We
simulate a moving bed temperature swing adsorption (MBTSA) process
to capture CO2 in postcombustion context using zeolite
13X as adsorbent. Experimental adsorption isotherms for CO2 and N2 were performed gravimetrically to obtain the equilibrium
input data for the model. The need of the flue gas drying was demonstrated
by pure water and binary water/CO2 experimental adsorption
isotherms, and the energy penalty of the water removal was accounted
for within the energetic duty of the unit. The model consists of three
sections (adsorption, regeneration, and cooling) each with its own
model and integrated by a composite model that simulates the entire
unit. Given the large number of variables and parameters in a MBTSA
process, which can be arranged in different input data sets, a parametric
study of the effect of several variables (feed gas flow rate, regeneration
temperature, adsorbent residence time in the adsorption section, feed
temperature, solid loading) on the key performance parameters of the
process was performed. The results showed that, under the studied
conditions, values up to 99% and 91% mol of CO2 recovery
and purity could be achieved, respectively. The specific energy consumption,
which included an energy recovery in the cooling section, was found
to be competitive against reported values for commercial amine absorption
separation processes suggesting that the MBTSA process might be a
potential separation process candidate for large-scale postcombustion
CO2 capture by adsorption.