Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) can be an important component of reducing worldwide CO2 emissions from stationary point sources, such as coal-fired power plants. Aqueous amines and ammonia are being demonstrated for CO2 capture in a temperature swing cyclic process. Solid sorbents can also be used in a similar process, but have the potential to drastically reduce the energy required to release the CO2 during material regeneration. However, the majority of solid sorbent research is being conducted on lab-scale samples without significant consideration of process and/or equipment design.

ADA Environmental Solutions is examining available sorbents as well as process equipment options to assess the viability and accelerate development of solid sorbents as a CO2 capture option through a DOE Cooperative Agreement and supplemental funding from EPRI and industry. During the first phase of this program, ADA is evaluating materials from top sorbent developers throughout the world. Materials from eleven developers have been tested to-date using a fixed bed screening device and simulated flue gas over multiple adsorption/regeneration cycles. Additional developers have been contacted and materials are scheduled for characterization.

Materials demonstrating the most promise from the initial tests have been characterized on actual flue gas from a lignite-coal fired electric generating unit (EGU). In a parallel effort, large-scale process options are being reviewed and evaluated. An update on the progress of the project, including results from screening tests and options for process equipment will be discussed.