Oxy-fuel combustion flue gas capture based on rapid cycle vacuum pressure swing adsorption (RCVPSA)

Greenhouse gas emission is a growing hazard, and in Canada, facilities emitting GHG over 10 kt CO2 eq/yr are mandated to report their emissions. Oxy-fuel combustion (OFC) is one promising solution for decarbonizing industrial production plants with post-combustion carbon capture. However, the implementation in existing facilities is limited by logistical aspects such as the lack of space necessary for the installation of the gas processing units. The project intends to leverage the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) process to facilitate the OFC gas unit integration through miniaturization and process intensification. The
research aims to develop a rapid-cycle vacuum pressure swing adsorption (RCVPSA) system, which reduces the size of the adsorbent columns down to 20% compared to current benchmarks while maintaining the gas yield. A rotary valve design has been devised to substitute the solenoid valve system normally present in PSA applications. Adsorbent structures are investigated to adapt to the more demanding operational conditions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gregory Scott Patience

Student:

Partner:

Hythermal Gas Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Mining

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: