Developments in the CO2CRC UNO MK 3 Process: A Multi-component Solvent Process for Large Scale CO2 Capture

The CO2CRC's UNO MK 3 process is a precipitating potassium carbonate process engineered to capture 90 % of carbon dioxide emissions from large scale emission sources such as power stations and other industrial sources. The UNO MK 3 is expected to have benefits in the following areas; Low energy of regeneration (2 - 2.5 GJ/tonne of CO2). Low overall cost, which is expected to be greater than $20/tonne of CO2 avoided less than competing amines. Low volatility and environmental impact with low emissions, low toxicity and smaller carbon footprint. Multi-impurity capture of CO2, SOx and NOx with linkage to the global potassium fertilizer chain. These key benefits of the UNO MK 3 process are being confirmed by the CO2CRC's work program, which combines fundamental research, process demonstrations and larger scale engineering applicable to capture from 500 MW power stations. Techno-economic results from this large scale engineering work program are presented and the systematic technology improvements discussed. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.