Matching CO2 Capture Solvents With 3D-Printed Polymeric Packing to Enhance Absorber Performance

Increasing absorber efficiency in aqueous amine CCS systems is one avenue to decrease capitol cost by reducing the overall size of the absorber column. One potential route to improve the absorber is by replacing conventional steel packing with custom designed packing made from 3D printed polymers. 3D printing offers endless flexibility in packing designs to better enhance liquid/gas contact, increase CO2 mass transfer and create more efficient absorber columns. Before exploring novel packing designs, it is necessary to identify polymer materials that can be 3D printed while also showing long-term physical and surface property stability upon exposure to corrosive amine solutions. Four polymers that are commonly used for 3D printing were evaluated for physical and surface stability during long-term exposure to a corrosive CO2-loaded amine solution at temperatures typically observed in the absorber column. Three polymers, HDPS, ABS and Nylon were found to be physically stable after 3000 hr of amine exposure at temperatures up to 60 °C. The contact angle (wetting) of the polymer surfaces were also stable after exposure to the CO2-loaded amine solution.