Chemical Looping Combustion for 100% Carbon Capture

Chemical looping combustion (CLC) is a novel technology with inherent separation of CO2. It is a two-step combustion process in which air and fuel are not mixed during combustion. The reactor system consists of two separate reactors, an air reactor and a fuel reactor. An oxygen carrier circulates between these two reactors and transports the necessary oxygen for combustion. A new reactor concept called the dual circulating fluidized bed (DCFB) reactor system is proposed for chemical looping processes. This concept features high solids circulation as well as optimized gas-solids contact and is highly suitable for chemical looping combustion and reforming. In this report, the main set-up of this concept is presented and the governing equations for the design of chemical looping combustors are discussed with the example of the 120kW CLC pilot rig at Vienna University of Technology. Additionally, first operating results using ilmenite, a natural mineral with the chemical formula FeTiO3, and a Ni-based oxygen carrier are reported.