Undersea separation of CO2 from natural gas through ionic liquids

• Grant number: 22/10714-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Process Industries
• Agreement: BG E&P Brasil (Shell Group)
• Principal Investigator: Rita Maria de Brito Alves
• Grantee: Leonardo Hadlich de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Company: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Politécnica (EP)
• Associated research grant: 20/15230-5 - Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I, AP.PCPE

Abstract

Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies can be enhanced by using suitable Ionic Liquids (ILs). However, the complexity of IL-CO2 interactions makes it challenging to develop IL-based CCU processes, especially at high pressures. In addition, at high-pressures (>73.8 bar) and moderate temperatures (>31°C), the CO2 became a supercritical fluid, presenting other unique properties. These aspects must be considered in the development of high-pressure IL-based CCU processes. The COSMO-SAC model will predict IL-CO2 interaction of two IL-based CCU process developments through this project. One case study will be focused on high-pressure CO2 separation from light hydrocarbons, simulating its removal at a subsea level station of natural gas or oil production. In addition, the most promising ILs to be used in CO2 separation will be tested for NH3 capture and conversion into H2 + N2. This project is associated with the FAPESP's CPE project of the Research Center for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI) in the context of the reduction of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Furthermore, part of this project will be developed in collaboration with the Joan F. Brenneck's lab. At the University of Texas at Austin, as part of the Center for Innovative and Strategic Transformations of Alkane Resources (CISTAR) Center to Center (C2C) program. (AU)