Demonstration and verification of post combustion capture using solvent scrubbing

Abstract

This paper will present Doosan Power Systems’ Post Combustion Capture (PCC) development, testing and verification activities. Preliminary results from the Boundary Dam TKOTM process, RSTM solvent trial and the results from the ERTF test facility will be discussed. Doosan Power Systems is developing competitive PCC technologies to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal and natural gas fired power plants for commercialization by 2020. Doosan Power Systems has licensed solvent scrubbing technology from HTC Purenergy Inc., which is based in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. HTC have developed an optimised Post Combustion Capture (PCC) process known as the Thermal Kinetics OptimizationTM (TKO) process which is designed to substantially reduce the energy requirements of the PCC process for the capture of CO2 from coal and natural gas fired power plants. Doosan Power Systems is currently undertaking FEED studies and preparing commercial bids for full-scale solvent scrubbing plants, comprising all equipment from flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) plant outlet to CO2 compression plant inlet. Among these are the CCPILOT100+ and Basin Electric PCC demonstration projects. The TKO process is currently under a formal technology verification programme at the upgraded Boundary Dam demonstration pilot plant capturing approximately 4 tonnes/day of CO2. Long term performance of HTC’s proprietary RSTM solvent is currently being assessed for CO2 removal effectiveness and the long term performance of the solvent. Solvents are also tested for degradation, heat stable salt formation and propensity for corrosion within the various system components. Doosan Power Systems has installed a PCC solvent scrubbing pilot plant on the 160 kWt Emissions Reduction Test Facility (ERTF), located at its R&D centre in Renfrew, Scotland, to capture approximately 1 tonne/day of CO2 and to permit further development and optimization of the process. The ERTF is capable of firing a wide range of world traded coals and produces flue gases representative of full scale plant. The ERTF solvent scrubbing plant will be used to carry out performance testing on a range of solvents, packings and suitability of a range of materials. The testing and verification programmes at both Boundary Dam and the ERTF will be used to substantiate the scalability of HTC’s technology under real-world operating conditions. Of paramount importance during the verification programmes are the actual rate of solvent degradation under industrial conditions, solvent make-up requirements, steam consumption and other auxiliary power requirements which add to power plant parasitic losses, such as that for fans to overcome the pressure drop created by column internals and associated pipework.