Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Reducing emissions with precision
3 ways how KROHNE can support your CCS projects
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a critical technology for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and electricity generation. Also, in blue hydrogen production, it is separated from the process making it an environmentally friendly technology. CCS involves capturing CO2 at its source, transporting it, and securely storing it underground, often in depleted oil or gas reservoirs. In some cases, the captured CO2 is used in industrial processes to create products like synthetic fuels, a variation known as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS).
The CCS process chain consists of three primary stages: Capture, Storage and Transportation.
Each stage of this chain presents unique technical challenges that require advanced measurement and monitoring solutions to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
The role of process instrumentation in the CCS value chain
Accurate process instrumentation is essential for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of CCS systems. Across all stages—capture, transport, and storage—precise measurement of key parameters like flow, pressure, temperature, and level is critical for the overall safety, efficiency, and compliance of the operation.
For instance, in the capture stage, CO2 is often separated from other gases using processes such as amine scrubbing, which involves complex chemical reactions. To ensure efficient CO2 capture, measurement devices are needed to monitor the flow and temperature of the fluids involved, including steam and the CO2 itself. These measurements help optimise the capture process, ensuring maximum CO2 recovery with minimal energy consumption.
During transport, CO2 is typically compressed into a supercritical fluid state, where it behaves both like a gas and a liquid, allowing for efficient pipeline movement. Here, accurate flow measurement is crucial for both safety and economic reasons. Custody transfer of CO2—particularly for carbon trading—requires certified flowmeters that can provide reliable, traceable data to ensure that the correct quantities of CO2 are being transported and accounted for.
In the storage stage, CO2 is injected into deep geological formations. Advanced pressure and flow monitoring systems are necessary for process control, to prevent leakage and ensure that the CO2 remains safely contained. Leak detection technology helps safeguard against potential environmental hazards, while continuous storage site monitoring ensures long-term stability and regulatory compliance.
Accurate and reliable CCS measurements, comprehensive turnkey systems, and leak detection and compliance.
KROHNE supports the industry's decarbonisation efforts with a comprehensive portfolio of process instrumentation specifically designed to address the challenges of the entire CCS value chain. Our solutions ensure precise and reliable measurements, essential for reducing emissions and enhancing operational safety:
Accurate and reliable CCS measurements
Flowmeters: Certified for gaseous, liquid, and supercritical CO2, KROHNE flowmeters ensure accurate measurements for custody transfer, transport, and process control. Designed to operate under the high-pressure and variable conditions of CCS applications, they provide the precision needed to meet regulatory compliance and efficiency goals.
Pressure and temperature sensors: Maintaining optimal operating conditions during CO2 capture and storage is critical to safety and efficiency. KROHNE’s precise sensors deliver real-time data, ensuring that pressure and temperature parameters remain within safe and efficient ranges throughout the process.
Level measurement devices: Reliable level monitoring is essential for safely managing CO2 storage in various forms. KROHNE's level measurement devices offer continuous, accurate monitoring, giving operators the confidence to manage reservoirs and tanks effectively, preventing leaks and ensuring safe storage.
Comprehensive turnkey systems
KROHNE’s comprehensive turnkey systems seamlessly integrate multiple measurement devices into a unified platform, providing operators with a complete measurement solution from capture to long-term storage. This ensures consistent monitoring across all CCS stages, reducing emissions and improving compliance with environmental regulations.
Leak detection and compliance
Early leak detection is crucial in CCS operations to prevent environmental harm and ensure regulatory compliance. KROHNE provides advanced leak detection technologies that monitor for potential CO2 leaks at every stage, enabling operators to respond quickly and comply with stringent safety and environmental standards.
Contribution to Sustainability
Leak detection and prevention : KROHNE’s advanced instrumentation helps detect leaks during CO2 transport and storage, reducing environmental risks.
Carbon emission trading : Accurate flow measurement is essential for carbon trading, ensuring that CO2 quantities are precisely recorded for regulatory and economic purposes.
Decarbonising industrial processes : By enabling efficient carbon capture and storage, KROHNE supports industries in meeting their emissions reduction targets, contributing to global climate goals.
Further Benefits
Operational safety : Accurate monitoring of pressure, flow, and temperature ensures stable and safe operations across all CCS stages.
Process efficiency : Reliable measurements optimise carbon capture, transport, and storage, reducing energy consumption and resource waste.
Regulatory compliance : Certified instrumentation supports accurate reporting, meeting stringent environmental and safety standards.
Cost optimisation : Improved process control reduces operational expenses and maintenance needs while maximising equipment lifespan.
Decarbonisation support : Instrumentation enables precise CO2 management, helping industries achieve emissions reduction targets and climate goals.
Supporting sustainability with precision
KROHNE’s process instrumentation is integral to the success of CCS systems, ensuring that CO2 is captured, transported, and stored safely and efficiently. By enabling accurate and reliable measurement, KROHNE helps to minimise risks, reduce costs, and support the overall goal of decarbonisation.
In conclusion, process instrumentation plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and success of CCS systems. KROHNE's expertise in flow, pressure, temperature, and level measurement makes it a key partner in supporting the decarbonisation of industries through reliable and accurate process control.