Spring Conference 2022 ECR blog series #10 – highlights from Flexible Funding Parallel session 2C

As part of our Spring Conference ECR blog series, Siqi Wang, Cranfield University and Ziqi Shen, Cranfield University share their experience of Flexible Funded Projects Session 2C.

In this session, five speakers presented their work supported by the UKCCSRC Flexible Funding. The session was chaired by Dr Abby Samson from the University of Sheffield.

Figure 1 Dr Peter Clough’s presentation on Fugitive amine emission scrubbing using electrostatic precipitation

Dr Peter Clough from Cranfield University presented a novel concept based on electrostatic precipitation (ESP) to capture fugitive amine from post-combustion CO₂ capture processes (Figure 1). As restriction on industrial amine emissions level gradually tightens, it is essential to develop an efficient technique to control amine concentration from post combustion capture units. Key advantages of the ESP-based system include minimal pressure drop, high collection efficiency (>95% based on numerical modelling results) and manageable energy demands. However, this research is still at its early stage, further optimization of the numerical model and the design and construction of a lab-scale prototype is under development.

Figure 2 Prof Yong Yan’s presentation on Monitoring of CO2 flow under CCS condition

Prof Yong Yan from the University of Kent presented his work on the monitoring of CO₂ flow under CCS conditions (Figure 2). CO₂ flow monitoring can be challenging due to the different phases of CO₂ – limitations of current flow monitoring techniques include high cost and low accuracy. The Coriolis flowmeters with data driven models proposed by Prof Yan achieved a low error of ±0.15% and ±0.25% for liquid and gas CO₂, respectively; and can measure mass flow rate of two-phase CO₂ within ±1.5%. The technique has been applied for leakage detection as well.

Figure 3 Dr Eni Oko’s presentation on the development of a catalytic regeneration system in the post-combustion CO2 capture process.

Dr Eni Oko, senior lecturer from Newcastle University, presented a new catalyst design for the post-combustion CO₂ capture process (Figure 3), which is energy-efficient and cost-effective. He indicated that the catalyst-aided solvent regeneration could reduce specific energy, while his team developed a new catalyst after geometry optimisation, PES scan and transition state search.

Figure 4 Minos Skountzos talks about the impact of solvent degradation on PCC operation

Minos Skountzos, a PhD student from the University of Sheffield, introduced the use of amines in post combustion carbon capture (PCCC) process (Figure 4). His study demonstrated that the corrosion of carbon steel took place in CO₂-loaded amines and also showed the potential use of copper(II) inhibition on PCCC.

Figure 5 Dr Richard Porter’s presentation on optimising methanol production from steelwork off-gases

Dr Richard Porter, senior research associate from University College London, presented a new synthesis route to produce methanol from steel manufacture off-gases by direct CO₂ hydrogenation (). He showed that the process with CCU or CCUS could have great economic benefits and good performance.

The presentations from the speakers are very informative, covering various aspects of CCUS. The UKCCSRC Flexible Funding provided great support for researchers of different levels, including both academics and early career researchers (ECR). We would also like to thank UKCCS for the ECR travelling fund, which enabled us to attend the conference in person. For most of the ECRs, this was the first face-to-face conference that we are able to attend after two years of pandemic. We are very grateful to have this opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and to obtain up-to-date information in the field of CCUS.