Concepts and investment cost analyses of multi-stage membrane systems used in post-combustion processes.

Abstract: This paper describes a detailed process optimization of the mass and energy balances for multi-stage membrane systems used in coal-fired power plants. Based on the recovery rate of 50% or 90% CO₂ with 95 mol% CO₂ purity, different concepts using recirculation of flue gas and variation of feed gas compressor and vacuum pump on the permeate side were developed and optimized to obtain minimum energy consumption. Simultaneously, a cost model was developed to make a further analysis of the optimized concept in view of the tradeoff balance between material and energy consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]