A novel second generation solvent (REALISE solvent or HS-3) and solvent management technologies were optimized based on the results from an extensive testing program in the laboratory. Through long-term materials compatibility tests, one of the tested plastic material was found to be suitable for use as absorber packing material to reduce capital cost. The experimental data were implemented in three simulation tools: AspenPlus, CO2SIM, and CENIT. The models were validated using data from demonstration campaigns.
Two demonstration campaigns were performed: (1) on-site Irving Oil Whitegate refinery in Cork (Ireland) using TNO's mobile pilot. The first campaign was focused on solvent performance and stability during 3000 operation hours of capturing CO2 from 4 flue gases; (2) at SINTEF's Tiller CO2 capture plant, equipped in the project with a compact CO2 compression and liquefaction unit (CCLU). The objectives of the second campaign included optimisation of process with regards to energy consumption, identification and quantification of emissions, and accessing quality of the produced CO2.
The simulation tools were further used for the development of OCTOPUS, an open-access tool for high level assessment of cost of CO2 capture from oil refineries or industrial clusters with multiple emission sources, and for Techno-Economical assessment (TEA) of full-scale CO2 capture plants for three refineries (three business cases). CO2 transport and storage options were also assessed for these refineries - a real-life case studies for full-scale CCUS projects in Ireland, China and S. Korea, strengthening collaboration with partners from Mission Innovation countries.
Proper communication strategy of the large-scale infrastructure project is critical with regards to public perception. Therefore, REALISE has built and trailed a unique Education and Public Engagement (EPE) program based on the critical review and lessons learned from the large-scale projects around the globe. The results and knowledge generated in the project were made available to CCUS stakeholders through different dissemination and communication channels.
Although it was demonstrated at least 10% lower energy consumption and 3 times lower solvent loss compared to the reference solvent, techno-economical assessment of full-scale carbon capture shows that the overall cost of capture will be similar to that of the reference solvent system, assuming the cost of the novel solvent is 10 times higher than the cost of MEA.
