Carbonate looping process simulation using a 1D fluidized bed model for the carbonator

The carbonate looping process is an efficient post-combustion technology for CO2 capture using limestone based sorbents. The absorption of CO2 by CaO occurs in the carbonator that is realized as a circulating fluidized bed reactor. An accurate prediction of the CO2 absorption efficiency is crucial for the design of a carbonate looping plant. In this study, a ID fluidized bed model for the carbonator is implemented into a process model of a full-scale plant. A net electrical efficiency penalty of less than 2.9% points is determined for a CO2 absorption efficiency of 80% in the carbonator, leading to 88% CO2 capture of the entire carbonate looping process. Furthermore, the effect of various operational and model parameters on the results is assessed by parameter variations and sensitivity analyses. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.