Carbon Capture

Question 1

What is Carbon Capture and Storage?

Answer 1

• key strategy for GHG reduction
• includes permanent sequestration of CO2
• storage: geological (underground), ocean

Question 2

What are methods of Carbon Capture?

Answer 2

1. Solvent Capture: CO2 dissolves in a solvent
2. Sorbent Capture: solid sorbents capture CO2
3. Membrane Capture: semipermeable membrane
4. Compression: CO2 gas sent to compressor so it can be easily transported by pipeline to be permanently stored

Question 3

What are advantages of MEA based carbon capture?

Answer 3

• inexpensive
• high absorption capacity
• regeneration possible

Question 4

What is the approach of MEA based carbon capture?

Answer 4

1. Mix with water to lower viscosity and make less corrosive
2. CO2 is captured by reaction with solvent, which is then regenerated, releasing the captured CO2
3. solvents are regenerated by heading to elevated temperatures
4. Energy intensive process due to heating water
5. high temp can cause solvent degradation

Question 5

What is the process of MEA based carbon caputure?

Answer 5

1. Flue gas enters an absorber reactor and flows counter-currently to a CO₂-lean solvent (MEA).
2. CO₂ is absorbed into the MEA and reacts to form water-soluble compounds.
3. Treated flue gas (mostly N₂) is discharged into the atmosphere.
4. The CO₂-rich solution is pumped to a stripper reactor for regeneration.
5. In the stripper, the solution is heated to break down the salt and regenerate the MEA.
6. A reboiler (using steam) supplies heat for the regeneration process.
7. CO₂ is released from the stripper as a concentrated stream, then cooled and dehumidified for compression, transport, and storage.
8. The CO₂-lean solution is cooled and returned to the absorber for reuse.