The Italian ZECOMIX Platform: CO2 Capture on Calcined Dolomite in Fluidized Bed Carbonator Unit

The Italian Zecomix platform is a gasification pilot-scale plant integrated CCS technology, whose flexibility allows operating each unit alone. For quantitative analysis of the gaseous species an analytical system based on commercially available instruments and sampling lines at various points of plant was properly designed. A Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometric (FTIR) with portable low resolution and gas chromatographic tools were used. The fluidized bed calciner/ carbonator unit was fed with naturally occurring dolomite (about 300 kg) from quarry of Biella (Italy) and tested for CO2 capture. Carbonation reaction was conducted at around 700˚C under simulated reformed synthesis gas containing 30% of CO2. Based on GC and FTIR results a CO2 retention better than 70% was achieved. The application of grain model establishing the carbonation reaction was kinetically controlled within 50 seconds and the reaction rate constant was comparable to that obtained at laboratory-scale level by thermogravimetric analyzer.