Subpilot Demonstration of the Carbonation−Calcination Reaction (CCR) Process: High-Temperature CO₂ and Sulfur Capture from Coal-Fired Power Plants

Increasing concerns over growing CO 2 levels in the atmosphere have led to a worldwide demand for efficient, cost-effective, and clean carbon capture technologies. One of these technologies is the Carbonation−Calcination Reaction (CCR) process, which utilizes a calcium-based sorbent in a high-temperature reaction (carbonation) to capture the CO 2 from the flue gas stream and releases a pure stream of CO 2 in the subsequent calcination reaction that can be sequestered. A 120 KWth subpilot-scale combustion plant utilizing coal at 20 pph along with natural gas has been established at The Ohio State University to test the CCR process. Experimental studies on CO 2 capture using calcium-based sorbents have been performed at this facility. Greater than 99% CO 2 and SO 2 capture has been achieved at the subpilot-scale facility on a once-through basis at a Ca:C mole ratio of 1.6. In addition, the sorbent reactivity is maintained over multiple cycles by the incorporation of a sorbent reactivation hydration step in the carbonation−calcination cycle.