# Patent

## Title
CO2 recovery device

## Abstract

A CO2 recovery device includes a cooling tower including a cooling unit for bringing the flue gas, which contains CO2, into contact with water so as to cool flue gas; a CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorbent (lean solution) so as to remove CO2 from flue gas; and a regenerator including an absorbent regenerating unit for releasing CO2 from a rich solution so as to regenerate the CO2 absorbent. The CO2-absorbing unit includes: a cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit provided in a cocurrent flow CO2 absorber, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a cocurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from flue gas and a countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit provided in a CO2 absorber, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a countercurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from flue gas.

## Background
FIELD
The present invention relates to a CO2 recovery device that absorbs CO2 contained in flue gas.
BACKGROUND
Flue gas, which is generated through the combustion of fossil fuel in a boiler of a thermoelectric power plant or the like using a large amount of fossil fuel, contains CO2. A method of removing and recovering CO2, which is contained in flue gas, by bringing flue gas, which contains CO2, into gas-liquid contact with an amine-based CO2 absorbent in a CO2 absorber so that CO2 is absorbed in the CO2 absorbent, and a method of storing the recovered CO2 without releasing the recovered CO2 into the atmosphere have been energetically studied.
For example, there is used a method of making the CO2 absorbent absorb CO2, which is contained in the flue gas, in the CO2 absorber to remove CO2 from the flue gas, regenerating the CO2 absorbent by releasing CO2, which is absorbed in the CO2 absorbent, in a regenerator, and reusing the CO2 absorbent to remove CO2 from flue gas by circulating the CO2 absorbent in the CO2 absorber again (for example, see Patent Literature 1). In this case, the CO2 absorbent absorbing CO2 releases CO2 by being heated with steam in the regenerator. As a result, highly-pure CO2 is recovered.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
Patent Literature 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication NO. 2008-62165
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
Since a CO2 recovery device, which uses a method of absorbing, removing, and recovering CO2 from gas, which contains CO2, such as flue gas, by using a CO2 absorbent, is additionally installed on a combustion facility, the operating cost of the CO2 recovery device should be reduced as much as possible. In particular, much thermal energy is consumed for the release of CO2 in a regenerator of the CO2 recovery device. Further, if the consumption of the CO2 absorbent is large, the amount of a CO2 absorbent to be additionally supplied is increased. Accordingly, the increase of operating cost is caused.
For this reason, there is demanded a CO2 recovery device that improves CO2 recovery efficiency, reduces the consumption of the CO2 absorbent, and reduces operating cost when recovering CO2 from the flue gas.
The invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the invention is to provide a CO2 recovery device that efficiently recovers CO2, reduces the consumption of a CO2 absorbent, and reduces operating cost.
Solution to Problem
According to a first aspect of the present invention in order to solve the above mentioned problems, there is provided a CO2 recovery device including: a cooling unit for bringing the flue gas, which contains CO2, into contact with water so as to cool flue gas;

    
    
        a CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorbent absorbing CO2 so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas; and
        an absorbent regenerating unit for releasing CO2 from the CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 so as to regenerate the CO2 absorbent, wherein
        the CO2-absorbing unit includes:
        at least one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a countercurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas; and
        at least one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a cocurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas.
    
    


According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the CO2 recovery device according to the first aspect, wherein the CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 is cooled in the CO2-absorbing unit, and is supplied to the CO2-absorbing unit again.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the CO2 recovery device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit is provided on the most upstream side in a flow direction of the flue gas.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the CO2 recovery device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit is provided on the most upstream side in the flow direction of the flue gas.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the CO2 recovery device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein at least one of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit and the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit, which are included in the CO2-absorbing unit, is provided in a CO2 absorber for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas, and the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit is provided between the cooling unit and the CO2 absorber.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the CO2 recovery device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein at least one of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit and the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit, which are included in the CO2-absorbing unit, is provided in the CO2 absorber for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas, and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit is provided between the cooling unit and the CO2 absorber.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the CO2 recovery device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the cooling unit is provided in a cooling tower for bringing the flue gas into contact with water so as to cool the flue gas, and the countercurrent CO2 absorber is provided in the cooling tower.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
According to the CO2 recovery device of the invention, it is possible to efficiently recover CO2, to reduce the consumption of a CO2 absorbent, and to reduce operating cost.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagram simply illustrating the structure of a CO2 recovery device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram simply illustrating another structure of the CO2 recovery device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram simply illustrating a part of the structure of a CO2 recovery device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the filling height of a cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit of a cocurrent flow CO2 absorber and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by a reboiler.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relation between a reflux ratio of a semi-rich solution where a semi-rich solution is circulated again in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relation between a cross-section ratio of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relation between a case where a cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit and the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit are changed, and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the filling height of a countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler.



DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Meanwhile, the invention is not limited by the following forms that embody the invention (hereinafter, referred to as embodiments). Further, components of the following embodiments include components that can be easily supposed by those skilled in the art and substantially the same components, that is, components corresponding to a so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, components disclosed in the following embodiments may be appropriately combined with each other.
[First Embodiment]
A CO2 recovery device according to a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram simply illustrating the structure of a CO2 recovery device according to the first embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the CO2 recovery device 10 according to this embodiment includes a cooling unit 11, a CO2-absorbing unit 12, and an absorbent regenerating unit 13. The cooling unit 11 cools flue gas 14A by bringing the flue gas 14A containing CO2 into contact with water 15, and is provided in a cooling tower 16. Further, the CO2-absorbing unit 12 removes CO2 from flue gas 14B by bringing the flue gas 14B into contact with a CO2 absorbent (lean solution) 17 which absorbs CO2. In this embodiment, the CO2-absorbing unit 12 includes a cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 that removes CO2 from the flue gas 14B by bringing the flue gas 14B into contact with a CO2 absorbent (semi-rich solution) 24, which has absorbed CO2, in a cocurrent flow, and a countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 that removes CO2 from flue gas 14C by bringing the flue gas 14C into contact with the CO2 absorbent 17 in a countercurrent flow. Furthermore, the absorbent regenerating unit 13 regenerates the CO2 absorbent 17 by releasing CO2 from a rich solution 18, and is provided in an absorbent regenerator (hereinafter, referred to as a regenerator) 21.
In this embodiment, the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is provided in a cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 is provided in a CO2 absorber 23.
In this embodiment, the CO2-absorbing unit 12 includes one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20. However, the CO2-absorbing unit 12 may include a plurality of cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing units 19 and one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20, may include one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and a plurality of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20, or may include a plurality of cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing units 19 and a plurality of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20.
In the CO2 recovery device 10, the CO2 absorbent 17, which absorbs CO2 contained in the flue gas 14A, circulates among the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, the CO2 absorber 23, and the regenerator 21 (hereinafter, referred to as “in a system”). In this embodiment, the rich solution 18, which has absorbed CO2 contained in the flue gas 14B, is fed to the regenerator 21 from the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. The CO2 absorbent (lean solution) 17, which is regenerated by removing almost all of CO2 from the rich solution 18 in the regenerator 21, is fed to the CO2 absorber 23 from the regenerator 21. The CO2 absorbent (semi-rich solution) 24, which has absorbed CO2 remaining in the flue gas 14C, is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 from the CO2 absorber 23.
The flue gas 14A is gas that contains CO2 discharged from industrial equipment, such as a boiler or a gas turbine. After the pressure of the flue gas 14A is increased by a flue gas blower or the like, the flue gas 14A is sent to the cooling tower 16.
The cooling tower 16 is a tower that cools the flue gas 14A by water 15. The cooling tower 16 includes spray nozzles 26 that spray the water 15 into the tower, and a cooling unit 11. The flue gas 14A is cooled by coming into counterflow contact with the water 15 sprayed from the spray nozzles 26 in the cooling unit 11 of the cooling tower 16.
The water 15 of which the temperature has become high by the heat exchange between the water 15 and the flue gas 14A is stored in the bottom of the cooling tower 16. The water 15 stored in the bottom of the cooling tower 16 is extracted from the bottom of the cooling tower 16, and is cooled by exchanging heat with cooling water 28 in a cooler 27. Then, the water 15 is fed to the cooling tower 16. Accordingly, the water 15 is circulated and used to cool the flue gas 14A.
The cooled flue gas 14B is discharged from the cooling tower 16 through a flue gas duct 29 that connects the cooling tower 16 to the CO2 absorber 23, and is fed to the CO2-absorbing unit 12.
As described above, the CO2-absorbing unit 12 includes the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20. The flue gas 14B is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 including the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and the CO2 absorber 23 including the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 in this order.
The cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided between the cooling tower 16 including the cooling unit 11 and the CO2 absorber 23. In this embodiment, the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 including the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is provided on the most upstream side in the flow direction of the flue gas 14B flowing in the CO2-absorbing unit 12. The flue gas 14B discharged from the cooling tower 16 is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 through the flue gas duct 29.
The cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is a tower that removes CO2 from the flue gas 14B by bringing the flue gas 14B into contact with the semi-rich solution 24, which is discharged from the CO2 absorber 23, in a cocurrent flow. The cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 includes spray nozzles 31 and the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 that are provided in the tower. The spray nozzles 31 spray the semi-rich solution 24 downward. After the semi-rich solution 24 is discharged from the CO2 absorber 23 through a semi-rich solution extraction line 32 and is cooled by exchanging heat with cooling water 34 in a cooler 33, the semi-rich solution 24 is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Further, the flue gas 14B is supplied from the top of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, and flows in the tower toward the bottom of the tower.
Accordingly, since the semi-rich solution 24 is cooled before being supplied into the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, the semi-rich solution 24 can further absorb CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Therefore, it is possible to increase the concentration of CO2 contained in the rich solution 18 that is stored in the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22.
Further, since the semi-rich solution 24 is cooled before being supplied into the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, the semi-rich solution 24 can lower the temperature of the flue gas 14C fed to the CO2 absorber 23 by coming into contact with the flue gas 14B. For this reason, as described below, it is possible to increase the absorption amount of CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14C, even in the CO2 absorber 23. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the absorption efficiency of CO2. Furthermore, since the temperature of the flue gas 14C fed to the CO2 absorber 23 is lowered, the steam pressure of the absorbent of the lean solution 17 is reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the absorbent. Moreover, the temperature of the absorbent rises due to the heat of reaction that is generated at the time of absorption of CO2, but the flue gas 14C is cooled on the upstream side of the CO2 absorber 23. Accordingly, the rise of the temperature of the absorbent is also suppressed, so that it is possible to suppress the degradation of the absorbent.
Further, in a CO2 recovery device in the related art, a cooling tower 16 and a CO2 absorber 23 have been connected to each other by a flue gas duct 29. In contrast, the CO2 recovery device 10 according to this embodiment is provided with the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 on the flue gas duct 29. Accordingly, according to the CO2 recovery device 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to effectively use an installation area since the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided on the flue gas duct 29 of the CO2 recovery device that has been already provided in the related art.
When the cross-sectional area of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is denoted by S1 and the cross-sectional area of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 is denoted by S2, the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is preferably 1.0 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and still more preferably 0.5 or less. Accordingly, since it is possible to suitably maintain a contact rate between the semi-rich solution 24 and the flue gas 14B in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, it is possible to maintain the absorption efficiency of CO2 that is contained in the flue gas 14B. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of steam that is consumed by a regenerating superheater (reboiler) 36 of the regenerator 21. Moreover, even though the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is small, it is possible to suitably maintain the contact rate between the semi-rich solution 24 and the flue gas 14B in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 by increasing the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 as much as that. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the absorption efficiency of CO2 that is contained in the flue gas 14B.
Further, the semi-rich solution 24 is previously cooled in the cooler 33 before being supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. However, when the semi-rich solution 24 does not need to be cooled, the semi-rich solution 24 may not be cooled in the cooler 33.
The flue gas 14C, which comes into gas-liquid contact with the semi-rich solution 24 in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, is sent to the CO2 absorber 23 from the side wall of the bottom of the CO2 absorber 23.
Furthermore, the rich solution 18, which has absorbed CO2 contained in the flue gas 14B in the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19, is stored in the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. The rich solution 18 stored in the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is extracted from a rich solution feed line 37; is pumped from the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 by a rich solvent pump 38 that is provided outside; exchanges heat with the CO2 absorbent 17, which is regenerated in the regenerator 21, in a rich/lean solution heat exchanger 39; and is then supplied into the regenerator 21 from the side surface of the regenerator.
A part of the rich solution 18, which is stored in the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, may be extracted from a rich solution extraction-branch line 41, may be mixed to the semi-rich solution 24, and may circulate in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 so as to be used. Accordingly, since the rich solution 18 can remove CO2 from the flue gas 14B by further absorbing CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, it is possible to further increase the concentration of CO2 contained in the rich solution 18. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36.
Further, when the flow rate of the semi-rich solution 24, which is supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 from the CO2 absorber 23, is denoted by A1 and the flow rate of the rich solution 18, where the rich solution 18 stored in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 through the rich solution extraction-branch line 41, is denoted by A2, a reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18 is preferably in a range of 0 to 3 and more preferably in a range of 0 to 2. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently absorb CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, while suitably maintaining the rich solution 18 that is fed to the regenerator 21 and regenerated.
The CO2 absorber 23 is a tower that removes CO2 from the flue gas 14C by bringing the flue gas 14C into contact with the CO2 absorbent 17. The CO2 absorber 23 includes the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20, spray nozzles 43, a water washing unit 44, and a demister 45. The flue gas 14C, which is fed into the CO2 absorber 23, flows in the tower toward the top of the tower from the bottom of the tower. The spray nozzle 43 is a nozzle that sprays the CO2 absorbent 17 downward. In this embodiment, the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 is provided at the lower portion of the CO2 absorber 23.
The flue gas 14C, which rises in the tower, comes into contact with the CO2 absorbent 17, which contains, for example, a basic amine compound as a base, in a countercurrent flow in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20. Accordingly, CO2 contained in the flue gas 14C is absorbed in the CO2 absorbent 17.
The semi-rich solution 24, which has absorbed CO2 contained in the flue gas 14C in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20, is stored in the bottom of the CO2 absorber 23. As described above, the semi-rich solution 24, which is stored in the bottom of the CO2 absorber 23, is extracted from the semi-rich solution extraction line 32, is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, and absorbs CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, by coming into contact with the flue gas 14B in a cocurrent flow.
This embodiment is not limited to a case where the semi-rich solution 24 is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, and the semi-rich solution 24 may be mixed to the CO2 absorbent 17, which is fed to the spray nozzles 43, so as to be used to absorb CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14C, in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20. Further, the semi-rich solution 24 may be supplied to both the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20.
Furthermore, the water washing unit 44 and the demister 45 are provided on the downstream side in the CO2 absorber 23 in the flow direction of the flue gas 14C. In this embodiment, the water washing unit 44 and the demister 45 are provided above the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 in the tower. After the CO2 absorbent 17 contained in CO2-removed flue gas 47, from which CO2 has been removed in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20, is removed from the CO2-removed flue gas 47 in the water washing unit 44 and the demister 45, the CO2-removed flue gas 47 is released to the outside of the system from the top of the CO2 absorber 23.
Water 48, which is supplied from the outside, is sprayed in the water washing unit 44 from spray nozzles 49, so that impurities contained in the CO2-removed flue gas 47 are removed in the water washing unit 44. After the water 48, which is sprayed from the spray nozzles 49, is recovered by a receiving unit 50, is fed to the outside of the tower by a pump 51, and is cooled in a cooler 52 by cooling water 53, the water 48 is fed to the spray nozzles 49 so as to be used while circulating.
