Membrane Technology and Research Inc. (MTR), along with the Babcock and Wilcox Company (B&W), will advance the development of MTR’s existing 1 MWe membrane carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture system by integrating the system with B&W’s 0.6 MWe coal-fired research boiler and performing pilot-scale testing of the integrated system. The combined membrane/boiler system recycles CO₂ to the boiler to increase the CO₂ concentration in flue gas, which reduces the cost of subsequent CO₂ capture. The membrane process, developed by MTR, incorporates MTR’s innovative Polaris™ membranes and a countercurrent sweep module design, and can capture 20 tons CO₂ per day at a coal-fired power plant. The small pilot membrane system was successfully field tested in previous projects with real flue gas. Previous testing of B&W’s research boiler with CO₂-laden combustion air was also conducted to evaluate the impact of CO₂ recycle on boiler performance. This project will provide validation of the integrated system to mitigate risks for scale-up. The membrane unit will be modified and installed at B&W’s research facility in Barberton, Ohio. Parametric testing will be conducted using two types of coal to analyze process parameters while monitoring boiler performance and CO₂ capture efficiency.

Predecessor Project: DE-FE0005795