• Number 327  |
• December 20, 2010

NETL Patents Novel CO₂ Separation Concept

Researchers at the National Energy Technology Laboratory have received a U.S. patent for a novel process to separate CO₂ from flue gas. The process couples kinetic rate enhancements of amine-based scrubbing with phase separation of CO₂ and chemical regeneration of the amine solution. The CO₂ is absorbed into an amine-bearing solution containing dissolved sodium or potassium carbonate. The dissolved CO₂ reacts with the carbonate to form the corresponding bicarbonate, which precipitates from solution in a semi-crystalline form. The separated bicarbonate solid is then heated to release CO₂ and regenerate the carbonate reagent, thus avoiding the energy penalty associated with heating of the bulk amine solution. In an alternative configuration of this novel process, the CO₂-loaded amine solutions are used to promote rapid carbonation of solid streams with significant carbonation potential (e.g., waste cement, CaO-bearing fly ash, and other industrial by-product streams). Through this carbonation, CO₂ is sequestered as a stable mineral carbonate and the CO₂ capture capacity of the amine solution is chemically regenerated. A patent was issued November 30, 2010 (U.S. patent 7,842,126).

[Linda Morton, 304.285.4543,
Linda.morton@netl.doe.gov]