Calcium looping for carbon capture (CaO2)

Calcium looping (CaL) is a second-generation carbon capture technology. It is based on the reversible carbonation reaction of lime.

This project intends to develop an optimised process of the CO₂ capture post-combustion calcium looping system, for coal-based power plants. This process scheme is intended to minimize or even avoid the need of a CO₂ recycle to the oxy-fired circulating fluidized bed calciner, which is needed to control the temperature of the oxy-combustion in the reactor. This can be done by exploiting the endothermic nature of the calcination reaction and the large solid flow circulating from the carbonator. This variant can reduce investment and operating costs, thereby improving significantly the competitiveness of the system.

The captured CO₂ can then be transported to a storage site, used in enhanced oil recovery or used as a chemical feedstock. Calcium looping is being developed as it is a more efficient, less toxic alternative to current post-combustion capture processes such as amine scrubbing.

Watch the Calcium looping for carbon capture CaO2 project video*. 
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Progress Update

This operational scheme has been investigated successfully in our 25 kWth pilot plant with up to 100% vol O₂ in the calciner (intense combustion conditions).