In this embodiment, the CO2-absorbing unit 12 includes one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto, and the CO2-absorbing unit 12 may include a plurality of cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing units 19 and one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20, may include one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and a plurality of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20, or may include a plurality of cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing units 19 and a plurality of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20.
In this embodiment, the CO2 absorber 23 includes one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 that is provided therein. However, the CO2 absorber 23 may include a plurality of cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing units 19 and one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 that are provided therein, may include one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and a plurality of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20 that are provided therein, or may include a plurality of cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing units 19 and a plurality of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20 that are provided therein.
FIG. 2 is a diagram simply illustrating another structure of the CO2 recovery device according to this embodiment. The CO2 absorber 23 may have two stages of countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 as illustrated in FIG. 2, or may have three or more stages. If the CO2 absorber 23 is provided with the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2, a semi-rich solution 24B, which has absorbed CO2 remaining in the flue gas 14C after the lean solution 17 is sprayed from spray nozzles 43-2 and passes through the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-2, is stored in a receiving unit 55. Subsequently, after the semi-rich solution 24B, which is stored in the receiving unit 55, is cooled in a cooler 56 by cooling water 57, the semi-rich solution 24B is sprayed from spray nozzles 43-1 and passes through the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-1, so that the semi-rich solution 24B is changed into a semi-rich solution 24A. The semi-rich solution 24A is stored in the bottom of the CO2 absorber 23.
In this case, this embodiment is not limited to a case where the semi-rich solution 24B, which has absorbed CO2 in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-2, is supplied to the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-1 and the semi-rich solution 24A, which has absorbed CO2 in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-1, is supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19. The rich solution 18 that has absorbed CO2 in the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19, and the semi-rich solutions 24A and 24B that have absorbed CO2 in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2, respectively, may be supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and any one or both of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 again after being cooled.
Further, the rich solution 18, which is stored in the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 as illustrated in FIG. 1, is supplied to the regenerator 21 as described above. The regenerator 21 is a tower that includes the absorbent regenerating unit 13 and regenerates the rich solution 18 as the lean solution 17 by releasing CO2 from the rich solution 18. The rich solution 18, which is released into the regenerator 21 from the top of the regenerator 21, is heated by steam 61 that is supplied from the bottom of the regenerator 21. The steam 61 is generated by the heat exchange between the lean solution 17 and saturated steam 62 in the regenerating superheater (reboiler) 36. The rich solution 18 absorbs heat by being heated by the steam 61, so that most of CO2 contained in the rich solution 18 is released. When reaching the bottom of the regenerator 21, the rich solution 18 is changed into the CO2 absorbent (lean solution) 17 from which almost all CO2 has been removed.
After the lean solution 17, which is stored in the bottom of the regenerator 21, is fed as a CO2 absorbent by a lean solvent pump 63 and is cooled in a lean solvent cooler 64 by the heat exchange with cooling water 65, the lean solution 17 is fed to the CO2 absorber 23.
Meanwhile, CO2 gas 71 containing vapor is released from the top of the regenerator 21. After the CO2 gas 71 containing vapor is discharged from the top of the regenerator 21, vapor contained in the CO2 gas 71 is condensed in a condenser 72 by cooling water 73, and water 75 is separated by a separation drum 74. After that, CO2 gas 76 is released to the outside of the system and is recovered. Further, the water 75, which is separated by the separation drum 74, is supplied to the upper portion of the regenerator 21 by a condensed water circulating pump 77.
As described above, the CO2 recovery device 10 according to this embodiment includes the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 that includes the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and is provided between the cooling tower 16 and the CO2 absorber 23, and uses the semi-rich solution 24, which has absorbed CO2 contained in the flue gas 14C in the CO2 absorber 23, as an absorbent that further absorbs CO2 contained in the flue gas 14B in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the concentration of CO2 contained in the rich solution 18 that is stored in the bottom of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Moreover, since the semi-rich solution 24 is previously cooled before being supplied into the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, it is possible to lower the temperature of the flue gas 14C that is fed to the CO2 absorber 23. For this reason, it is also possible to increase the absorption amount of CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14C, in the CO2 absorber 23 and to reduce the consumption of the absorbent. In addition, since it is possible to provide the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 on the flue gas duct 29 of the CO2 recovery device that has been already provided, it is possible to effectively use an installation area.
Accordingly, since it is possible to efficiently use steam required for releasing CO2, which is contained in the CO2 absorbent 17, in the regenerator 21 without the waste of steam, it is possible to increase the operating efficiency of the CO2 recovery device 10.
Meanwhile, the CO2 recovery device 10 according to this embodiment is adapted so that the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 is provided in the CO2 absorber 23. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 may be provided between the cooling unit 11 and the CO2 absorber 23.
The CO2 recovery device 10 according to this embodiment is not limited to a case where the CO2 recovery device 10 is applied to recover CO2 contained in the flue gas 14A, and may be suitably used as a device that brings an ingredient contained in flue gas into gas-liquid contact with liquid such as water, such as flue gas desulphurization equipment.
[Second Embodiment]
