Pilot-scale demonstration and practical challenges of bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) using rotating packed bed

• Published in: Fuel (Guildford) Vol. 405; p. 136562
• Main Authors: Akram, Muhammad, Milkowski, Kris, Gheit, Abdulaziz, Szuhanszki, Janos, Ahmed, Ihab, Lee, Jon, Pourkashanian, Mohamed
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2026
• ISSN: 0016-2361
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2025.136562

•BECCS is crucial for meeting net zero targets.•Performance of 1 tpd Rotating Packed Bed absorber using real biomass flue gas.•Volatile metals measurements in flue gas and solvent.•Significant proportion of metals can enter the solvent loop.•Resulting in degradation and corrosion issues. This paper presents findings of demonstration of CO2 capture by rotating packed bed absorber using real biomass flue gases. There are two main objectives of the study presented here: (1) performance assessment of pilot scale rotating packed bed CO2 capture absorber with real biomass flue gases (2) the impact of impurities in biomass flue gases on the solvent. The demonstration was carried out at the waste to energy and CO2 capture facilities at the Energy Innovation Centre of the University of Sheffield. Rotating packed bed (RPB) absorber was used to capture CO2 from biomass flue gas generated by a grate boiler. CO2 loadings and solvent concentrations were measured using Mettler Toledo auto-titrator. Particulates content of the flue gas was measured, and particulates were collected for further analysis at the boiler exit and absorber inlet by Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI®+) manufactured by Dekati®. The particulate samples were analysed by ICP-OES to investigate the impact of metals in the flue gas coming from the biomass on the solvent degradation. Solvent samples were collected and analysed with ICP-MS and Ion Chromatography to quantify build-up of metals and anions in the solvent over time. There is very limited information on this subject in open literature. The short-term tests presented here can serve as a starting point for further longer-term investigations into the impact of biomass flue gas contaminants on the solvent behaviour and the solvent management requirements during CO2 capture from biomass flue gases.