Research on the coupled process of natural gas chemical absorption decarbonization and high temperature heat pump based on waste heat utilization

doi:10.11949/0438-1157.20250089

Abstract

Abstract:

Chemical absorption using alcohol amine solution as an absorbent is currently the most widely used technology in the field of natural gas decarbonization, with advantages such as large processing capacity and good cycle stability. However, the regeneration process of chemical absorbent consumes a lot of energy. To reduce the energy consumption of chemical absorption decarbonization, a natural gas chemical absorption decarbonization high-temperature heat pump coupling process is proposed. Through the high-temperature heat pump, the waste heat from the wastewater in the gas field is used for the regeneration process of the decarbonization process, achieving energy conservation and carbon reduction. Modeling and parameter optimization of the decarbonization system using MDEA solution was carried out using Aspen HYSYS software. The results showed that the decarbonization rate of the optimized process was as high as 95%, and the unit comprehensive power consumption of the system was 0.3821 kW·h/kg CO₂, which was 56.72% lower than the conventional decarbonization system (unit comprehensive power consumption of 0.8828kW·h/kg CO₂).

Key words: decarbonization, high temperature heat pump, natural gas, waste heat utilization, chemical absorption, numerical simulation

摘要：

以醇胺溶液作为吸收剂的化学吸收是目前天然气脱碳领域使用最为广泛的技术，拥有处理量大、循环稳定性好等优点，但是化学吸收剂的再生过程能耗非常高。为降低化学吸收脱碳的能耗，提出了天然气化学吸收脱碳-高温热泵耦合流程，通过高温热泵将气田上的废水余热用于脱碳流程的再生过程，达到节能降碳。利用Aspen HYSYS软件对采用MDEA溶液的脱碳系统进行建模和参数优化。结果表明：经过优化，该套工艺的脱碳率高达95%，系统的单位综合能耗为0.3821 kW·h/kg CO₂，相比于常规脱碳系统（单位综合能耗为0.8828 kW·h/kg CO₂）降低了56.72%。

关键词: 脱碳, 高温热泵, 天然气, 余热利用, 化学吸收, 数值模拟

CLC Number:

TE 644

Ting HE, Shuyang HUANG, Kun HUANG, Liqiong CHEN. Research on the coupled process of natural gas chemical absorption decarbonization and high temperature heat pump based on waste heat utilization[J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 297-308.

何婷, 黄舒阳, 黄坤, 陈利琼. 基于余热利用的天然气化学吸收脱碳-高温热泵耦合流程研究[J]. 化工学报, 2025, 76(S1): 297-308.

Figures/Tables 19

Fig.1 Conventional amine decarburization process flow diagram

Table 1 Component settings for feedstock gas

组分	CH₄	C₂H₆	C₃H₈	i-C₄H₁₀	n-C₄H₁₀
组成/%（mol）	0.938063	0.003600	0.000466	0.000105	0.000108
组分	i-C₅H₁₂	n-C₅H₁₂	H₂O	H₂S	CO₂
组成/%（mol）	0.000045	0.000057	0.000510	0.000466	0.056600

Fig.2 Process flowchart of natural gas chemical absorption decarbonization high-temperature heat pump coupling based on waste heat utilization

Table 2 System key parameter table

流股	T/℃	P/kPa	摩尔流量/(kmol/h)
1-1	25.00	2500	10364.87
1-4	40.00	3700	10364.87
1-7	40.13	3640	9777.00
2-1	40.00	3640	15031.00
2-2	65.04	3700	15618.47
2-6	85.00	170	15618.47
2-7	74.99	167	738.30
2-8	112.00	170	14837.30
3-1	80	220	42708.20
3-3	129	1443	4157.94
3-4	115	166.1	1941.00
3-5	115	169.1	1941.00
3-6	115	1433	4157.94

Fig.3 System unit comprehensive energy consumption and unit comprehensive power consumption variation curve with absorption tower pressure

Fig.4 The variation curves of system unit power consumption and regeneration system unit power consumption with absorption tower pressure

Fig.5 Variation curve of system carbon capture rate with absorption tower pressure

Fig.6 Variation curve of CO2 content in purified gas with inlet temperature of absorption tower

Fig.7 Variation curve of CO2 content in purified gas with the inlet pressure of the absorber tower

Fig.8 Variation curve of reboiler energy consumption with inlet temperature of regeneration tower

Fig.9 Variation curve of reboiler energy consumption with regeneration tower inlet pressure

