Reactivating the CO2 capture capacity of exhausted Ca-based sorbent particles for fluidized bed calcium looping application (double looping)

The aim of this work was to study the hydration-reactivation behaviour of spent sorbents from a calcium looping (CaL) process. The changes of the sorbent properties induced by hydration, the regeneration of the CO2 capture capacity and the attrition tendency of the material once reused in the CaL cycle were investigated. Results suggested that the sorbent should be hydrated for times as short as possible compatible with complete chemical hydration. In fact, long hydration times bring about cramming (chemical sintering) phenomena, lower enhancement of the active porosity, increased attrition tendency and reduced reactivation.