The post-combustion scrubbing process, studied at B&W PGG’s RSAT facility, uses a liquid solvent in an absorber vessel to remove CO2 from a plant’s flue gas stream. The CO2 can then be removed from the solvent and is prepared for long-term storage or for other uses, such as enhanced oil recovery, where the solvent is recycled in the process.
The $11.8m RSAT plant, that is 7,500-square-foot, is situated at the B&W Research Center, was designed to test various regenerable, solvent-based absorption systems that would be utilized to capture CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants.
Richard L. Killion, president and chief operating officer of B&W PGG, said: “B&W PGG’s RSAT pilot plant represents another facet of our efforts to develop clean energy solutions for the electric power industry that may be utilized with our nation’s coal resources, both in new plant applications and in retrofit applications to the existing fleet. This plant is a major stepping stone toward the commercial deployment of carbon capture technology and positions B&W PGG to deliver solutions to support a low carbon future.”
The seven-story RSAT pilot facility operates in conjunction with B&W PGG’s coal combustion test facility. It provides a testing platform that replicates the actual operating conditions seen in commercial-scale coal power plants.
B&W PGG is a major operating unit of The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W), which is a major operating subsidiary of McDermott International. B&W PGG provides energy technology innovation and service primarily in nuclear and fossil power and is focused on issues such as energy efficiency, clean air, global market competitiveness, and safe and secure resolution for nuclear waste.
