Removal of Acidic Gases and Metal Ion Contaminants with PostCapTM Technology

The Siemens AG has developed the PostCapTM process with the main target of removing carbon dioxide from coal- and gas-fired power plant flue gases at a large scale in an efficient, economical and environmentally friendly manner. This process is based on the well-known temperature swing absorption technology, which has been optimized to be operated with an amino-acid salt based solvent. Besides carbon dioxide, the removal of other acidic gases and metal ion flue gas contaminants is of great benefit to ensure the sustainability of heat and power generation from fossil fuel combustion. It is thus the aim of this paper to explain the behavior of these flue gas contaminants when introduced into the capture process. Further, the existing Siemens solvent reclaiming unit enables the removal of the formed by-products, which hinders their negative impact on process performance.