As industries face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, carbon capture technology has become an indispensable tool for effective emissions management. From oil and gas to waste management and green energy and cement production, industries are now looking for new and better ways to meet global climate commitments. Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) not only helps mitigate environmental impacts but also ensures regulatory compliance and operational sustainability, making it a necessity for long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
What is carbon capture?
Carbon capture and sequestration refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial activities before they enter the atmosphere and securely storing them underground.
The process begins with the separation of CO2 from other gases in the emission stream. Depending on the application, different techniques are used:
1. Pre-combustion capture: Involves gasifying fossil fuels to produce a mixture of hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 is then separated before combustion. This method is typically used in industries where hydrogen production is a goal, such as in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plants.
2. Post-combustion capture: The process of capturing CO2 after the fossil fuels have been burned. This is the most common approach and involves treating flue gases with chemical solvents that selectively absorb CO2. The CO2-laden solvent is then heated to release the CO2 for compression and storage.
3. Oxy-fuel combustion: This method burns fuel in pure oxygen rather than air, resulting in a flue gas that is primarily CO2 and water vapor. The CO2 is easily separated after the water is condensed out, making this an efficient capture process.
Once captured, the CO2 is compressed and transported, typically via pipelines, to storage sites. These sites are often deep underground geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers, where the CO2 can be securely stored for long periods.
The integration of carbon capture technology is highly technical and requires a deep understanding of the specific industrial processes involved. Engineers and technical experts must consider factors such as gas stream composition, energy consumption, and the integration of capture systems with existing industrial infrastructure to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of carbon capture solutions.
Direct air capture, a complementary approach to carbon sequestration
While traditional carbon capture technologies focus on capturing CO2 at the point of emission, Direct Air Capture (DAC) offers a modern method of addressing atmospheric CO2 directly. By drawing in ambient air using high-powered fans, DAC separates CO2 through a series of chemical reactions. The captured CO2 is then either securely stored underground through geologic sequestration or repurposed into innovative products like low-carbon fuels and building materials.
Why DAC matters
As highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), DAC plays a very important role in achieving global climate goals. Its applications range from offsetting emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture, aviation and shipping to enabling net-negative emissions in the long term. This flexibility makes DAC a critical complement to traditional carbon capture solutions.
Integrating DAC with Consultech solutions
For industries seeking to maximize their carbon reduction strategies, DAC can work in tandem with existing carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) systems to address both point-source and atmospheric emissions. At Consultech, we offer tailored assessments to help businesses identify the most effective combination of technologies. This way, you can achieve:
- Enhanced emissions coverage: Capture CO2 not only at industrial sources but also directly from the air, addressing residual emissions.
- New revenue streams: Use captured CO2 for innovative applications, such as producing synthetic fuels or advanced building materials.
- Future-proof sustainability: Stay ahead of evolving regulatory demands and contribute to long-term climate goals.
Types of carbon capture solutions & equipment
To effectively implement carbon capture, industries can choose from a variety of solutions and equipment designed to suit different processes and scales of operation:
- Absorption-based systems: These systems use chemical solvents to absorb CO2 from gas streams. Once absorbed, the CO2 can be released by heating the solvent, allowing it to be captured and stored. This method is particularly effective in post-combustion capture scenarios.
- Adsorption-based systems: In these systems, CO2 is captured by solid materials (adsorbents) that have a high affinity for CO2 molecules. Once the adsorbent is saturated with CO2, it can be regenerated by reducing the pressure or applying heat, releasing the captured CO2.
- Membrane separation: This technology uses selective membranes that allow CO2 to pass through while blocking other gases. Membrane systems are often used in pre-combustion capture processes and offer the advantage of being compact and requiring less energy than other methods.
- Cryogenic distillation: This process involves cooling gas streams to very low temperatures to liquefy and separate CO2 from other gases. Cryogenic methods are typically used for capturing CO2 from high-purity sources such as hydrogen production plants.
Each of these systems requires careful integration with existing industrial processes. The choice of technology depends on factors like the composition of the gas stream, required purity of CO2, and energy efficiency. Engineers must also consider the scalability and operational costs associated with each technology to ensure it meets the specific needs of the industry.
If more detailed technical clarification is needed, it’s advisable to consult with experts for specific insights on the most suitable technologies for particular applications.
Industries benefiting from carbon capture technologies
Carbon capture technologies are particularly valuable in several key industries like the ones listed below:
- Oil and gas: In this sector, carbon capture is used to reduce emissions from refining processes and natural gas processing plants. These processes inherently produce large quantities of CO2, which, if released, contribute to atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. Capturing this CO2 before it reaches the atmosphere not only reduces emissions but can also be repurposed. For example, captured CO2 is often utilized in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In EOR, CO2 is injected into aging oil fields to increase pressure and stimulate additional oil production. This not only helps maximize the extraction of existing reserves but also offers a use for the captured CO2, thereby turning a waste product into a valuable resource.
- Cement production: Cement manufacturing is a major source of CO2 emissions, responsible for approximately 7% of global emissions. The majority of these emissions come from the calcination process, where limestone (calcium carbonate) is heated to produce lime (calcium oxide), releasing CO2 in the process. By integrating CCS technologies into cement production, these emissions can be significantly reduced. Captured CO2 can be stored underground or used in the production of alternative building materials, helping the industry meet stringent environmental regulations and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
- Power generation: Fossil fuel-based power plants, particularly those using coal and natural gas, are among the largest emitters of CO2 worldwide. As the world transitions to low-carbon energy, integrating carbon capture technologies into these power plants is crucial. CCS allows these facilities to continue operating while significantly cutting down on their carbon emissions. This not only helps meet current environmental standards but also positions these power plants as cleaner options in the energy mix. By capturing CO2 emissions before they are released into the atmosphere, these plants can remain operational and support the energy grid’s stability during the transition to more renewable energy sources.
- Waste management and green energy: Waste-to-energy plants convert waste materials into energy, providing a dual benefit of waste reduction and energy production. However, the combustion process in these plants releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases. By implementing carbon capture technologies, these emissions can be captured and stored, making the waste management process more sustainable. Furthermore, the captured CO2 can be utilized in industrial applications, such as producing synthetic fuels or materials, further enhancing the environmental benefits of waste-to-energy plants. CCS in waste management not only reduces the carbon footprint of these facilities but also supports the development of a circular economy where waste products are repurposed and emissions are minimized.
Get in touch with a Consultech specialist today to discuss your options, schedule an audit, and find the right solution tailored to your business needs.