Scale-up of CO2 capture processes: The role of Technology Qualification

This paper recognizes the urgency of implementing large-scale carbon capture and storage facilities, and discusses the technological challenges associated with scale-up. Historical data of scaling factors commonly used for chemical processes are investigated and compared to CO(2) capture technologies. Furthermore, the traditional chemical engineering approach to the scale-up path from laboratory, via pilots, to commercial design is compared to the principles of a newly developed guideline by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for "Qualification of CO(2) capture technology". The guideline is based on DNV's generic recommended practice for qualification of new technology, DNV-RP-A203. The procedure explains how to identify, describe, and manage risks (failure modes or threats) with the implementation of new CO(2) capture technology in a semi-quantitative way by following a set of sequential steps known as the qualification process.x (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved