Zecca, N., Lücking, L., Chisăliță, D. A., Boon, J., van Dijk, H. A. J., Pieterse, J. A. Z., Giuffrida, A. & Manzolini, G. (2025). DISPLACE Post-Combustion Carbon Capture Technology Integration in a Steel Plant for CO2 Reduction. Journal of Cleaner Production, 144739. 

 

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Highlights 

  • The integration of DISPLACE in a conventional steel mill is investigated. 
  • DISPLACE performances have been optimized through several simulations. 
  • Aspen Plus has been used to model the integration of DISPLACE. 
  • Carbon avoidance of 78% with respect to base case can be achieved. 
  • DISPLACE technology perform better than the MEA post-combustion carbon capture. 

Abstract  

The decarbonization of the steel industry, responsible for approximately 7% of global direct energy-related CO2 emissions, is pivotal in advancing toward a more sustainable future. Carbon capture technologies play a crucial role in achieving this objective. This study presents the description, modelling, and characterization of the DISPLACE carbon capture technology, an isothermal and isobaric adsorption technology using with concentration swing regeneration. The process yields a high-purity CO2 stream alongside a CO2-lean gas stream and its application to the decarbonization of flue gas from oxy-fired hot-stoves in a BF-BOF steel mill is described. Various DISPLACE operating conditions were simulated reaching performances of carbon capture ratios up to 98% and (dry) carbon purities up to 99%. Environmental and economic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) were assessed, demonstrating the advantage of operating at 400 °C due to the reduced DISPLACE steam-to-carbon ratio. The production of steam for adsorbent regeneration requires additional fuel such as NG or coke oven gas (COG). When operating DISPLACE at optimal conditions and considering COG as fuel, a carbon avoidance greater than 78% can be reached with a SPECCA and a CCA equal to 3.65 GJ/tCO2 and 91.89 €/tCO2 respectively, values significantly lower than competitive MEA technology (SPECCA equal to 4.86 GJ/tCO2 and CCA of 113.33 €/tCO2). Additionally, the impact of varying DISPLACE carbon capture ratios (CCR) and carbon purity was evaluated.