Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Analysis & Monitoring for Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

Monitor hazardous gases in CO2 to protect valuable pipeline infrastructure

 

With ever increasing attention on addressing the challenges of climate change and the transition toward a sustainable future, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a promising solution with the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

CCUS is a set of technologies and processes that:

  • Capture carbon dioxide emissions from various sources and prevent their release into the atmosphere. Sources of carbon dioxide can include power generation plants, industrial facilities, cement manufacturing facilities, and more.
  • Utilize this captured carbon dioxide in various processes, such as the production of valuable products or as a feedstock for enhanced oil recovery.
  • Store this captured carbon dioxide safely and permanently underground.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes that CCUS has the potential to play a crucial role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Capturing and storing carbon dioxide can prevent its release into the atmosphere and mitigate the impact of climate change. Additionally, the utilization of captured carbon dioxide can help contribute to the development of a circular economy, where carbon dioxide is treated as a valuable resource rather than a waste product.

On-demand Webinar: Ensure pipeline integrity – CO₂ purity analysis for CCUS applications

In this webinar, we delve into the importance of real-time analysis for quality assurance in maintaining pipeline integrity and the significance of accurately quantifying CO₂ purity for effective carbon sequestration. Click the link below for the full webinar description and to register.

Meet the challenge with FTIR technology

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technology, utilized in the Thermo Scientific MAX-iR FTIR Gas Analyzer, can monitor and guard against hazardous levels of acid gases in CO2 heading to and from geological storage, protecting valuable CO2 pipeline infrastructure. Benefits of OE-FTIR technology include:

  • 24/7 unattended operation
  • Continuous measurement, real-time data
  • Monitoring trace levels of SOx and NOx impurities
  • Extremely low detection capability to ensure safety
  • Ensure CO2 specifications are met and maintained
  • Low maintenance non-contact technology
  • Highly specific – interference free measurement

MAX-Bev CO2 purity monitoring system

The MAX-Bev is a fully integrated on-line CO₂ monitoring system providing fast, accurate measurements of sensory active and harmful impurities in CO₂.

 

Software control is via the large front panel touchscreen or keyboard. Common communication protocols for data logging are used for easy incorporation into existing plant designs, and impurities observed in the Bev-gas are quickly detected, speciated, and quantified.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Explore these answers to frequently asked questions to learn more about carbon dioxide (CO2) analysis and monitoring for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).

FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique employed to study molecular vibrations in various substances. It can play a crucial role in CCUS by allowing industry and researchers alike to analyze and monitor the change in the impurity levels of captured carbon dioxide (CO₂).

FTIR spectroscopy holds significant value in carbon dioxide purity analysis because it enables the real-time observation of low level (ppm or even ppb) impurities within the carbon dioxide. This valuable insight can help protect the carbon dioxide pipeline integrity by avoiding the formation of acidic condition. FTIR can be used to signal that an emitter is reaching dangerous impurity levels so that their process can be modified, or even help prevent the continued emitting of CO₂ to the pipeline.

FTIR spectroscopy operates by exposing a sample to infrared light across a broad range of frequencies and measuring the absorption patterns. The resulting FTIR spectrum provides detailed information about molecular vibrations, allowing for the identification of chemical species present in the sample.

FTIR is a versatile technique that can be employed to measure various impurities in captured CO₂. This includes many critical contaminant species that could contribute towards pipeline degradation, such as NOx, SOx, hydrocarbons, ammonia, moisture, carbon monoxide and others.

Yes, FTIR spectroscopy is well-suited for in-situ monitoring, providing real-time data on the performance of captured CO₂.

Yes, FTIR is capable of giving a direct, precise measurement of carbon dioxide as well as helping to measure the impurities. Direct measurement of CO₂ can be more accurate than a measurement acquired by deductive methods.

FTIR spectroscopy is gaining popularity in carbon capture research, particularly in academic and research settings. While its adoption in industrial applications may vary, there is significant potential for FTIR to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon capture processes.

As the link between CO₂ emissions and climate change becomes clearer, it is essential to mitigate emissions by capturing and storing CO and CO₂ from industrial processes and power generation. A vital step in this process is measuring and validating the carbon purity.

Carbon purity is crucial for ensuring and maintaining the safety and efficiency of carbon capture processes. Additionally, as government tax incentives require the quantification of carbon captured and stored, accurate measurement and analysis of carbon purity are essential.

The Thermo Scientific MAX-Bev CO₂ Purity Monitoring System utilizes FTIR spectroscopy for real-time measurement of low-level impurities within the captured carbon dioxide (CO₂). With our instrument, industry professionals and researchers can monitor purity and analyze the change in impurity levels, helping to ensure the integrity of the carbon dioxide pipeline and preventing the formation of acidic conditions.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.