Work has achieved the development of:
Predictive models of the fluid-phase behaviour of aqueous solutions of linear, branched, and cyclic amines, with or without carbon dioxide, were developed within the SAFT-γ Mie group-contribution EoS (Figure 4). Using literature data and data generated within the ROLINCAP project, a total of 12 new groups as well as 55 group-group interactions (Figure 5) were estimated in order to model the mixtures of interest.
We approached for the first time the design of phase-change solvents through optimization-based Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD) (Figure 6). A novel phase-change solvent mixture has been identified and tested experimentally, exhibiting very high equilibrium, cyclic capacity and lower vapour losses compared to existing phase-change solvents.
We considered as part of CAMD, cradle-to-gate LCA metrics describing the impact of all the materials and energy carriers utilized during the solvent production.
We have developed (Figure 7) appropriate models used for the design of advanced flowsheets suitable for phase-change solvents and to assess their performance under the influence of disturbances.
A reference dynamic process model for carbon capture with phase change solvents using PRB for the absorber and the stripper was developed (Figure 8). Case studies were carried out by both steady state and dynamic simulations to investigate the impact of rotating speed, the flow rate of lean solvent on the mass transfer performance as well as the dynamic behaviour of the RPB absorber in the PCC process.
A pilot scale, absorption/desorption pilot plant was constructed and tested (Figure 9). The novel phase-change solvent mixture has exhibited desirable phase-separation, capture performance and regeneration energy requirements.
An RPB absorption-desorption has been constructed and tested for phase-change systems (Figure 10). A novel desorber with an integrated spinning reboiler was also tested. The system was tested with different packing material geometries. Testing of the novel phase-change solvent resulted in very low regeneration energy requirements.
The novel phase-change solvent and process systems were included in a technoeconomic study for integration with a lime and a natural gas power plant. The resulting cost per ton of CO2 captured for the new solvent is much lower than that of conventional CO2 capture solvents.
The work of ROLINCAP resulted in two patents, whereas the new developments in thermodynamic modeling of phase-change solvents have been included in the commercial process simulation software gPROMS. New research projects have also started in on order to further advance the ROLINCAP technologies.