A CO2 recovery device according to a second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Since the structure of the CO2 recovery device according to this embodiment is the same as the structure of the above-mentioned CO2 recovery device illustrated in FIG. 1, a diagram illustrating the structure of the CO2 recovery device will not be provided and description will be made using only drawings illustrating the structure of a cooling tower and a CO2 absorber. Meanwhile, the same members as the members of the CO2 recovery device illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will not be made. Further, a case where two countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20 are provided as illustrated in FIG. 2 will be described in this embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram simply illustrating a part of the structure of the CO2 recovery device according to the second embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the CO2 recovery device according to this embodiment has a structure where the CO2 recovery device according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes a countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 provided on the most upstream side in the flow direction of the flue gas 14B. That is, the CO2 recovery device according to the embodiment includes countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 that are provided in the CO2 absorber 23, the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 that is provided between the cooling tower 16 and the CO2 absorber 23, and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 that is provided on the downstream side of the cooling unit 11, which is provided in the cooling tower 16, in the gas flow direction (in an upper portion of the tower).
The cooling tower 16 includes spray nozzles 82 and the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 that are provided therein. The countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 removes CO2 from the flue gas 14B by bringing the cooled flue gas 14B into contact with a rich solution 18A, which is discharged from the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, in a countercurrent flow.
The spray nozzles 82 spray the rich solution 18A downward. After the rich solution 18A is discharged from the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 through a rich solution extraction line 83 and is cooled in a cooler 84 by the heat exchange with cooling water 85, the rich solution 18A is fed to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22.
The countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 is provided on the downstream side of the cooling unit 11 in the gas flow direction. In this embodiment, the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 is provided above the cooling unit 11 of the cooling tower 16. For this reason, the flue gas 14B, which is cooled in the cooling unit 11 of the cooling tower 16, flows to the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81.
After coming into contact with the cooled flue gas 14B in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81, the rich solution 18A is stored in a receiving unit 86.
The flue gas 14B, which is supplied to the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81, comes into counterflow contact with the rich solution 18A in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81. The rich solution 18A absorbs CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, by coming into counterflow contact with the flue gas 14B in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Accordingly, it is possible to remove CO2 from the flue gas 14B.
The rich solution 18A is stored in the receiving unit 86 after coming into contact with the cooled flue gas 14B in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81. However, a rich solution 18B, which is stored in the receiving unit 86, is extracted from a rich solution feed line 87, and is supplied to the regenerator 21.
The CO2 recovery device according to this embodiment uses the semi-rich solution 24A, which is discharged from the CO2 absorber 23, as an absorbent that absorbs CO2 contained in flue gas 14C-1 in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Further, the CO2 recovery device uses the rich solution 18A, which is discharged from the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, as an absorbent that further absorbs CO2 contained in the flue gas 14B in the cooling tower 16. That is, the rich solution 18A is an absorbent that has absorbed CO2 contained in the flue gas 14C-1 in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and has absorbed CO2 contained in flue gas 14C-2 in the CO2 absorber 23. For this reason, it is possible to further increase the concentration of CO2 contained in the rich solution 18B, which is stored in the receiving unit 86 of the cooling tower 16, by using the rich solution 18A as an absorbent that further absorbs CO2 contained in the flue gas 14B in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81.
A part of the rich solution 18B, which is stored in the receiving unit 86, may be extracted from a rich solution extraction-branch line 88, may be mixed to the rich solution 18A, and may circulate in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 so as to be used. Accordingly, since the rich solution 18A can remove CO2 from the flue gas 14B by further absorbing CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, in the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81, it is possible to further increase the concentration of CO2 contained in the rich solution 18B.
Moreover, as for the flow rate A3 of the rich solution 18A that is supplied to the cooling tower 16 from the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the flow rate A4 of the rich solution 18B, where the rich solution 18B stored in the cooling tower 16 is supplied to the cooling tower 16 through the rich solution extraction-branch line 88, a reflux ratio (A4/A3) of the rich solution 18B is preferably in a range of 0 to 3 and more preferably in a range of 0 to 2. Accordingly, it is possible to absorb CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14B, while suitably maintaining the rich solution 18B that is fed to the regenerator 21 and regenerated.
Further, since the rich solution 18A is cooled before being supplied into the cooling tower 16, the rich solution 18A can lower the temperature of the flue gas 14C-1 fed to the CO2 absorber 23 by coming into contact with the flue gas 14B. Furthermore, since the semi-rich solution 24A is also cooled before being supplied into the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, the semi-rich solution 24A also can lower the temperature of the flue gas 14C-2 that is fed to the CO2 absorber 23. For this reason, it is possible to increase the absorption amount of CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14C, in the CO2 absorber 23. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the absorption efficiency of CO2 and to reduce the consumption of the absorbent.
In addition, since the CO2 recovery device according to this embodiment is provided with the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 on the flue gas duct 29 of the CO2 recovery device having been already provided and is provided with the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 on the downstream side in the cooling tower 16 in the gas flow direction (in an upper portion of the tower), it is possible to effectively use an installation area.
As described above, according to the CO2 recovery device of this embodiment, since it is possible to improve the absorption efficiency of CO2, which is contained in the flue gas 14A, into a CO2 absorbent 17 and to reduce the consumption of the absorbent contained in the CO2 absorbent 17, it is possible to efficiently use the CO2 absorbent 17. Accordingly, since it is possible to efficiently use steam required for releasing CO2, which is contained in the CO2 absorbent 17, in the regenerator 21 without the waste of steam, it is possible to further increase the operating efficiency of the CO2 recovery device. Further, it is also possible to more effectively apply this embodiment to the device that has been already provided.
[Examples]
Next, the test results of the reduction rate of the amount of steam, which is consumed by the reboiler when the CO2 recovery device according to this embodiment is used, will be described.
<When the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber was provided between the cooling tower and the CO2 absorber>
