OPTIMA

OPTIMA aims to construct a vortex pilot line as a breakthrough carbon capture technology to overcome the challenges of current processes and to support Flemish industry innovation. The particularity of this technology is the use of a multi-stage vortex unit, which, thanks to its static geometry, does not require mechanical rotation and is therefore safely and easily scaled up. In addition, this pilot line, in a modular and skid-mounted manner, integrates CO₂ absorption with solvent regeneration based on patented vortex units for absorption and desorption. The compactness of the vortex unit (a factor of 10 to 100 smaller than conventional equipment) leads to significant CAPEX reduction and makes it easier to transport and test in industrial environments for various applications.

By addressing challenges in pilot line construction, solvent study, scalability, and thermal integration, OPTIMA will achieve a new low in thermal demand, with an average capture rate of 240 kg/24 h. OPTIMA will also demonstrate the scalability of the vortex units and validate the pilot line in an industrial setting.

Concrete objectives and criteria

1. Design and construct a modular and mobile CO₂ capture pilot line integrating a vortex absorber/desorber, with gas throughput up to 100 Nm³/h.

The absorption and desorption sections use two patent-designed vortex units to replace the conventional packed-bed absorber and desorber, targeting gas throughput up to 100 Nm³/h and liquid throughput up to 500 kg/h. The modular and mobile features will be fully considered during construction.

2. Assess the scale-up potential through R&D of a multi-stage vortex unit, ensuring flexibility and enhanced performance.

The development of the patented MS-VU will ensure strong scalability of the vortex unit within OPTIMA. The multi-stage design is advantageous for maintaining consistent vortex flow patterns and efficiency across scales, with key considerations including the configuration and number of stages required for upscaling. A systematic experimental study will be carried out with various designs in both the vortex absorber and vortex desorber modules.

3. Achieve a new low in thermal demand by studying multiple solvent classes and implementing thermal integration.

This goal will be met by (1) conducting systematic solvent studies on amine-based solvents, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents, and (2) implementing thermal integration techniques, including cyclic steam processes, stripper overhead compression, rich vapor compression, lean vapor compression, and others.

4. Demonstrate a 240 kg/24 h CO₂ capture rate in a container-sized, skid-mounted setup (TRL6) and benchmark performance using TEA and LCA.

The use of vortex units greatly reduces equipment size, enhancing compactness and modularity. By mapping operating conditions, conducting solvent studies, performing scalability assessments, start-up tests, tests under varying conditions, and extended runtime tests, we will meet the targeted capture rate and thermal demand. Comprehensive techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) will support the market readiness of the vortex technology.