Development of Energy-Saving Solvents for Carbon Dioxide Removal by Chemical Absorption Method

Energy requirements for recovering carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-fired power plant flue gas using a monoethanolamine solution have been determined with the carbon dioxide recovery pilot plant at the Nanko power station, producing some promising energy-saving technologies. Effects of SO X and NO X on the solvents were also examined. In addition, a study for plant scale up was conducted and power losses of the station were estimated. To reduce carbon dioxide recovery energy requirements, development of energy-saving solvents is essential. We have therefore been conducting basic research with focus on sterically hindered amines, which are considered to require less energy for regeneration than monoethanolamine (MEA). Furthermore, CO 2 absorption characteristics of some of those amines have been examined with the bench scale testing facility at the Sakaiko power station, and one of the new solvents has been tested to determine carbon dioxide recovery energy requirements with the pilot plant at the Nanko power station.