When the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was provided between the cooling tower 16 and the CO2 absorber 23 as in the CO2 recovery device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was examined in each of a case where the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was changed, a case where the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the semi-rich solution 24 circulating in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was changed, and a case where the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) between the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the CO2 absorber 23 was changed. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the CO2 recovery device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1.
[A Relation Between the Filling Height of the Countercurrent CO2-Absorbing Unit 20 of the Cocurrent Flow CO2 Absorber 22 and the Reduction Rate of the Amount of Steam Consumed by the Reboiler 36]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Meanwhile, Comparative Example 1 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100% in a CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. In Comparative Example 1, the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was a reference value (0%). Example 1-1 is a test example where the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is 14% when the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Example 1-2 is a test example where the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is 28% when the height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Example 1-3 is a test example where the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber is 43% when the height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. In all of Examples 1-1 to 1-3, the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18 between the flow rate A1 of the semi-rich solution 24, which is supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 from the CO2 absorber 23, and the flow rate A2 of the rich solution 18, where the rich solution 18 stored in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 through the rich solution extraction-branch line 41, was 0 and the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 between the cross-sectional area S1 of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and the cross-sectional area S2 of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 was 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased as the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was increased. Accordingly, when the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided on the flue gas duct 29, it is possible to increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 as the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is increased.
[A Relation Between the Reflux Ratio (A2/A1) of the Semi-Rich Solution 24 Where the Semi-Rich Solution 24 is Circulated Again in the Cocurrent Flow CO2 Absorber 22 and the Reduction Rate of the Amount of Steam Consumed by the Reboiler 36]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the semi-rich solution 24 where the semi-rich solution 24 is circulated again in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Meanwhile, Comparative Example 2 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 as in Comparative Example 1. In Comparative Example 2, the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was a reference value (0%). Each of Examples 2-1 to 2-3 is a test example where the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, when the height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%, is 28% so that the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) is 1. In Example 2-1, the reflux ratio of the semi-rich solution 24 was 0. In Example 2-2, the reflux ratio of the semi-rich solution 24 was 1. In Example 2-3, the reflux ratio of the semi-rich solution 24 was 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased as the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18 circulated in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was increased. Accordingly, when the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided on the flue gas duct 29, it is possible to increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 as the reflux ratio of the rich solution 18 circulated in the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is increased.
[A Relation Between the Cross-Section Ratio of the Cocurrent Flow CO2 Absorber 22 and the Reduction Rate of the Amount of Steam Consumed by the Reboiler 36]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the cross-section ratio of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Meanwhile, Comparative Example 3 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 as in Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Each of Examples 3-1 to 3-3 is a test example where the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, when the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%, is 28% so that the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18 is 0. In Example 3-1, the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 1. In Example 3-2, the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 0.75. In example 3-3, the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 0.5.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 0.75 or 1, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was large as compared to when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 0.5. The reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 0.75 was substantially the same as that when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 1.0. Accordingly, when the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided on the flue gas duct 29, it is possible to increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam, which is consumed by the reboiler 36, by making the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 larger than 0.5.
[Influence on the Reduction Rate of the Amount of Steam, Which is Consumed by the Reboiler 36, When the Cross-Section Ratio (S1/S2) of the Cocurrent Flow CO2-Absorbing Unit 19 and the Filling Height of the Cocurrent Flow CO2-Absorbing Unit 19 are Changed]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relation between a case where the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 and the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 are changed, and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Example 3-4 is a test example where the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is 43%, the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18 is 0, and the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 0.5 when the height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%.
As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 0.5, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was small as compared to when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 1. However, when the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was increased, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased as compared to when the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 1. Accordingly, when the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided on the flue gas duct 29 and the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is small, it is possible to increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam, which is consumed by the reboiler 36, by making the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 high.
