Optimization of Carbon Capture and Storage System via Pinch Analysis and Superstructure Model: A Comparative Study

Ayyad, Fatma Mahmoud; Shehata, Walaa Mahmoud; Shoaib, Abeer Mahmoud

doi:10.21608/jpme.2025.341834.1219

Optimization of Carbon Capture and Storage System via Pinch Analysis and Superstructure Model: A Comparative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Petroleum Refining and Petrochemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, P.O.Box:, 43512, Suez, Egypt.

² Suez University, EPetroleum Refining and Petrochemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Suez University, P.O.Box:, 43512, Suez, Egypt. gypt

10.21608/jpme.2025.341834.1219

Abstract

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a vital technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from sources like power plants and chemical industries, then storing them underground. As the global demand for effective climate solutions grows, optimizing CCS systems to achieve maximum CO₂ capture and storage efficiency remains a key challenge. This paper presents the optimization of CCS systems using two approaches: pinch algebraic analysis and a superstructure mathematical model.

Pinch analysis identifies the pinch point, determines the amount of unutilized storage, and alternative storage requirements, while superstructure mathematical model, solved by LINGO software, optimizes the matching of CO₂ sources and sinks to minimize unutilized and alternative storage while maximizing CO₂ exchange. A comparative analysis of these approaches is conducted through two case studies.

In the first case study, where sink capacity exceeds source emissions, the superstructure model achieves 100% CO₂ capture with a maximum CO₂ exchange of 1400 Mton, compared to 78.57% capture and 1100 Mton of exchange by pinch analysis. In the second case study, where source emissions exceed sink capacity, the superstructure model achieves zero unutilized storage and 100% CO₂ capture, whereas pinch analysis results in 110 Mton of unutilized storage and 78.51% capture. These results demonstrate the strengths of the superstructure model in achieving optimal CCS performance.

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