Development of HiCapt+TM Process for CO2 Capture from Lab to Industrial Pilot Plant

Abstract

It is now well known that “first generation” MEA based post-combustion carbon capture processes require high energy consumption and have problems with solvent degradation due to oxygen. Nevertheless, it is the only available process for first industrial units. That is why IFP Energies nouvelles, has developed HiCapt+ process, based on a conventional MEA solvent but using high performance oxidative inhibitors and higher amine concentration. These oxidative inhibitors enable HiCapt+’s process to use high solvent concentrations without corrosion or degradation problems and lead to reduction of the regeneration energy demand due to solvent flow rate reduction. Moreover, the huge reduction of solvent degradation rate avoids the difficult management of reclaiming unit, as well as avoiding high concentration of light degradation products in the treated flue gas, like NH3.