Flexible operation of post-combustion CO2 capture at pilot scale with demonstration of capture-efficiency control using online solvent measurements

In the final dynamic operating scenario, control of CO2 capture efficiency for a simple reboiler steam decoupling and reintroduction event is demonstrated using only knowledge of plant hydrodynamics and continuous measurement of solvent lean loading. Hot water flow to the reboiler is reduced to drop the capture efficiency. The “target” value for the minimum capture efficiency in the scenario was set at 30%, but a minimum CO2 capture efficiency of 26.4% was achieved. While there remains scope for improvement this represents a significant practical step towards the control of capture plant using online solvent concentration and CO2 measurements, and the next steps for its further development are discussed.