Evaluation and analysis of the performance of dehydration units for CO2 capture

The dehydration step is a relatively small part within the full carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) chain, yet this unit plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the system. In the past, this step usually appeared as a black box process, with little information available on its detailed design. However, the conventional drying technologies face a number of challenges that need consideration before full-scale deployment. IEAGHG commissioned AMEC to assess the characteristics and performance of the various drying processes and their integration into the CCS system. This work evaluates dehydration processes that are able to reach water contents ranging from 600 ppmv down to < 10 ppmv, with a focus on TEG (triethylene glycol) and molecular sieve systems. It considers a range of flow rates, constraints on the dehydration pressure and the range of other substances in the CO2 gas. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.