Fabrication and Scale-up of Polybenzimidazol-Based
Membrane System for Pre-Combustion Capture of Carbon Dioxide
Project # 43090

Primary Performing Organization
SRI International

The goal of this project is to develop an economically viable polybenzimidazole (PBI) based capture system that can operate under a broad range of conditions in the power industry, while meeting DOE’s Carbon Sequestration Program goals of 90% carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture at less than a 10% increase in the cost of energy services. To succeed, the project must develop a membrane that is thermally, chemically, and mechanically stable at high temperatures and high pressures.

Current membrane materials are often subject to chemical degradation by impurities in the process stream, a problem that is compounded by elevated temperatures. The system produced in this project will consist of at least four membrane modules and a control system. The system must be able to separate hydrogen from CO₂ in a synthetic-gas feed stream that has undergone a low-temperature water gas shift process.

The modular, low-maintenance, and flexible design of this membrane technology, combined with the technology achievements anticipated over the life of this project, will make it a candidate for use in pre-combustion capture of CO₂.

Contact:
Project Manager: Jose D. Figueroa, jose.figueroa@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Fabrication and Scale-Up of PBI-Based Membrane Fact Sheet [PDF]