system to absorb CO2 from the biogas. The water is the medium for the absorption of CO2 and some other impurities from the biogas.

Scrubber: The scrubber is the equipment in which the actual gas cleaning operation takes place. The pressurized biogas and water interact in this area. CO2 goes into the solution because of its higher solubility than methane, thus differentiating it from the methane (Rotunno et al., 2017).

Biogas Out (BIOMETH): The purified gas, now enhanced with methane, passes through the top of the scrubber. The gas is usually referred to as biomethane, which can be further processed or used as a renewable energy source.

Water + CO2 (CO2+WAT): This blend flows out of the last stage of the scrubber and is then directed to a flash tank.

 

To learn more about water scrubbing please select the button below.

04

Flash Tank (FLASH)

The scrubber effluent flows into the flash tank due to the reduction of pressure. The released CO2 can be seen at the top of the flash tank. This process of water separation is a must because it is the only means to regenerate the water for it to be recirculated back to the scrubber.

05

Stripper

The stripper unit is used to further remove any residual CO2 from the water, ensuring the water is clean enough to be reused in the scrubber without accumulating impurities.

Air (AIR) is often used as a stripping gas, introduced at the bottom of the stripper to help strip CO2 from the water. This air is typically compressed by another compressor (COMP2) before being used in the stripper.

06

Outputs

Stripped CO2 (CO2) is released from the top of the stripper as a nearly pure stream, which can be vented, utilized, or stored.

Purified Water (PWAT) exits the stripper and is recirculated back to the scrubber, completing the loop.

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To learn more about the stripping section please select the button below.

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