Separation of CO2 from Flue Gas and Potential for Geologic Sequestration
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States)
The objectives of this study were to review various methods reported in the literature for the separation and geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide and evaluate the potential of TVA fossil fuel-burning plant locations for onsite geologic sequestration of CO2 from stack emissions. Several conventional and nonconventional technologies for the separation of CO2 from flue gas, including absorption, adsorption, cryogenic distillation, membranes, hydrate formation and dissociation, and ammonia carbonation, have been reviewed in terms of separation mechanisms, flow diagrams, and costs. Most of the technologies that have been reviewed are still at the research and development stage. Critical information needed to assess and compare these technologies is still lacking. In addition, information on some of the technologies that have been tested at a pilot or industrial scale has not been fully disclosed in the open literature. Because of this lack of data, it is difficult to make a critical assessment of each of the separation technologies. Based on limited information, it was concluded that the most promising methods are membrane separation and the Mitsubishi process for chemical absorption. Both processes involve separating CO2 at high temperature, minimizing the cost for cooling prior to separation. Physical and chemical geologic formations of CO2 were also reviewed. It was concluded that due to the geologic time scale of CO2 sequestration periods, relatively safe conditions, general proximity to CO2 sources, and extensive knowledge of underground conditions, sequestration of CO2 in underground aquifers and coal beds is a very promising method of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The cost is predicted to be relatively low and the suitable sites are numerous for this application, with many of these sites located close to the plants.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-00OR22725
- OSTI ID:
- 1902800
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-2022/2790
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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