Precipitating carbonate process for energy efficient post-combustion CO2 capture

The precipitating carbonate process utilizes the carbonate to bicarbonate reaction for the absorption of CO2 followed by precipitation and concentration of part of the bicarbonate before entering the regenerator. This process can be an attractive alternative for existing carbon-capture post-combustion technologies because of its energy efficiency potential. Screening pilot plant experiments of the precipitating carbonate process have shown sufficiently high cyclic loadings and confirmed the operation at the predicted low stripping steam rates. The CO2 vapour pressure of lean solvent entering the absorber was low enough to supply sufficient driving force for 90% removal of CO2 from flue gas containing 4% CO2 This needs to be further demonstrated in a further Unproved pilot-plant set-up. (C) 2013 Shell Global Solutions International B.V. Published by Elsevier Ltd.