Rivero, Joanna Rosa
(2023)
Membrane Modeling for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture and Direct Ocean Capture.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to use readily available carbon capture technology to further
advance the carbon capture research field in order to mitigate global warming effects.
Specifically, membranes have been deployed at a pilot scale for carbon capture for pre- and
post-combustion carbon capture. This thesis organizes current computational models for
post-combustion carbon capture, and builds upon and applies these modeling approaches for
novel carbon capture applications such as direct ocean carbon capture. First, a thorough
literature review organizing membrane contactor models for post-combustion carbon capture
was created to provide a rigorous comparison of state-of-the-art 1D, 2D and 3D models
for post-combustion carbon capture membrane contactors. Using the information from the
review, a study using hollow fiber membrane contactors for direct ocean carbon capture
research was conducted consisting of experimental testing, 1D modeling of a hollow fiber
membrane contactor, and finally a techno-economic analysis of a pilot scale system. The study
discovered that while hollow fiber membrane contactors can be used to separate CO2 from
seawater, the technology needs to be further developed to become economically competitive.
Finally, a flat sheet membrane model was developed that represents Membrane Technology
Research’s (MTR’s) latest membrane currently undergoing pilot testing. This model accounts
for channel size distributions that result from realistic manufacturing conditions. It was found
that non-uniform channel heights affect the overall performance of a flat sheet membrane for
gas separation. However, when comparing these non-uniform geometric conditions against
a hollow fiber membrane for gas separation, both membrane configurations were equally
affected and one should therefore chose a membrane configuration based on their individual
advantages discussed throughout this thesis.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
20 January 2023 |
| Date Type: |
Submission |
| Defense Date: |
27 January 2023 |
| Approval Date: |
13 June 2023 |
| Submission Date: |
20 January 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
170 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
Swanson School of Engineering > Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science |
| Degree: |
PhD - Doctor of Philosophy |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
No |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
membrane modeling, carbon capture, gas separation, ocean capture |
| Date Deposited: |
13 Jun 2023 14:08 |
| Last Modified: |
13 Jun 2023 14:08 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/44123 |
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