In a significant stride towards sustainable industrial practices, researchers have unveiled a novel approach to capture and repurpose carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from ethylene oxide (EO) production plants, potentially revolutionizing the energy and petrochemical sectors. The study, led by Fatemeh Neyestani of Faranegar Industrial Design & Engineering Company, was recently published in the journal *Nature Scientific Reports*.
The research explores two innovative pathways for capturing CO2 from EO plants and utilizing it in urea production. “The goal is to reduce the environmental impact of these processes while creating additional value,” Neyestani explained. The study employed Aspen Plus software for process simulation and Matlab and Aspen Hysys for optimizing the transportation pipeline.
The first scenario involved using a two-phase separator to remove water from CO2, while the second scenario incorporated a reactive distillation tower (RD). The RD tower not only separated water from CO2 but also converted it into ethylene glycol (EG) through a reaction with ethylene oxide. “The RD tower eliminates the risk of corrosion in the gas transmission pipeline, allowing the use of carbon steel instead of stainless steel,” Neyestani noted.
From an environmental perspective, the first method proved more favorable, with 37% lower CO2 emissions compared to the second method. However, the second scenario outperformed the first in economic terms. “The revenue from ethylene glycol production in the second scenario significantly offsets the higher energy consumption,” Neyestani added.
The study evaluated the total operating cost (TOC), total capital cost (TCC), and total annual cost (TAC) associated with each scenario. The findings suggest that while the second method is more economically viable, the first method is more environmentally friendly.
This research could shape future developments in the field by providing a roadmap for integrating carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies into existing industrial processes. By reducing CO2 emissions and creating valuable by-products, these technologies can contribute to a more sustainable and profitable future for the energy and petrochemical sectors.
As industries worldwide grapple with the need to reduce their carbon footprint, studies like this one offer promising solutions. By capturing and repurposing CO2, companies can not only mitigate their environmental impact but also unlock new revenue streams. The findings of this research could pave the way for widespread adoption of CCU technologies, heralding a new era of sustainable industrial practices.