Novel Pilot-Scale Technology for Refinery Flare Flue Gas Carbon Capture and Storage Using Cost-Effective Adsorbents

Abdulkadir Sarauta,Ibrahim Ali Mohammed Dabo

doi:10.3390/sym13050807

Abdulkadir Sarauta, Ibrahim Ali Mohammed Dabo

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13050807

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Journal: Symmetry	Publication Date: May 5, 2021
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Brunel University London, Ahmadu Bello University

Abstract

This paper introduced the use of two new adsorbents, Akrosorb soda-lime and Bentonite clay, for refinery flare flue gas capture and storage. This study also developed a novel pilot plant model with 409.7149 kg/h capacity refinery flare emission capture with a novel adsorption column configuration using Akrosorb soda-lime and Bentonite clay adsorbents. The flare flue gas adsorption unit was designed, fabricated, test run, and commissioned. The adsorption column temperature is 28 ± 10 °C and has a pressure of 131.7 kPa. The novel plant RSM optimization result shows that 93.24% of CO2 and 62.18% of CO were absorbed, while 86.14% of NOx and 55.87% of HC were absorbed. The established optimum conditions of CO2, NOx, HC, and CO removal efficiency are 22 °C, 2 atm, and 60 min. The variation in flare gas emission could impact the removal efficiency of the plant. The results show the maximum adsorption ability or capacity of 314.30 mg/g, and 68.90 mg/g was reached at 60 min for Akrosorb soda-lime and molded Bentonite adsorbents. Therefore, the developed novel technology for CO2 and other GHG capture is technically feasible and friendly. The combined usage of both adsorbents will enhance the capture of GHG at a low cost compared to using Akrosorb alone as an adsorbent.

Highlights

Gas flaring over the years has been an issue of concern globally, and nations of the world have striven to minimize CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) emanating from flaring
This is attributed to the fact that a further increase in time beyond 30 min resulted in the adsorption sites getting saturated gradually and the acceptance rate being regulated by the rate at which the CO2 gas is been moved from the exterior of the adsorbent to the internal part, and as such, the adsorption rate became much slower
A flare flue gas adsorption unit was designed, fabricated, test run, and commissioned with an Akrosorb soda-lime loaded top section, and molded Bentonite was loaded at the bottom of the adsorption column

Summary

Introduction

Gas flaring over the years has been an issue of concern globally, and nations of the world have striven to minimize CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) emanating from flaring. As such, capturing these gases becomes a necessity for sustainable development with a vested responsibility in reducing CO2 emissions, which increases the incidence of atmospheric catastrophe and global warming. CO2 and other GHG emissions sufficiently to stabilize atmospheric CO2 concentrations at a ‘comfortable’ level Their methods are absorption, and adsorption, membrane, hydride, and cryogenic capable for CO2 capture. There are several CO2 capture methods, which are classified into pre-, oxy-, and post-combustion carbon capture [1,2,3]

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