First Process Results and Operational Experience with CESAR1 Solvent at TCM with High Capture Rates (ALIGN-CCUS Project)

Abstract

In 2019, the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) operated, in the frame of ALIGN-CCUS project, a test campaign using CESAR1 solvent, a blend of AMP and PZ. The main objective was to demonstrate CESAR1 operability and performance at large scale and produce knowledge that can be used to enhance the deployment of post-combustion capture at commercial scale. Tests were carried out on CCGT flue gas and varying process conditions and plant configurations. The current paper presents an overview of the test campaign and reports on energy performance, solvent consumption and operational experience. The CESAR1 solvent was found to require less energy than 30 wt% MEA considered as the reference. Although PZ degrades easily in presence of NO2 , the solvent consumption was kept low over the campaign. Solvent precipitation in the absorber was experienced in severe conditions. Successful mitigating actions were applied to reverse it and operating procedures were developed to avoid it.

Keywords: PCC, post-combustion capture, CO2 capture, TCM