METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING CARBON DIOXIDE IN AN OXYFIRING PROCESS WHERE OXYGEN IS SUPPLIED BY STEAM ENHANCED OXYGEN RELEASE FROM REGENERABLE METAL OXIDE SORBENTS

An oxyfiring system and method for capturing carbon dioxide in a combustion process is disclosed. The oxyfiring system comprises (a) an oxidation reactor for oxidizing a reduced metal oxide; (b) a decomposition reactor wherein oxidized metal oxide sorbents are reduced with oxygen being released and a flue gas with an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream is produced; (c) a fuel combustion reactor for combusting a primary fuel and the oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream into a primary flue gas; and (d) separation apparatus for separating a portion of the primary flue gas so that a carbon dioxide enriched stream can be sent to the decomposition reactor. Steam may be added to assist in controlling the partial pressure of oxygen during decomposition of the metal oxide and a condenser may be used to remove water from the oxygen enriched flue gas.