The new pilot plant will allow B&W PGG additional research capabilities into regenerable solvent absorption technology (RSAT) as a method for capturing carbon dioxide emissions.

It will complement B&W PGG’s research into the development of oxy-coal combustion technology, an alternative solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants.

RSAT is a post-combustion scrubbing process that involves using a liquid solvent in an absorber vessel to remove carbon dioxide from a plant’s flue gas stream. Carbon dioxide is absorbed and chemically reacted by the solvent, and the clean gas is exhausted.

The liquid solvent, rich with captured carbon dioxide, is then pumped into a regenerator where it is heated and the absorbed carbon dioxide is removed. The carbon dioxide can then be prepared for long-term storage or other uses, such as enhanced oil recovery, while the liquid solvent is recycled in the process.

B&W PGG’s RSAT pilot plant will be installed in a new building adjacent to the existing small boiler simulator at the B&W Research Center in Barberton.

Construction will continue throughout 2008, with plans for the facility to be operational during the first quarter of 2009.

“B&W PGG is actively working to develop the next generation of scrubbers for the capture and storage of carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants,” said Don Langley, vice president and chief technology officer for B&W PGG. “This new RSAT facility represents a substantial investment and demonstrates our company’s commitment to developing commercially viable and environmentally conscious options for carbon dioxide capture.”

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