CO2 quality requirement for a system with CO2 capture, transport and storage

Abstract

This chapter discusses the CO2 purity/specification for a CO2 capture transport and storage system. A list of potential impurities in the captured CO2 stream is provided for considerations to bring forward a practical CO2 specification that could be used as a guideline for CO2 capture, transport, and storage, and is also acceptable for environmental regulations. The aim of CO2 capture is to reduce the emissions of CO2 and other pollutants from fossil fuel fired power plants. To achieve this aim, the capture process should provide a concentrated CO2 stream for further transport and storage. The quality of the captured CO2 stream technically depends on the fuel used, approaches used for the combustion and the capture process. The CO2 quality requirements are defined by the limitations set by CO2 transport, storage, safety and environmental regulations, and the cost. There are generally no strong technical barriers to provide high purity of CO2 from the flue gas of fossil fuel fired power plants; however, high purity requirements are likely to induce additional costs and energy requirements resulting in a loss of power plant efficiency. Excessively strict requirements on CO2 quality should be avoided to reduce costs associated with CO2 capture.