Transformational Sorbent-Based Process for a Substantial Reduction in the Cost of CO2 Capture

InnoSepra has developed several physical sorbent-based CO₂ capture technologies that can substantially reduce the cost of CO₂ capture from a variety of sources. The physical sorbents used in the InnoSepra process need about 58% lower absolute amount of energy (GJ/MT of CO₂) compared to MEA and since this energy is needed at about 100^oC compared to >150^oC for MEA and other solvents the impact of CO₂ capture on power loss is at least 70% lower. The first generation InnoSepra CO₂ capture technology, funded by a DOE project, was demonstrated at pilot scale at a coal-fired power plant. It demonstrated more than 94% CO₂ recovery, more than 99% CO₂ purity, more than 40% reduction in the capital cost, and more than 60% reduction in the steam extraction from the power plant leading to more than 40% reduction in the CO₂ capture cost. The second generation InnoSepra process tested at semi-bench scale can provide more than 50% reduction in capital cost (excluding CO₂ compressor), and more than 75% reduction in thermal power needed leading to more than 50% reduction in the capture cost. This process will be further tested at the pilot scale under a DOE-funded project and has the potential to capture CO₂ at $30-35/MT with little or no increase in LCOE (Levelized Cost of Electricity). In additional to these technologies InnoSepra will present its work on flue gas purification that is applicable to all CO₂ capture technologies. For solvent-based technologies it can lead to more than 80% reduction in solvent loss due to degradation and due to aerosol emissions. For non-solvent technologies it can lower the cost of CO₂ capture equipment. InnoSepra will also present its work on CO₂ capture from low concentration sources (1-4% CO₂)which is directly applicable to CO₂ capture from NGCC plants.