Utilization of Carbon Monoxide as a Fuel: Economic Analysis and Reactor Design for Carbon Monoxide Oxidation Coupled with Heat Recuperation

Abstract

Carbon Monoxide (CO), a harmful industrial byproduct, represents both an environmental challenge and a potential energy resource. This study presents a detailed design for process equipment that utilizes CO as fuel through a Novel Zero Carbon Emission Process (NERS), along with its preliminary economic analysis. The system demonstrates practical viability, achieving 523.15 K (250 °C) for water flow at 6 kg/s via an integrated heat recuperation system. Economic evaluation reveals this approach can effectively recover wasted energy from carbon emissions, with an estimated payback period of 1.5 years (based on bench-scale reactor design and literature data). This innovative solution transforms CO from an environmental liability into a valuable energy source while eliminating carbon emissions.