Practical experience in post-combustion CO2 capture using reactive solvents in large pilot and demonstration plants

Catalysis in amine-based post combustion CO2 capture has become a new trend which may possibly pave the future direction for solvent-based post combustion CO2 capture. Solid mineral catalysts are used in one approach, whereas a biocatalyst is employed in another approach. Both approaches are expected to see extensive research and development work all the way to demonstration plants in order to perfect the respective processes, and to generate reliable data for design of a commercial plant. Thus, future trends could see significantly smaller vessels and heat duties for post-combustion CO2 capture from combustion flue gases using reactive solvents. These would result in significantly lowering the cost for post-combustion CO2 capture. More activity at pilot plant and large demonstration scale plants on the use of amino acid salts and chilled ammonia process have been coming up (CAP), which may help to enhance the performance of these alternative post combustion capture processes.