[A Relation Between the Reduction Rate of the Amount of Steam, Which is Consumed by the Reboiler 36, and the Filling Height of the Cocurrent Flow CO2-Absorbing Unit 19 of the Cocurrent Flow CO2 Absorber 22 When the Countercurrent CO2-Absorbing Unit 20 of the CO2 Absorber 23 is Formed in Two Stages]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Meanwhile, Comparative Example 4-1 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 as in Comparative Example 1. In Comparative Example 4-1, the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was a reference value (0%). Comparative Example 4-2 is a test example where the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is formed in two stages and the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Example 4-1 is a test example where the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 14% when the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Example 4-2 is a test example where the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 28% when the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Example 4-3 is a test example where the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 43% when the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Further, in all of Examples 4-1 to 4-3 and Comparative Example 4-2, the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-1 was 29% and the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-2 was 71%. Furthermore, in all of Examples 4-1 to 4-3 and Comparative Examples 4-1 and 4-2, the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18 was 0 and the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 1.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the CO2 absorber 23 included the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 so that the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 was formed in two stages, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased as compared to when the CO2 absorber 23 included the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 so that the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 was formed in one stage (see Comparative Examples 4-1 and 4-2). Moreover, when the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 was formed in two stages and the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was provided on the flue gas duct 29 as in Example 4-1, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was further increased. Further, as in Examples 4-1 to 4-3, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased as the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was increased. Accordingly, when the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is formed in a plurality of stages and the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is provided on the flue gas duct 29, it is possible to further increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Furthermore, it is possible to increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam, which is consumed by the reboiler 36, as the height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 is increased.
<When the Cocurrent Flow CO2 Absorber 22 was Provided in the Cooling Tower 16 and Between the Cooling Tower 16 and the CO2 Absorber 23>
[A Relation Between the Filling Weight of the Countercurrent CO2-Absorbing Unit 81, Which is Provided in the Cooling Tower 16, and the Reduction Rate of the Amount of Steam Consumed by the Reboiler 36 When the CO2-Absorbing Unit of the CO2 Absorber 23 is Formed in Two Stages]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a relation between the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 and the reduction rate of the amount of steam that is consumed by the reboiler 36. Meanwhile, Comparative Example 5-1 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 as in Comparative Example 4-1. In Comparative Example 5-1, the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was a reference value (0%). Comparative Example 5-2 is a test example where the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is formed in two stages and the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device in the related art without the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 as in Comparative Example 4-2. Comparative Example 5-3 is a test example where the sum of the filling heights of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 is 14%, the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20 of the CO2 absorber 23 is formed in two stages, and the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 is 100% in the CO2 recovery device including the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22. Example 5-1 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 is 14% when the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Example 5-2 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 is 28% when the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Example 5-3 is a test example where the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 is 43% when the sum of the filling heights of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing units 20-1 and 20-2 of the CO2 absorber 23 is 100%. Further, in all of Examples 5-1 to 5-3 and Comparative Example 5-2, the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-1 was 29% and the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 20-2 was 71%. Furthermore, in all of Examples 5-1 to 5-3 and Comparative Example 5-3, the filling height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 of the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was 28%. Moreover, in all of Examples 5-1 to 5-3 and Comparative Example 5-3, the reflux ratio (A2/A1) of the rich solution 18A was 0 and the cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit 19 was 1. Further, in each of Examples 5-1 to 5-3, the reflux ratio (A4/A3) of the rich solution 18B between the flow rate A3 of the rich solution 18A, which is supplied to the cooling tower 16 from the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22, and the flow rate A4 of the rich solution 18, where the rich solution 18B stored in the cooling tower 16 was supplied to the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 through a rich solution extraction-branch line 83, was 0.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased when the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 was provided in the cooling tower 16 and the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 was provided between the cooling tower 16 and the CO2 absorber 23 (see Examples 5-1 to 5-3). Moreover, the reduction rate of the amount of steam consumed by the reboiler 36 was increased as the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 provided in the cooling tower 16 was increased. Accordingly, it is possible to further increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam, which is consumed by the reboiler 36, by providing the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 in the cooling tower 16 and providing the cocurrent flow CO2 absorber 22 on the flue gas duct 29. Further, it is possible to increase the reduction rate of the amount of steam, which is consumed by the reboiler 36, as the filling height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit 81 provided in the cooling tower 16 is increased.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
10 CO2 RECOVERY DEVICE
11 COOLING UNIT
12 CO2-ABSORBING UNIT
13 ABSORBENT REGENERATING UNIT
14A to 14C, 14C-1, 14C-2 FLUE GAS
15, 48, 75 WATER
16 COOLING TOWER
17 CO2 ABSORBENT (LEAN SOLUTION)
18, 18A, 18B RICH SOLUTION
19 COCURRENT FLOW CO2-ABSORBING UNIT
20, 20-1, 20-2, 81 COUNTERCURRENT CO2-ABSORBING UNIT
21 ABSORBENT REGENERATOR
22 COCURRENT FLOW CO2 ABSORBER
23 CO2 ABSORBER
24, 24A, 24B SEMI-RICH SOLUTION
26, 31, 43, 43-1, 43-2, 49, 82 SPRAY NOZZLE
27, 33, 52, 56, 84 COOLER
28, 34, 53, 57, 65, 73, 85 COOLING WATER
29 FLUE GAS DUCT
32 SEMI-RICH SOLUTION EXTRACTION LINE
36 REGENERATING SUPERHEATER (REBOILER)
37, 87 RICH SOLUTION FEED LINE
38 RICH SOLVENT PUMP
39 RICH/LEAN SOLUTION HEAT EXCHANGER
41, 83, 88 RICH SOLUTION EXTRACTION-BRANCH LINE
44 WATER WASHING UNIT
45 DEMISTER
47 CO2-REMOVED FLUE GAS
50, 55, 86 RECEIVING UNIT
51 PUMP
61 STEAM
62 SATURATED STEAM
63 LEAN SOLVENT PUMP
64 LEAN SOLVENT COOLER
71, 76 CO2 GAS
72 CONDENSER
74 SEPARATION DRUM
77 CONDENSED WATER CIRCULATING PUMP

