Pilot Plant in Dunkirk for Demonstrating the DMX TM Process

Abstract

The DMXTM process developed by IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) and licensed by Axens is a second-generation CO2 capture process using a phase change solvent. Experimentation on mini-pilots and techno-economic evaluation carried out within the OCTAVIUS & VALORCO projects have confirmed its potential in terms of reduction of energy penalty and operational costs for capturing CO2 respectively on coal power-station flue gases and blast furnace gas. So, DMXTM process is very promising but it needs now to be demonstrated in an industrial scale pilot plant. ArcelorMittal, IFPEN and Axens are now considering this demonstration at the steel mill operated by ArcelorMittal in Dunkirk (France). Capacity considered is 0.5 tCO2 capture/h which is sufficient to upscale CO2 capture on all the gas emitted by a blast furnace. This paper will present the process study carried out to optimise the design of the pilot plant but also the evaluation study based on this design. First experimentation plan will be also presented and explained. It will include a parametric study on absorption and regeneration pressure but also long test runs on real steel mill gas. Planning of the demonstration and expected commercialisation will be also discussed.