Baseline test of capture from bio flue gas with MEA at Tiller plant

Abstract

A campaign on carbon capture from biomass flue gas was carried out at Tiller pilot plant during 30th September - 8th November 2019. Biomass was supplied by Drax power station. SRD of 3.57MJ/kgCO2 was obtained for MEA, in agreement with typical values for MEA. The plant was down at various time during the campaign due to operational issues mostly linked to the accidental short circuit of one part of the flue gas filter elements. These incidents, although unwanted, revealed the importance of keeping control of the particulate concentration in the flue gas to prevent high amine emissions due to aerosols. Increased levels of typical degradation products for MEA were found at the end of campaign. This can be explained by the high levels of ash dust in flue gas earlier in the campaign when the filter was not working properly. Flue gas was characterised using various set ups: FTIR, CPC, gravimetric and ELPI, for gaseous and particulate measurements at four different locations between the burner and the flue gas exit to the atmosphere. Zero emission of amine from the plant was achieved when the filter was working properly. Particulate effect on emissions was studied by partial bypass of the filter. Relationship is established between emissions, particle mass and particle number. Particle size distribution measurements identified region of particles responsible for emissions.