CO2 removal by PSA: an industrial view on opportunities and challenges

CO₂ removal from gaseous streams is one of the most important separation tasks in this decade. Adsorption processes can contribute in a wide range to this topic, thus an enormous effort is performed respectively in research and industry. In two scenarios the competitiveness of pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and vacuum pressure swing adsorption technology is assessed: Carbon capture from hydrogen production by steam methane reforming for enhanced oil recovery and CO₂ removal from direct reduction processes for iron making. Additionally, industrial requirements, project as well as operation driven, have to be considered. Robustness and stable operation is as important as optimized captial expenditure and operational expenditure. Considering economical and operational aspects PSA processes are the most attractive alternatives in the presented scenarios.