Hot Fuel-Gas Sorbent System

Coal is a major source of both electricity production and greenhouse gases (i.e., carbon dioxide, CO2). To minimize the effect on the environment, CO2 capture is required, but previous capture technologies have been both inefficient and expensive. Coal gasification can produce a CO2-rich gas at high temperature and pressure. Removing the CO2 at high temperature and pressure and recovering that CO2 at pressure can improve both the efficiency and costs of capture. TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a low-cost, high-capacity sorbent capable of removing CO2 at high temperatures. TDA’s system would be able to capture 95 percent CO2 with only 8 percent loss in plant work output (compared to the 20 percent loss common in the current designs). The key to successful operation of the sorbent system for removal of carbon dioxide from hot fuel gas in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants is a regenerable, very selective sorbent that has the structural integrity and absorption activity needed for multiple (many thousands) cycle operations. In Phase I, TDA will prepare various sorbent formulations and screen them to determine their capacity for CO2 removal and optimize their regeneration conditions. We would also test their long-term durability through multiple cycle tests. Successful completion of Phase I will result in the production of a high-capacity, regenerable absorbent that can efficiently remove CO2 for sequestration from IGCC power plants. A successful sorbent developed in this project is expected to find immediate commercial application in two markets: in the petrochemical industry for the production of hydrogen and natural gas/coal gasification power plants. The sorbents also would serve to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.