CO 2 utilization potential of a novel calcium ferrite based looping process fueled with coal: Experimental evaluation of various coal feedstocks and thermodynamic integrated process analysis
Here, conversion of CO 2 to CO was performed at 800-850C via reduction of calcium ferrite (CaFe 2 O 4 ) with coal followed by oxidation of reduced CaFe 2 O 4 with CO 2 to produce CO and partially oxidized Ca ferrite. The process was evaluated with several types of coals which included lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, anthracite and pet-coke. Reduction of CaFe 2 O 4 with sub-bituminous coal and lignite coal was more favorable than that with higher rank coals. Stable reactivity performance was demonstrated for 35-cycle test conducted with lignite coal/CaFe 2 O 4 at 800°C and with high conversion of CO 2 to CO. The rate of conversion of CO 2 to CO with reduced CaFe 2 O 4 was found to be 1st order with respect to CO 2 and had a low activation energy of 7.4 kJ/mol. Thermodynamic integrated process assessments suggest that two and three reactor process concepts can be realized and net CO 2 utilization achievable. The two reactor configuration shows the highest potential for CO 2 utilization while generating a value-added CO rich syngas stream.