A pilot-scale prototype contactor for CO_2 capture from ambient air: cost and energy requirements

摘要

Systems for capturing carbon dioxide (CO_2) from ambient air for sequestration ("air capture") have recently been proposed, but the feasibility of such systems has been disputed. Most components of these systems operate in existing industries, but the component making contact with air for initial extraction of CO_2 (the "contactor") is not well-understood. We build a prototype contactor which uses sprayed sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to absorb atmospheric CO_2. A range of pressures, NaOH concentrations, and nozzles are tested, yielding relatively low pumping energy requirements ranging 6-15 kJ/mol-CO_2. The authors conclude the proposed design is feasible for use in an air capture system.