CaL reactor modelling and process simulations

The aim of this deliverable is to present the models and some representative results from the simulations of the CaL reactors system for CO₂ capture in cement plant. The following two CaL reactor systems are assessed:

1. Circulating fluidized bed CaL for Tail End CaL configuration
2. Entrained flow reactors for highly integrated CaL configuration

Mass and energy balances of the two CaL reactor technologies are calculated with Matlab codes and will be used for the process integration work of WP4.
The results obtained indicate that with CFB reactors, CO₂ capture efficiency >90% is easily achievable. The large limestone make-up flow available in cement kilns allows operating with a highly active sorbent in the carbonator, which facilitates the achievement of the 90% capture target. With entrained flow reactors, simulations indicate that CO₂ capture efficiency in the carbonator of around 80% (i.e. about 90% capture efficiency for the whole cement kiln) can be achieved with sufficiently high solid to gas ratio. Sorbent capacity, which may highly depend on the raw meal nature and on the calcination conditions, highly influence the solid/gas ratio needed to achieve the target CO₂ capture efficiency.