Table 3 Correlation coefficients of pure workmass

工质	T_b/℃	T_c/℃	P_c/MPa	ρ_c/(kg/m³)	ODP	GWP	安全等级
R142b	-9.12	137.11	4.055	446.0	0.05700	1980.0	A2
R600	-0.49	151.98	3.796	228.0	0	4.0	A3
R600a	-11.75	134.66	3.571	225.5	0	20.0	A3
R601	36.06	196.50	3.375	629.7	0	20.0	A3
R365mfc	40.15	186.85	3.266	516.08	0	890.0	A2
R1233zd(E)	18.32	165.60	3.571	476.31	0.00034	4.5	A1

Fig.10 Variation of COP with condenser discharge temperature

Fig.11 Variation of compressor power consumption with condenser water temperature

Fig.12 Variation of compressor ratio with condenser outlet water temperature

Fig.13 Variation of COP with heat source temperature

Fig.14 Variation of compressor power with heat source temperature

Fig.15 Variation of compression ratio with heat source temperature

Table 4 Main operating parameters

工质	P_k/kPa	P_o/kPa	压缩比	T_k/℃	T_o/℃	Q/(m³/h)	COP	P/kW	W/(kW·h/kg CO₂)
R365mfc	776	196	3.959	126	77	430	4.02	5188	0.3850
R601	831	214	3.883	130	77	430	4.01	5200	0.3855
R1233zd(E)	1443	405	3.563	129	77	430	4.08	5115	0.3821

