Part 2: Solvent management: solvent stability and amine degradation in CO2capture processes

Solvent stability in CO2 capture from industrial flue gases is one of the most significant parameters that needs to be closely monitored to maintain the highest efficiency in the carbon CO2 absorption operation. Amines used in the capture process are known to degrade, resulting in the most serious degree of solvent loss in CO2 capture from flue gases. Reactive constituents in flue gas, specifically O2, SO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and inorganic oxide fly ash, competitively react with amines, leading to irreversible decomposition of amine into various degradation products. Because of degradation, the absorption efficiency deteriorates and corrosion problems occur. In this article, we review research activities in amine degradation from past to present for CO2 and sulfur compound-induced degradation. Research conducted on oxidative degradation of amines before and after 2000 is also reviewed, including our works undertaken at the International Test Centre for CO2 Capture and works by other researchers.