WATER-GAS SHIFT MEMBRANE REACTOR FOR CO2 CONTROL IN IGCC SYSTEMS - TECHNOECONOMIC FEASIBILITY STUDY

A novel reactor concept, the water gas shift membrane reactor (WGS-MR) for CO2 removal in IGCC systems has been investigated. In order to es tablish full insight in the possibilities of the application of such a reactor, a multidisciplinary feasibility study has been carried out c omprising system integration studies, catalyst research, membrane rese arch, membrane reactor modelling and bench scale membrane reactor expe riments. The application of the WGS-MR concept in IGCC systems is an a ttractive future option for CO2 removal as compared to conventional op tions. The net efficiency of the IGCC process with integrated WGS-MR i s 42.8 % (LHV) with CO2 recovery (80 % based on coal input). This figu re has to be compared with 46.7 % (LHV) of an IGCC without CO2 recover y and based on the same components, and with 40.5 % (LHV) of an IGCC w ith conventional CO2 removal. Moreover, an economic analysis indicates favourable investment and operational costs. The development of the p rocess is considered to be technically feasible. However, it became cl ear that the technology of inorganic high selective gas separation mem brane manufacturing and high temperature ceramic materials engineering is not yet mature and that further development in this area remains n ecessary. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.