References 42

1	杨永明. 2019全球主要能源展望报告对比与启示[J]. 新能源经贸观察, 2019(1): 70-83.
	Yang Y M. Comparison and enlightenment of major global energy outlook reports in 2019[J]. Energy Outlook, 2019(1): 70-83.
2	王旭. 天然气富氧燃烧炉窑碳捕集工艺模拟研究[D]. 武汉: 华中科技大学, 2021.
	Wang X. Simulation study on carbon capture process of natural gas oxygen-enriched combustion furnace[D]. Wuhan: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 2021.
3	邬高翔. 天然气净化厂高含CO₂尾气捕集工艺技术研究[D]. 西安: 西安石油大学, 2020.
	Wu G X. Study on tail gas capture technology with high CO₂ content in natural gas purification plant[D]. Xi'an: Xi'an Shiyou University, 2020.
4	何婷, 林文胜. 基于余热利用的活化MDEA法脱除CO₂的天然气液化系统[J]. 化工学报, 2021, 72(S1): 453-460.
	He T, Lin W S. Natural gas liquefaction system with activated MDEA method for CO₂ removal based on waste heat utilization[J]. CIESC Journal, 2021, 72(S1): 453-460.
5	鲁红志, 范继承, 朱世峰, 等. 化学吸收法与变压吸附法用于水泥厂CO₂捕集的对比分析[J]. 水泥, 2023(12): 26-28.
	Lu H Z, Fan J C, Zhu S F . et al. Comparative analysis of CO₂ capture by chemical absorption method and pressure swing adsorption method in cement plant[J]. Cement, 2023(12): 26-28.
6	张伍. 提高MDEA溶液脱碳的单位脱除率[J]. 当代化工研究, 2023(22): 110-112.
	Zhang W. Improvement of unit removal rate for decarbonization of MDEA solution[J]. Contemporary Chemical Research, 2023(22): 110-112.
7	张凯, 付恩祥, 马士猛, 等. MDEA脱碳工艺在焦炉煤气生产天然气工艺的应用[J]. 化工管理, 2024(5): 141-143.
	Zhang K, Fu E X, Ma S M . et al. Application of MDEA decarbonization process in natural gas production from coke oven gas[J]. Chemical Management, 2024(5): 141-143.
8	赵钦, 刘芳卓, 张迪, 等. 天然气液化工艺脱碳过程模拟与优化研究[J]. 四川化工, 2024, 27(2): 5-9.
	Zhao Q, Liu F Z, Zhang D . et al. Simulation and optimization of decarbonization process in natural gas liquefaction[J]. Sichuan Chemical Industry, 2024, 27(2): 5-9.
9	马国光, 王金阳, 张涛. 二氧化碳捕集耦合工艺设计与优化[J]. 低碳化学与化工, 2024, 49(7): 76-83.
	Ma G G, Wang J Y, Zhang T. Design and optimisation of coupled carbon dioxide capture process[J]. Low Carbon Chemistry and Chemical Industry, 2024, 49(7): 76-83.
10	王宁, 陆诗建, 刘玲, 等. 胺吸收体系中CO₂催化解吸再生技术的研究进展[J]. 化工进展, 2025, 44(1): 445-464.
	Wang N, Lu S J, Liu L . et al. Advances in catalytic desorption and regeneration of CO₂ in amine absorption systems[J]. Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, 2025, 44(1): 445-464.
11	王剑琨, 张媛媛, 唐建峰, 等. 天然气脱碳胺液再生能耗分析[J]. 天然气化工—C1化学与化工, 2022, 47(1): 109-114.
	Wang J K, Zhang Y Y, Tang J F, et al. Analysis of energy consumption of amine solution regeneration in natural gas decarburized[J]. Natural Gas Chemical Industry, 2022, 47(1): 109-114.
12	陆诗建, 高丽娟, 王家凤, 等. 烟气CO₂捕集热能梯级利用节能工艺耦合优化[J]. 化工进展, 2020, 39(2): 728-737.
	Lu S J, Gao L J, Wang J F, et al. Coupling optimization of energy-saving technology for cascade utilization of flue gas CO₂ capture system[J]. Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, 2020, 39(2): 728-737.
13	蒋洪, 程祥, 陈泳村, 等. PZ活化MDEA乙烷深度脱碳工艺研究[J]. 石油与天然气化工, 2023, 52(3): 24-29, 40.
	Jiang H, Cheng X, Chen Y C, et al. Ethane deep decarbonization process with PZ activated MDEA[J]. Chemical Engineering of Oil & Gas, 2023, 52(3): 24-29, 40.
14	陈杰, 张媛媛, 花亦怀, 等. 天然气半贫液脱碳工艺三元胺液配方优选[J]. 化工进展, 2020, 39(3): 975-983.
	Chen J, Zhang Y Y, Hua Y H, et al. Screening of ternary amine solution for natural gas semi-lean liquid decarburization process[J]. Chemical Industry and Engineering Progress, 2020, 39(3): 975-983.
15	李亚清, 宋沆, 张玉涛, 等. 醇胺法吸收烟道气中二氧化碳的研究进展[J]. 低碳化学与化工, 2024, 49(10): 81-91.
	Li Y Q, Song H, Zhang Y T . et al. Progress of carbon dioxide absorption in flue gas by alcohol-amine method[J]. Low Carbon Chemistry and Chemical Industry, 2024, 49(10): 81-91.
16	孟令琦, 聂乐愉. 混合有机胺溶液吸收CO₂的研究进展[J]. 浙江化工, 2022, 53(10): 40-44.
	Meng L Q, Nie L Y. Research progress on CO₂ absorption by mixed organic amine solutions[J]. Zhejiang Chemical Industry, 2022, 53(10): 40-44..
17	李媛, 张辰, 张腾, 等. 新型CO₂捕集溶剂及工艺的研究进展[J]. 热力发电, 2023, 52(7): 14-25.
	Li Y, Zhang C, Zhang T, et al. Research progress of novel carbon dioxide capture solvents and processes[J]. Thermal Power Generation, 2023, 52(7): 14-25.
18	程亮, 张昌建, 张超, 等. 基于Aspen Plus的燃煤电厂CO₂捕集系统模拟分析[J]. 河北工程大学学报(自然科学版), 2019, 36(1): 51-53, 63.
	Cheng L, Zhang C J, Zhang C, et al. Simulation analysis of CO₂ capture system in coal fired power plant based on aspen plus[J]. Journal of Hebei University of Engineering (Natural Science Edition), 2019, 36(1): 51-53, 63.
19	马文亮. MDEA脱碳装置优化改造流程[J]. 云南化工, 2022, 49(10): 105-108.
	Ma W L. Research on optimization, capacity expansion and energy saving of MDEA decarbonization unit[J]. Yunnan Chemical Technology, 2022, 49(10): 105-108.
20	Moreno D, Ferro V R, de Riva J, et al. Absorption refrigeration cycles based on ionic liquids: refrigerant/absorbent selection by thermodynamic and process analysis[J]. Applied Energy, 2018, 213: 179-194.
