Subpilot Demonstration of the Carbonation−Calcination Reaction (CCR) Process: High-Temperature CO2 and Sulfur Capture from Coal-Fired Power Plants

Abstract

Increasing concerns over growing CO2 levels in the atmosphere have led to a worldwide demand for efficient, cost-effective, and clean carbon capture technologies. One of these technologies is the Carbonation−Calcination Reaction (CCR) process, which utilizes a calcium-based sorbent in a high-temperature reaction (carbonation) to capture the CO2 from the flue gas stream and releases a pure stream of CO2 in the subsequent calcination reaction that can be sequestered. A 120 KWth subpilot-scale combustion plant utilizing coal at 20 pph along with natural gas has been established at The Ohio State University to test the CCR process. Experimental studies on CO2 capture using calcium-based sorbents have been performed at this facility. Greater than 99% CO2 and SO2 capture has been achieved at the subpilot-scale facility on a once-through basis at a Ca:C mole ratio of 1.6. In addition, the sorbent reactivity is maintained over multiple cycles by the incorporation of a sorbent reactivation hydration step in the carbonation−calcination cycle.