Objective
The use of fossil fuels in the production of electricity is one of the main man-made sources of carbon dioxide. Although the case for any enhanced greenhouse effect due to carbon dioxide is not proven, it is prudent to investigate options for minimising the release of all man-made greenhouse gases. The objectives are to demonstrate the technical and economic feasibility of using membrane separation for the removal of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel derived fuel gas. In addition, issues associated with the scale-up/engineering of candidate systems will be investigated.
In Europe, fossil fuel-fired systems will continue to play a major role in the energy scene for the forseeable future. Many research and demonstration projects are underway to provide high efficiency plants which will lead to reduced carbon dioxide emissions per unit of electricity produced. However, if a man-made greenhouse effect proves to be a significant problem, it is likely that further reductions in carbon dioxide emissions will be demanded. One option is to remove the carbon dioxide so that it can be stored (e.g. underground or at the bottom of the ocean).
A number of technologies exist for the removal of carbon dioxide from process gases. Studies have indicated that membrane separation of hydrogen from synthesis gas produced from an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) with a water gas shift reactor has the potential to give the highest overall plant efficiency. Membranes have been used extensively for liquid:liquid and gas:gas separation purposes and various, well understood approaches have been developed. Hydrogen separation is already carried out on the industrial scale using polymer or palladium/silver membranes. Ceramic membranes are also under development for this purpose. All of these options have the potential to be adapted to power generation.
It is expected that the outcome of this project will be proof of the concept of using membrane separation for carbon dioxide removal, the identification of suitable membrane systems and the determination of membrane characteristics and operating limitations. In addition, a detailed analysis of the scale-up/engineering issues associated with the candidate systems will be investigated to provide the information required for a full economic assessment.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
SW1X 7AE London
United Kingdom