## Claims

1. A CO2 recovery device comprising:
a cooling tower including a cooling unit for bringing flue gas, which contains CO2, into contact with water so as to cool the flue gas;
a CO2 absorber including a CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorbent absorbing CO2 so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas; and
a regenerator including an absorbent regenerating unit for releasing CO2 from a rich solution which is the CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 so as to regenerate the CO2 absorbent and discharge the CO2 absorbent as a lean solution, wherein the lean solution is reused in the CO2-absorbing unit,
at least one countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit provided in the CO2 absorber, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a countercurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas;
a cocurrent flow CO2-absorber provided upstream of the CO2 absorber, the cocurrent flow CO2-absorber including at least one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a cocurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas;
a semi-rich solution extraction line for supplying a semi-rich solution to a flue gas introduction side of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit, the semi-rich solution being the CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 in the CO2-absorbing unit and stored in a bottom part of the CO2-absorbing unit; and
a rich solution feed line for feeding the rich solution stored in a bottom part of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorber to the absorbent regenerating unit,
where a packing height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit is equal to or less than 43% when a packing height of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit of the CO2 absorber is 100%.

2. The CO2 recovery device according to claim 1,
further comprising a cooler interposed on the semi-rich solution extraction line, for cooling the semi-rich solution.

3. The CO2 recovery device according to claim 1,
wherein a cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of a cross-sectional area (S1) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit and a cross-sectional area (S2) of the countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit of the CO2 absorber is equal to or less than 1.

4. A CO2 recovery device comprising:
a cooling tower including a cooling unit for bringing flue gas, which contains CO2, into contact with water so as to cool the flue gas;
a CO2 absorber including a CO2-absorbing unit for bringing flue gas into contact with a CO2 absorbent absorbing CO2 so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas; and
a regenerator including an absorbent regenerating unit for releasing CO2 from a rich solution which is the CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 so as to regenerate the CO2 absorbent and discharge the CO2 absorbent as a lean solution, wherein the lean solution is reused in the CO2-absorbing unit,
at least one first countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit provided in the CO2 absorber, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a countercurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas;
a cocurrent flow CO2-absorber provided upstream of the CO2 absorber, the cocurrent flow CO2-absorber including at least one cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a cocurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas;
a semi-rich solution extraction line for supplying a semi-rich solution to a flue gas introduction side of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit, the semi-rich solution being the CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 in the CO2-absorbing unit and stored in a bottom part of the CO2-absorbing unit;
a second countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit provided downstream of the cooling unit of the cooling tower, for bringing the flue gas into contact with the CO2 absorbent in a countercurrent flow so as to remove CO2 from the flue gas;
a rich solution extraction line for supplying a rich solution to a top side of the second countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit in the cooling tower, the rich solution being a CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 in the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit and stored in a bottom part of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit; and
a rich solution feed line for feeding a rich solution to the absorbent regenerating unit, the rich solution being a CO2 absorbent having absorbed CO2 in the second countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit and stored in a receiving unit of the second countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit,
where a packing height of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit is equal to or less than 43% when a packing height of the first countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit of the CO2 absorber is 100%.

5. The CO2 recovery device according to claim 4,
further comprising a cooler interposed on the semi-rich solution extraction line, for cooling the semi-rich solution.

6. The CO2 recovery device according to claim 4,
wherein a cross-section ratio (S1/S2) of a cross-sectional area (S1) of the cocurrent flow CO2-absorbing unit and a cross-sectional area (S2) of the first countercurrent CO2-absorbing unit of the CO2 absorber is equal to or less than 1.