CO2 CAPTURE FROM FLUE GAS BY AQUEOUS ABSORPTION/STRIPPING SUBJECT: Research Needs for CO2 Capture from Flue Gas by Scqueous Absorption/Stripping DESC: The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Technology Center (FETC), Pittsburgh, PA intends to award a purchase order on a sole-source basis to the University of Texas, Austin, TX to complete the following statement of work. The necessity of dealing with the problem of global climate change and continuing to use fossil fuels for the foreseeable future has created the need to develop cost-effective non energy intensive methods of capturing CO2. CO2 is currently captured by absorption/stripping with aqueous solutions of MRA (monocothumel amine). This is commercially proved technology. However, it is quite expensive and energy intensive and substantial improvements must be forthcoming in these areas. TASK 1: Literature Survey; A state-of-the-art survey of current knowledge in the field shall be made. This survey shall emphasize various key fundamental aspects of the subject. Among the areas covered shall be: (1) The thermodynamics of aqueous solutions of alkanolamine; (2) Mass transfer and reaction kinetics of CO2 in these solutions; (3) Degradation rates and mechanisms of current MEA systems; (4) Corrosion rates and mechanisms of current MEA systems; (5) Available contractor; and (6) process models of gas treating systems. TASK 2: Technology Options; Various technology options for use in MEA scrubbing shall be examined. These include: (1) Better process integration; (2) Operation of the scrubber under vacuum; (3) Removal of acidic gases such as SO2, HC, Nox, flyash and other impurities in a single scrubber; (4) Improved contractor intensity; (5) Optimizing contractor design; and (6) Eliminating corrosion constraint. TASK 3: Final Report; A final report detailing the findings of the first two tasks will be prepaid. This purchase order is being issued to the University of Texas because they have unique personnel who have been conducting research on the subject of flue gas desulfurization and acid gas treatment. TheUniversity pursued a similar effort for the Gas Research Institute (GRI) in the early nineties. This information is contained in a literature file which is still maintained at the University of Texas. The University also maintains a major separation research test facility, which is to be used to study CO2 absorption/stripping with synthetic flue gas. This request is considered to be sole source to the University of Texas. Therefore, no solicitation will result from this announcement. This award shall be made using simplified acquisition procedures. Request for information should be addressed to Mr. Robert L. Mohn, FAX 412-892-6216. E-MAIL: mohn@fetc.doe.gov, mohn@fetc.doe.gov. Posted 08/24/99 (W-SN371823).

Loren Data Corp. http://www.ld.com (SYN# 1029 19990826\SP-0034.MSC)