CO2 Capture from Power Generation Facilities using Novel Physical Solvents
Yannick J. Heintz, Laurent Sehabiague, and Badie I. Morsi
Concept
Greenhouse gases (GHGs), including CO2, entrap radiant heat from the sun within the atmosphere, leading to global warming. The atmospheric CO2 from natural and man-made sources accounts for over 80% of GHGs emissions. There are several chemical and few physical processes that are being used for CO2 removal from gas streams in power-generation facilities. These physical processes, however, require cooling the gas streams, which is highly expensive and energy-intensive.
The main objective of this project is to develop novel physical solvents for CO2 capture without cooling the gas. The criteria for an "ideal" physical solvent to be economically feasible are: high selectivity for CO2; negligible vapor pressure; low viscosity; thermal/chemical stability; non-corrosive behavior; and environmentally benign.
Application & Benefits
- CO2 capture from fuel gas (H2 streams to turbines) in IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) and flue gas from boilers.
- CO2 capture from synthesis gas for the production of alternative fuels (gasoline, diesel, jet fuel) in addition to lube oil, naphtha, and wax. The transportation fuels are sulfur-free and contain almost no aromatics.
- The CO2 captured can be used in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) and carbonated beverages, for example.
- The CO2 captured can be sequestered in depleted oil/gas reservoirs, unmineable coal seams, underground aquifers, and oceans, etc., for GHGs mitigation.
Technical Approach
- Selected fluorinated and ionic physical solvents, according to criteria established for an "ideal" solvent, are being investigated for CO2 capture from a simulated shifted gas stream rich in H2 and CO2.
- The solubility and mass transfer parameters of these gases in the physical solvents are being measured in an agitated autoclave under operating conditions typifying those of the IGCC process (31 bar, 590 K).
- These data are being used to develop and evaluate the economic feasibility of a commercial conceptual physical process for CO2 capture from fuel gas streams in power generation facilities.
- The ultimate goal is to identify at least one physical CO2 capture solvent that is on-track for achieving the Department of Energy's 2012 programmatic goal of developing technologies capable of removing 90% CO2 while keeping the increase in Cost of Electricity (COE) below 10% for pre-combustion techniques.
Collaborations
Research Team
Yannick J. Heintz
Laurent Sehabiague
Badie I. Morsi
Government Support
Research and Development Solutions, LLC
U.S. Department of Energy
National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh
Contact
Badie I. Morsi
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
412-624-9650
morsi@pitt.edu