Investigation of the suitability of aqueous sodium glycinate as a solvent for post combustion carbon dioxide capture on the basis of pilot plant studies and screening methods

•Operation with real flue gases of the gas- and coal-fired power plant.•Absorber and desorber have nearly industrial heights.•The energy demand increases significantly when using NaGly in comparison to MEA.•The required solvent stream is very high.•Previous simulations with NaGly have not considered the slow kinetics of NaGly. Post combustion CO2 capture (PCC) through reactive absorption is a promising technology to tackle climate change. The application of new solvents enables a reduction in energy demand. This research work discusses the suitability of aqueous sodium glycinate (NaGly) as a CO2 absorption solvent. Laboratory studies show slow absorption kinetics and moderate CO2 absorption capacities of aqueous NaGly. Results from pilot plant tests at the coal-fired power plant in Dürnrohr, Austria, with 15, 25 and 40wt% NaGly are presented and discussed. Realistic industry conditions were achieved through the use of flue gas from the power plant and the well-conceived dimensions of the test facility. Low energy consumption of aqueous NaGly was mainly predicted by simulations in literature (∼3 GJ/tCO2). The measured energy consumption in the present work is much higher (>5 GJ/tCO2). This represents an increase of 40% with respect to 30wt% monoethanolamine (MEA), not combined with enhanced system extensions. The low predicted optimal solvent flow rate could not be confirmed in the present work. The optimal liquid to gas ratio is in the range of 7–8l/m3.