Critical Process Measurement for CCS: Part Three

The Benefits of Continuous Process Measurement

In the race to take control of global greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) technologies have emerged as critical tools for industry and policy makers alike. Yet, the success of CO_₂ drying, transport, and sequestration projects hinges on one simple truth: you can’t manage what you don’t measure. Part Three of our series dives into the heart of this challenge, exploring how online gas chromatographs, oxygen analyzers, and moisture monitors deliver the real-time insights essential for safe, efficient, and cost-effective CO_₂ handling. From preventing costly pipeline blockages and corrosion to ensuring injection streams meet strict purity standards, these advanced analytical instruments boost operational uptime and are compliant with industry regulations, while safeguarding infrastructure.

We will take a look at the transformative benefits of continuous process measurement – a key element of the global effort to capture and store carbon at scale.

The benefits of enhanced process control

Online analytical instruments provide continuous, real-time data, allowing for immediate adjustments to the drying and transport processes. This ensures that CO_₂ purity, O_₂ levels, and moisture content remain within optimal ranges, enhancing overall process control.

Improved Efficiency By maintaining the correct moisture and impurity levels, these analyzers help optimize the efficiency of CO_₂ transport and sequestration.

Quality Assurance Continuous monitoring ensures that the CO_₂ stream meets the required purity specifications for sequestration. This is particularly important when injecting CO_₂ into geological formations, where impurities could lead to environmental contamination or affect the storage integrity.

Safety benefits

Corrosion Prevention High moisture levels can lead to the formation of carbonic acid in pipelines, causing corrosion. By continuously monitoring and controlling moisture content, moisture analyzers help prevent corrosion, enhancing the safety and longevity of the infrastructure.

Hydrate Formation Prevention Hydrate formation can block pipelines and equipment, leading to operational hazards and downtime. Moisture analyzers ensure that the CO_₂ remains dry, preventing hydrate formation and maintaining safe and continuous operation.

Oxidative Reaction Prevention Excessive O_₂ in the CO_₂ stream can lead to oxidative reactions, potentially causing equipment damage, affecting the stability of the CO_₂ storage and leading to other safety hazards. Oxygen analyzers help maintain O_₂ levels within safe limits, preventing these reactions and ensuring safer operation.

Economic benefits

Reduced Maintenance Costs By preventing corrosion and hydrate formation, moisture and O_₂ analyzers reduce the frequency and cost of maintenance. This means significant cost savings over the operational life of the project.

Increased Operational Uptime Continuous monitoring and immediate adjustments help avoid unplanned downtime caused by equipment failure or pipeline blockages. This increases the overall operational uptime, improving the economic viability of the project.

Regulatory Compliance Accurate measurement of O_₂ purity and composition ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Non-compliance can result in large fines and legal costs.

Enhanced Resource Utilization Optimizing O_₂ purity and minimizing impurities through effective monitoring ensures that the maximum volume of O_₂ can be transported and sequestered efficiently. This enhances the utilization of available resources and improves the overall cost-effectiveness of the project.

Summary

Effective carbon capture, storage, and utilization (CCUS) depends on the ability to capture CO_₂ and on maintaining strict control over its purity, moisture, and oxygen levels throughout the drying, transport, and sequestration stages. This Carbon Capture series has outlined how online analytical instruments – such as gas chromatographs, oxygen analyzers, and moisture analyzers – play a pivotal role in achieving this control. These tools provide continuous, real-time data that enables proactive process adjustments to enhance efficiency, safety, and compliance. By preventing issues like corrosion, hydrate formation, and oxidative reactions, they help protect infrastructure and reduce costly downtime. Furthermore, improved process reliability and regulatory adherence contribute to the long-term economic viability of CO_₂ sequestration projects.

As global climate goals continue to drive investment in CCUS and related technologies, the development of advanced measurement tools is pushing the boundaries of possibility in carbon control. Through accurate and continuous monitoring, these instruments support the safe and effective deployment of carbon management strategies, ensuring that industrial CO_₂ emissions are captured, transported, and stored with the highest levels of precision and performance.

View Part One and Part Two of our Critical Process Measurement for Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization series.