Characterization and Kinetic Study of Ilmenite Ores for Methane Chemical-Looping Combustion
Date
2018-01-12
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Abstract
Emitted carbon dioxide from fossil fuels combustion is one of the most influential greenhouse gases leading to global warming. Chemical-looping combustion (CLC) is one of the most efficient methods for carbon capture, resulting in no energy penalty compared to alternative carbon capture methods. CLC is a nonconventional unmixed combustion process where the fuel and air reactions occur in separate reactors. CLC is, however, still a conceptual process due to a series of technical challenges, mainly related to the oxygen carrier. In particular, there is a need for a low-cost, highly stable oxygen carrier capable of withstanding multiple cycles without loss of its oxygen transport capacity and reactivity.
Reactivity and oxygen-transport capacity of Canadian and commercial ilmenite ores in the chemical-looping combustion of methane were investigated in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Oxygen carrier performance was evaluated in multiple cycles during which Canadian ilmenite oxygen transport capacity increased from 2.7% to 14.2% and the commercial sample maintained an approximately constant oxygen transport capacity at 4.5%. XRD and SEM results indicate that new phases were formed, and surface morphology was transformed significantly during cyclic operation. The latter experimental finding explains the increased oxygen transport capacity of the Canadian ilmenite. Studies on carbon deposition on the ilmenite surface indicate that lower methane partial pressure and reduction temperatures are favorable to effectively prevent this phenomenon. The kinetic grain model (GM) was found satisfactorily to fit reduction rate data obtained at atmospheric pressure. Intrinsic reaction rates and kinetic parameters were assessed, accordingly. The activation energy values of 106.7 ± 10.6 kJ/mol and 95.0 ± 8.5 kJ/mol were estimated for the Canadian and commercial samples, respectively.
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Keywords
Chemical-Looping Combustion, CO2 Capture, Grain Model, Cyclic Redox Operation, Ilmenite
Citation
Khakpoor, N. (2018). Characterization and Kinetic Study of Ilmenite Ores for Methane Chemical-Looping Combustion (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.