An analysis of hazards caused by emissions of amines from carbon dioxide capture installations

Amine-based post combustion carbon dioxide is one leading technology for coal-fired power plants. Monoethanolamine is commonly used in carbon dioxide absorption due to its many advantages such as high reactivity, high carbon dioxide cyclic capacity, and low cost. Solvent degradation is a major problem during the CO₂ absorption process because in sunlight amines undergo reactions with atmospheric oxidation (photo-oxidation) to form compounds such as nitrosamines, nitramines, and amides. They are toxic and carcinogenic for humans at very low levels. This paper identifies safety limits of amine emissions and determines hazardous concentration zones.