21	Dong Y X, Yan H Z, Wang R Z. Significant thermal upgrade via cascade high temperature heat pump with low GWP working fluids[J]. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2024, 190: 114072.
22	Yan H Z, Ahrens M U, Hertwich E, et al. Heat pumps as a sustainable bridge for global heating and cooling at multi-scale[J]. Energy & Environmental Science, 2024, 17(6): 2081-2087.
23	Arpagaus C, Bless F, Uhlmann M, et al. High temperature heat pumps: market overview, state of the art, research status, refrigerants, and application potentials[J]. Energy, 2018, 152: 985-1010.
24	杨凤, 刘清江, 宁璐璐, 等. R245fa高温热泵系统性能实验研究[J]. 低温与超导, 2020, 48(12): 85-90.
	Yang F, Liu Q J, Ning L L, et al. Experimental study on performance of R245fa high temperature heat pump system[J]. Cryogenics & Superconductivity, 2020, 48(12): 85-90.
25	孙健, 秦宇, 王寅武, 等. 基于新型工质热泵的烟气余热回收优化温度研究[J]. 综合智慧能源, 2023, 45(4): 19-25.
	Sun J, Qin Y, Wang Y W, et al. Study on the optimal temperature for flue gas waste heat recovery of the heat pump with new working fluid[J]. Integrated Intelligent Energy, 2023, 45(4): 19-25.
26	孙健, 马世财, 霍成, 等. 烟气余热回收高温电动热泵混合工质性能研究[J]. 华北电力大学学报(自然科学版), 2021, 48(2): 120-126.
	Sun J, Ma S C, Huo C, et al. Study on performance of high temperature electric heat pump mixture for flue gas waste heat recovery[J]. Journal of North China Electric Power University (Natural Science Edition), 2021, 48(2): 120-126.
27	Guo H, Gong M, Qin X. Performance analysis of a modified subcritical zeotropic mixture recuperative high-temperature heat pump[J]. Applied Energy, 2019, 237: 338-352.
28	庄绪成, 郭健翔, 孙晋飞, 等. R134a/R245fa对比R245fa高温热泵循环性能实验研究[J]. 青岛理工大学学报, 2020, 41(4): 81-86.
	Zhuang X C, Guo J X, Sun J F, et al. Experimental research on cyclic performance of high temperature heat pump with R134a/R245fa in comparison with R245fa[J]. Journal of Qingdao University of Technology, 2020, 41(4): 81-86.
29	Yang M B, Li T, Feng X, et al. A simulation-based targeting method for heat pump placements in heat exchanger networks[J]. Energy, 2020, 203: 117907.
30	Mikielewicz D, Wajs J. Performance of the very high-temperature heat pump with low GWP working fluids[J]. Energy, 2019, 182: 460-470.
31	杨金文. 以R245fa为工质的高温水源热泵样机研制及实验研究[D]. 青岛: 青岛理工大学, 2018.
	Yang J W. Development and experimental study of high temperature water source heat pump prototype with R245fa as working fluid[D]. Qingdao: Qingdao University of Technology, 2018.
32	Bamigbetan O, Eikevik T M, Nekså P, et al. Theoretical analysis of suitable fluids for high temperature heat pumps up to 125℃ heat delivery[J]. International Journal of Refrigeration, 2018, 92: 185-195.
33	Bai T, Yan G, Yu J L. Thermodynamic assessment of a condenser outlet split ejector-based high temperature heat pump cycle using various low GWP refrigerants[J]. Energy, 2019, 179: 850-862.
34	王怀信, 郭涛, 王继霄. 几种中高温热泵工质的理论循环性能[J]. 太阳能学报, 2010, 31(5): 592-597.
	Wang H X, Guo T, Wang J X. The theoretical cycle performance of some working fluids for moderate/high temperature heat pump[J]. Acta Energiae Solaris Sinica, 2010, 31(5): 592-597.
35	周洁. 靖边气田天然气净化系统模拟与关键参数研究[D]. 西安: 西安石油大学, 2022.
	Zhou J. Simulation of natural gas purification system in Jingbian gas field and study on key parameters[D]. Xi'an: Xi'an Shiyou University, 2022.
36	陈南翔. 活化MDEA脱碳的应用研究[D]. 成都: 西南石油大学, 2016.
	Chen N X. Applied research on decarbonization of activated MDEA[D]. Chengdu: Southwest Petroleum University, 2016.
37	张福亭, 张明, 陈浩, 等.煤制天然气装置生产废水处理及回收利用总结[J]. 中氮肥, 2024(1): 66-70.
	Zhang F T, Zhang M, Chen H . et al. Summary of production wastewater treatment and recycling of coal-to-gas plant[J]. China Nitrogen Fertilizer, 2024(1): 66-70.
38	王曼, 王林平, 覃川, 等.天然气净化处理系统节能技术在靖边气田的应用[J]. 节能技术, 2014, 32(6): 4.
	Wang M, Wang L P, Qin C . et al. Application of energy-saving technology of natural gas purification and treatment system in Jingbian gas field[J]. Energy Saving Technology, 2014, 32(6): 4.
39	王约翰. 高效环保的高热泵系统节流特性及补气策略研究[D]. 西安: 西安建筑科技大学, 2023.
	Wang Y H. Study on throttling characteristics and air supply strategy of high efficiency and environmental protection high heat pump system[D]. Xi'an: Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, 2023.
40	徐畅. 新型混合工质高温热泵变工况热力性能研究[D]. 天津: 河北工业大学, 2021.
	Xu C. Study on thermal performance of new mixed refrigerant high temperature heat pump under off-design conditions[D]. Tianjin: Hebei University of Technology, 2021.
41	张悦. 复叠式中高温空气源热泵的能耗与经济性分析[D]. 邯郸: 河北工程大学, 2021.
	Zhang Y. Energy consumption and economic analysis of cascade medium and high temperature air source heat pump[D]. Handan: Hebei University of Engineering, 2021.
42	李巍. 工业级复叠式高温热泵的性能研究[D]. 天津: 天津大学, 2018.
	Li W. Study on performance of industrial cascade high temperature heat pump[D]. Tianjin: Tianjin University, 2018.

