UKy-CAER Hybrid CO2 Capture Technology: Pilot Testing of a Transformational Solvent System

Abstract

The University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research (UKy-CAER) tested an hybrid 0.7 MWe post-combustion CO2 capture system on a coal-fired power plant using a heat integration process combined with two-stage stripping to enhance the CO2 absorber performance and lower the cost of CO2 capture. One key aspect of testing was to evaluate process conditions that can lead to high amine emissions. Solvent emissions can be variable depending on operating conditions, with specific operating conditions positively correlating to increased emissions. Solvent temperatures through the absorber was identified as a key variable leading to increased emission in systems without a dedicated water wash. Based on this study, CO2 capture systems without a dedicated water wash should maintain lower solvent temperature to minimize amine emissions.

Keywords: PCC: Amine pilot plants, GHGT-14, CO2 capture; Amine emissions; Absorber profile; Gas sampling