postkombustion

Postkombustion is a term used to describe processes that occur after the combustion of a fuel. In energy and industry, it is most commonly associated with post-combustion carbon capture, the separation of carbon dioxide from flue gases after combustion, for the purpose of reducing CO2 emissions. Post-combustion methods are applicable to existing power plants, industrial boilers, cement kilns, and other facilities that burn fossil fuels.

Technologies used in post-combustion CO2 capture include solvent-based absorption, typically using amines to chemically bind CO2, as well as physical solvents, solid sorbents, membranes, and cryogenic separation. Amine-based systems are the most established, but researchers also explore advanced sorbents, membrane composites, and hybrid configurations to lower energy use. The captured CO2 is then compressed, transported, and stored or utilized.

In broader emission control, post-combustion refers to treatment of exhaust gases after combustion to remove pollutants such as particulates, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and dioxins. This includes electrostatic precipitators, baghouse filters, wet or dry scrubbers, and selective catalytic reduction, among other technologies, often implemented as retrofits on existing plants.

Advantages of post-combustion approaches include applicability to existing infrastructure and flexibility across fuels. Disadvantages include energy penalties for solvent regeneration, solvent degradation and corrosion, capital costs, and integration challenges with plant processes.