Design, process simulation and construction of an atmospheric dual fluidized bed combustion system for in situ CO 2 capture using high-temperature sorbents

Abstract

An atmospheric dual fluidized bed combustion system using high-temperature sorbents for in situ CO 2 capture has been designed and simulated and is now under construction. The pilot plant is expected to burn petroleum coke and coal or biomass in a clean and efficient manner, generating a carbonator flue gas containing 2–5 mol% CO 2, while producing a relatively pure carbon dioxide stream ready for compression. The concentration of sulphur dioxide in the resulting flue gas is expected to be on the order of a few parts per million by volume. Initial investigations are to be carried out using limestone-derived sorbents enhanced using a simple single step process for pore modification developed at CETC-Ottawa. Carbonation occurs in a two-stage fluidized bed carbonator–combustor allowing for optimal temperature control for both combustion (850–950 °C) and carbonation (650–750 °C). Calcination occurs in a single-stage fluidized bed combustor burning petroleum coke. Pilot plant operational data will be used for on-going scale-up activities using the ASPEN Plus process simulator.