[1]	Jiuchun SUN, Yunlong SANG, Haitao WANG, Hao JIA, Yan ZHU. Study on influence of jet flow on slurry transport characteristics in slurry chamber of shield tunneling machines [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 246-257.
[2]	Zixiang ZHAO, Zhongdi DUAN, Haoran SUN, Hongxiang XUE. Numerical modelling of water hammer induced by two phase flow with large temperature difference [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 170-180.
[3]	Hao HUANG, Wen WANG, Longkun HE. Simulation and analysis on precooling process of membrane LNG carriers [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 187-194.
[4]	Bo HUANG, Hao HUANG, Wen WANG, Longkun HE. Analysis of temperature field of membrane liquid cargo in a LNG carrier [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 195-204.
[5]	Siyuan WANG, Guoqiang LIU, Tong XIONG, Gang YAN. Characteristics of non-uniform wind velocity distribution in window air conditioner axial fans and their impact on optimizing condenser circuit optimization [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 205-216.
[6]	Qingtai CAO, Songyuan GUO, Jianqiang LI, Zan JIANG, Bin WANG, Rui ZHUAN, Jingyi WU, Guang YANG. Numerical study on influence of perforated plate on retention performance of liquid oxygen tank under negative gravity [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(S1): 217-229.
[7]	Pengtao GUO, Ting WANG, Bo XUE, Yunpan YING, Dahuan LIU. Ultramicroporous MOF with multiple adsorption sites for CH₄/N₂ separation [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(5): 2304-2312.
[8]	Minggang GUO, Xiaohang YANG, Yan DAI, Panpan MI, Shixin MA, Gaohong HE, Wu XIAO, Fujun CUI. Optimal design of integration process for helium extraction from helium-poor pipeline natural gas with diversified products [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(5): 2251-2261.
[9]	Lu LIU, Kai WAN, Wenyue WANG, Tai WANG, Jiancheng TANG, Shaoheng WANG. Study on orthohydrogen and parahydrogen conversion coupled flow and heat transfer based on helium expansion refrigeration [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(4): 1513-1522.
[10]	Chengcheng XU, Suola SHAO, Wenjian WEI, Xu ZHENG. Research on heating performance of direct-condensation thermal storage aluminum radiant heating panel under multiple working conditions [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(4): 1545-1558.
[11]	Wenlong JIA, Huan XIAO, Xiangyu LENG, Qiaojing HUANG, Chengwei LIU, Xia WU. Experimental and numerical simulation of ultrasonic cavitation microjet cleaning of heavy deposition in crude oil storage tank [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(3): 1288-1296.
[12]	Yinjie ZHOU, Sibei JI, Songyang HE, Xu JI, Ge HE. Machine learning-assisted high-throughput screening approach for CO₂ separation from CO₂-rich natural gas using metal-organic frameworks [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(3): 1093-1101.
[13]	Shuyue LI, Huan WANG, Shaoqiang ZHOU, Zhihong MAO, Yongmin ZHANG, Junwu WANG, Xiuhua WU. Current status and prospects of research on fluidization characteristics of high-density particles [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(2): 466-483.
[14]	Jingyu JIA, Deqi KONG, Yuanhui SHEN, Donghui ZHANG, Wenbin LI, Zhongli TANG. Simulation and analysis of ammonia separation process by pressure swing adsorption from synthetic ammonia reactor-off gas [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(2): 718-730.
[15]	Jiayi YAO, Donghui ZHANG, Zhongli TANG, Wenbin LI. Research on carbon capture by pressure swing adsorption based on two-stage dual reflux [J]. CIESC Journal, 2025, 76(2): 744-754.