Amine-based carbon capture is well established for both point-source and direct air capture applications, but the energy needed for regeneration of CO2-loaded solvents can limit broader deployment. ORNL’s technology integrates catalytic functionality directly into structured or random packing used in solvent-regeneration equipment. By enabling catalytic activity within a form compatible with conventional regeneration columns, the approach may improve solvent-regeneration efficiency without requiring a separate catalyst system. Bench-scale testing indicates the technology could reduce regeneration energy demand by as much as 50% relative to a benchmark absorbent system.
Description
ORNL has developed a modified packing concept for CO2 solvent regeneration that combines commercially relevant column-packing formats with a catalytic surface. The technology is designed to address a key challenge in amine-based carbon capture: incorporating catalytic materials into existing regeneration infrastructure in a practical form.
The approach uses structured or random metal packing that is treated to create a high-surface-area catalytic layer. This modified packing is intended to promote CO2 desorption during solvent regeneration while retaining the general form and function of conventional column packing. Because the catalytic functionality is incorporated into the packing itself, the concept may support retrofit into traditional regeneration columns.
Bench-scale experiments using a representative packing simulant and an amine-based solvent showed a substantial reduction in regeneration energy demand compared with a conventional MEA benchmark. These results support further development of the technology for point-source carbon capture systems where solvent-regeneration energy use is a major operating consideration.
Benefits
- Potential reduction in solvent-regeneration energy demand
- Catalytic functionality integrated directly into column packing
- Potential compatibility with conventional regeneration columns
- Applicable to structured and random packing configurations
Applications and Industries
- Point-source carbon capture systems
- Direct air carbon capture systems
- Industrial amine-solvent regeneration
- Post-combustion CO2 capture operations
- Carbon capture equipment and process-system developers
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.
Researchers
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.