Comparison and limitation of different evaluation methods for novel PCC solvents

As part of a cooperation finalized between BASF, RWE Power and Linde to develop optimized post combustion capture technology for power plants, BASF developed a screening and selection procedure for identifying potential solvent candidates to be tested in pilot plant and demonstration facilities. The lab screening procedure characterizes a solvent with a number of variables derived from measurements of phase equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and stability. A method based on statistical data analysis known as the principal component analysis was developed to find the best suited solvent. Several potential solvent candidates were identified with this method, tested in a mini plant, and benchmarked against MEA. The tests showed that the screening procedure not only successfully identified solvents which perform better than the MEA benchmark but also correctly predicted the order of suitability. Furthermore, a tool was established using the modified Kremser method to predict the energy demand of a solvent system with reasonable accuracy using, as the only inputs, the phase equilibrium and the heat of absorption of CO2 in the solvent.