Optimum operating parameters of CO 2 sorption in turbulent fluidized bed regime using potassium carbonate supported on gamma alumina solid sorbent.

The promising solid sorbent, potassium carbonate (K 2 CO 3 ) supported on gamma alumina (γ-Al 2 O 3 ) was prepared through impregnation by insertion into the sorption turbulent riser to determine the optimum operating parameters. A sorption temperature of 60 °C, superficial gas velocity of 0.22 m s -1 , and initial sorbent loading of 5 g were determined to be the optimum conditions so that 93 percent of the actual loaded K 2 CO 3 could react with CO 2 to obtain the highest CO 2 sorption capacity at 279.95 mg of CO 2 /g of K 2 CO 3 . 2 3 factorial design plus center points were used to analyze the result of the main effect and interaction between the operating parameters. The sorption temperature, superficial gas velocity, and sorbent loading all impacted the response parameter. From the obtained interpretation, interaction between sorption temperature and superficial gas velocity, as well as between sorption temperature and initial sorbent loading, portrayed statistically significant effects on CO 2 capture capacity. Calculations showed that concentration of treated gas was greatly reduced. This distinguished breakthrough behavior provided a step toward designing a continuous reactor to maximize CO 2 capture. However, one major obstacle for this design was the persisting formation of hydrated potassium dawsonite, a side product of conventional heat regeneration.