Reducing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants
Success in EU research project
BASF has developed a novel solvent that is particularly efficient in removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plant emissions. The company contributes this new development to a European Union (EU) sponsored research project for thorough research into the Removal and collection of CO2 gases, the Greenhouse Gases emitted from incineration processes. The solvent, and the corresponding gas scrubbing process, will be tested in practice from March 2006 in the world's largest pilot plant of this type located in Esbjerg/Denmark.
CO2 is removed from power plant emissions by means of chemical solvents which bind the CO2 in the first step. Then, when they are reconditioned, they release this CO2 before they are fed back to the process. To prevent the CO2 from escaping to the atmosphere, it is condensed and stored - for example in water-bearing strata of rock (aquifers), in mines or old oil and gas deposits. However, conventional solvents are easily degenerated by the oxygen contained in the power-plant waste gas, and the process also requires major input of energy to achieve the absorption, release and storage of CO2. Laboratory tests have shown the novel amine-based solvent from BASF to be much more stable than conventional solvents, which means that it can be used longer. It also consumes less energy in the process of absorbing and releasing CO2. A gas scrubbing process based on the new solvent can therefore substantially reduce the cost of CO2 removal.
BASF joined the EU-sponsored research project in early 2004. Other contributors to the project include prestigious European universities, research institutes, official organizations and representatives of industry. Leading power plant operators, oil and gas companies, and plant manufacturers are also involved. Within BASF, the Chemicals Research and Technology unit and the Intermediates Operating Division are cooperating to accelerate progress on the project.
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