Decarbonised H2 recovery and CO2 capture using a cost-effective membrane plant: A step towards energy transition

Separation of H 2 from CO 2 is crucial in industry, since they are the products of water gas shift reaction. In addition, the demand for pure H 2 , as well as the potential reuse of CO 2 as reactant, are increasing as a consequence of the transition from fossil fuels to decarbonization processes. In this scenario, this work aims to propose a possible solution to get simultaneously pure H 2 and CO 2 , meeting the world's requirements in terms of reduction of CO 2 emissions and transition to cleaner energy. A simulated plant combining Pd-based and SAPO-34 membrane modules is able to provide pure H 2 , with a final recovery higher than 97%. In addition, the entire CO 2 fed to SAPO-34 unit is recovered in the permeate stream, with a concentration of 97.7%. A cost analysis shows that feed gas gives a higher contribution than compression, heat exchange and membranes (e.g., 70, 20, 3 and 7% respectively). Net profit and net present value are positive within a specific feed gas price range (e.g., net profit up to 0.10 and 0.155 $/Nm 3 , depending on the labour cost set), showing that the process can be cost-effective and profitable. H 2 purification cost ranges between 2.6 and 7.8 $/kg. • A simulated membrane plant provides pure H 2 (99.999 %) and CO 2 (97.7 %) from their binary mixture. • A techno-economic analysis to study the profitability of the process. • The purchase of feed gas is the main cost, followed by compression. • H 2 purification cost varies between 2.6 and 7.8 $/kg, depending on the labour cost.