ROLINCAP will search, identify and test novel phase-change solvents, including aqueous and non-aqueous options, as well as phase-change packed bed and Rotating Packed Bed processes for post-combustion CO2 capture. These are high-potential technologies, still in their infancy, with initial evidence pointing to regeneration energy requirements below 2.0 GJ/ton CO2 and considerable reduction of the equipment size, several times compared to conventional processes . These goals will be approached through a holistic decision making framework consisting of methods for modeling and design that have the potential for real breakthroughs in CO2 capture research. The tools proposed in ROLINCAP will cover a vast space of solvent and process options going far beyond the capabilities of existing simulators. ROLINCAP follows a radically new path by proposing one predictive modelling framework, in the form of the SAFT-γ equation of state, for both physical and chemical equilibrium, for a wide range of phase behaviours and of molecular structures. The envisaged thermodynamic model will be used in optimization-based Computer-aided Molecular Design of phase-change solvents in order to identify options beyond the very few previously identified phase-change solvents. Advanced process design approaches will be used for the development of highly intensified Rotating Packed Bed processes. Phase-change solvents will be considered with respect to their economic and operability RPB process characteristics. The sustainability of both the new solvents and the packed-bed and RPB processes will be investigated considering holistic Life Cycle Assessment analysis and Safety Health and Environmental Hazard assessment. Selected phase-change solvents, new RPB column concepts and packing materials will be tested at TRL 4 and 5 pilot plants. Software in the form of a new SAFT-γ equation of state will be tested at TRL 5 in the gPROMS process simulator.

In a world’s first, HiRECORD will demonstrate at TRL 6, a modular CO2 capture plant that will comprise a Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) absorber and an advanced RPB desorber with integrated spinning reboiler (RPB-ISR). The plant will be of 10 t/d CO2 capture capacity and will operate with the advanced, APBS-CDRMax solvent. It will be operated on the premises of a natural-gas power plant (ELPEDISON), of an industrial gas boiler (HELLENiQ PETROLEUM S.A.) and of a quicklime plant (CAO Hellas), highlighting the high modularity and flexibility of RPB processes with flue gases of different specifications. The advanced capture plant will allow up to 50% capture cost reduction, compared to conventional MEA-based, packed-bed technologies. This reduction will result from at least 10 times lower space footprint due to the use of the RPBs, with direct beneficial impacts on capital expenditures, as well as a regeneration energy of 2.0-2.1 GJ/tCO2 due to the use of the APBS-CDRMax solvent and the RPB-ISR. These features will also enable 20% and 50% lower environmental and safety impacts, as the solvent and operating conditions will minimize emissions, corrosion and make-up requirements. Techno-economic studies will also include an industrial cluster in Northern Greece, where options of CO2 utilization as well transportation and sequestration in nearby geological sites will also be investigated. Extensive societal, public acceptance and policy studies will also be performed, including surveys to the over 750 members of the industrial association partner SEVE.