Episode 1

ABSORPTION
TECHNOLOGIES

The CO₂ absorption technology is a widely used and common separation method for industry applications.

A notable advantage is the ease of retrofitting existing industrial facilities, enabling rapid deployment and integration.
The process can be divided into two main types of absorption: chemical or physical absorption.

Typically, this approach employs chemical solvents, most commonly amines, which absorb CO₂ from flue gases.

Once absorbed, the CO₂ is subsequently stripped from the solvent, compressed, and transported for geological storage or utilized in other commercial applications. Usually absorption and desorption processes require significant heat transfer.

While conventional amine-based capture systems generally achieve CO₂ capture rates between 85% and 90%, emerging technologies and advanced materials, such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), have demonstrated the potential to exceed these rates. These recent advancements also contribute to improved operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, enhancing the overall viability of carbon capture solutions.

MAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR CO2 ABSORPTION TECHNOLOGIES

High-performance
absorption liquids

Optimised
operating conditions

Compression &
transport infrastructure

ABSORPTION CCS SCHEME

In post-combustion carbon capture, the process begins after fuel combustion, where exhaust gases must be cooled before CO₂ removal. Kelvion’s economisers and recuperators — based on plate and tubular technologies — efficiently recover heat from flue gases, transferring energy to secondary fluids such as hot water, thermal oil, or combustion/drying air.

Once cooled, the flue gas enters the absorber column where it contacts a CO₂-selective solvent. The treated, CO₂-free gas is released, while the CO₂-rich solvent moves to the regeneration cycle. Prior to regeneration, thermal energy is recovered using a lean/rich heat exchanger. Kelvion offers both gasketed and fully welded plate exchangers for this application.

The preheated rich solvent enters the stripper column where CO₂ is separated in the reboiler. Kelvion’s K°Flex reboilers provide superior thermal performance compared to conventional shell-and-tube units. The regenerated lean solvent then returns through the lean/rich exchanger and is further cooled — either via compact plate heat exchangers (when cooling water is available) or via air-cooled heat exchangers.

CO₂ released from the regeneration process passes through an overhead condenser and reflux drum, after which it is ready for compression and transportation to storage or utilisation.

HEAT RECOVERY &
FLUE GAS COOLING

SOLVENT RECOVERY SYSTEM
AMINE TREATING UNIT

CO2 COMPRESSION

Lean Solvent

CO2 to Compression

Absorber

Flue Gas/
Sour Gas

Rich Solvent

Rich

Solvent

Rekuluvo/

Rekugavo

Economizer

Lean/Rich

GPHE, K°Bloc, K°Flex

K°Flex

Stripper Tower/
Regenerator

Stripper Reboiler

K°Flex

Overhead Condenser

K°Flex

Water

Air

Makeup
Water

Flue Gas
Sweet Gas

Steam

Compressor Coolers

K°Bond | K°Flex |

Double Tube Safety

Reflux

Drum

FOCAL-POINT: SIMPLIFY YOUR INSTALLATION & BOOST EFFICIENCY

Every phase of the amine-based post-combustion carbon capture process relies on efficient heat transfer. That’s why choosing the right heat exchanger technology is key to maximising energy savings and maintaining peak system performance.

Discover how advanced solutions — like Kelvion’s innovative K°Flex — can revolutionise your amine reboiler setup. With cutting-edge design and proven efficiency, K°Flex helps you reduce your footprint, cut operational costs, and boost overall reliability.