Water gas shift membrane reactor for CO₂ control in IGCC systems: Techno-economic feasibility study

A novel reactor concept, the water gas shift membrane reactor (WGS-MR) for CO₂ removal in IGCC systems has been investigated. In order to establish full insight in the possibilities of the application of such a reactor, a multidisciplinary feasibility study has been carried out comprising system integration studies, catalyst research, membrane research, membrane reactor modelling and bench scale membrane reactor experiments. The application of the WGS-MR concept in IGCC systems is an attractive future option for CO₂ removal as compared to conventional options. The net efficiency of the IGCC process with integrated WGS-MR is 42.8 % (LHV) with CO₂ recovery (80 % based on coal input). This figure has to be compared with 46.7 % (LHV) of an IGCC without CO₂ recovery and based on the same components, and with 40.5 % (LHV) of an IGCC with conventional CO₂ removal. Moreover, an economic analysis indicates favourable investment and operational costs. The development of the process is considered to be technically feasible. However, it became clear that the technology of inorganic high selective gas separation membrane manufacturing and high temperature ceramic materials engineering is not yet mature and that further development in this area remains necessary.