Title: The CO₂ and SO₂ capture capability of two Greek limestones during repeated thermal cycles

Authors: P. Basinas, P. Grammelis, J.R. Grace, C.J. Lim, G. Skodras, E. Kakaras, G.P. Sakellaropoulos

Addresses: Chemical Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute of Solid Fuels Technology and Applications, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Ptolemais, Greece. ' Institute of Solid Fuels Technology and Applications, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Ptolemais, Greece. ' Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada. ' Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada. ' Chemical Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece; Institute of Solid Fuels Technology and Applications, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Ptolemais, Greece. ' Institute of Solid Fuels Technology and Applications, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas, Ptolemais, Greece. ' Chemical Process Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: In the present study, two Greek limestones from the Megalopolis and Florina areas were used to capture CO₂ and SO₂. The regeneration ability and decay of the limestone samples were investigated through sorption-calcination cycles in a thermogravimetric analyser operated at ambient pressure. The effects of the sorption time (3, 8 and 30 min), reaction temperature (750°C and 850°C) and particle size (38-53, 150-250 and 500-800 μm) on the sorbent performance were examined. The two limestones demonstrated similar CO₂ capture capability. Florina limestone decayed less after a specific number of cycles. When the particle size of the samples increased and the carbonation temperature was reduced, less CO₂ capture was observed for both samples. The presence of SO₂ inhibited the sorption ability of both limestones. Florina limestone was found to exhibit a higher sorption ability and lower decay when CO₂ and SO₂ were present simultaneously.

Keywords: sorption; calcination; limestone; thermogravimetric analysis; carbonation; sulphation; regeneration; global warming; Greece; CO2; SO2 capture; carbon dioxide; sulphur dioxide; carbon capture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2009.027094

International Journal of Global Warming, 2009 Vol.1 No.1/2/3, pp.270 - 287

Published online: 14 Jul 2009 *

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