(408f) Experimental Humid Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Using a Metal-Organic Framework, Calf-20 By Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption | AIChE

(408f) Experimental Humid Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Using a Metal-Organic Framework, Calf-20 By Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption

Authors 

Nguyen, T. - Presenter, University of Alberta
Lin, J. B., Memorial University of Newfoundland
Shimizu, G. K., University of Calgary
Rajendran, A., University of Alberta
The presence of water in the flue gas from coal power plants makes CO2 capture processes more difficult. Often, many studies assumed water is removed before entering the CO2 capture unit. Characterizing the impact of H2O on the CO2 separation is essential and challenged due to a high affinity of H2O onto most solid porous adsorbents. Particularly MOFs are considered to be sensitive to moisture. In this work, CALF-20, a water resistant and water stable metal organic framework, was studied and characterized for humid post-combustion CO2 capture process. A mathematical model coupled with a process optimizer helped in identifying operating conditions that can guarantee high CO2 purity and recovery. Two process cycles were experimentally tested in a lab-scale Vacuum swing adsorption rig under both dry and wet condition using a synthetic flue gas with 15% CO2 and 85% N2. Under the dry case, it was possible to obtain a CO2 purity of 95% and a recovery of 90%. To study the impact of H2O, the humidifier was introduced to create a stable humid stream. Various relative humidity (RH) values were examined: 15%, 25%, 45% and 70%. All wet PVSA experiments were run up to 400 cycles. The MOF demonstrated extraordinary stability and produced exceptional purity and recovery of CO2.