What is Low-Carbon Capture Energy Production?

MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Low-carbon capture consists of three different methods: pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxyfuel combustion.
• Low-carbon capture requires precise, reliable pumps and compressors to purify CO₂ and prep it for use.
• IPEC’s partnerships with leading pump and compressor brands can help energy & power engineers source the right solution for their low-carbon needs.  

The continued advancements of decarbonization efforts in the industrial space has produced a potentially game-changing method of energy production. Low-carbon capture — a process of using CO₂ emissions as fuel for more sustainable energy generation — is expected to account for 37 million tons of low-carbon fuel globally by 2030, a figure that could increase as global green energy priorities shift. 

Low-carbon capture presents a variety of opportunities for energy & power companies and big players in the general industrial space to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising efficient energy production. 

Here, we’ll take a brief look at how low-carbon capture works and the right kind of industrial pumps and compressors to help power this exciting development in renewable energy. 

What are the different types of low-carbon capture?

Low-carbon capture energy production is a pretty big umbrella term under which there are three main processes or methods for the capture and storage of CO₂ emissions. These three methods are applied beyond power generation facilities and include applications like large-scale general industrial facilities and chemical & petrochemical plants. 

Pre-combustion carbon capture

With pre-combustion carbon capture, CO₂ is separated from fuels like coal or natural gas before combustion occurs. For example, pre-combustion with coal involves converting CO₂ into a gas mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide known as syngas. The syngas is then reacted at high pressures with oxygen and water to create hydrogen and a stream of fairly pure CO₂. The hydrogen is either burned to generate electricity or transported for other energy uses. 

Post-combustion carbon capture

In post-combustion carbon capture, CO₂ is extracted from flue gas after fossil fuel combustion using a combination of solvents, membranes, and solid absorbents — think capturing CO₂ from a smokestack. Once captured, the CO₂ and attached solutions pass through what’s called a stripper where the CO₂ is separated and compressed into a liquid state where it can be stored or used as fuel for power generation. 

Right now, post-combustion is the most widely used form of low-carbon capture due to the versatility of the process — post-combustion low-carbon capture can be deployed in virtually any application that produces CO₂ emissions. 

Oxyfuel carbon capture

The newest and least developed form of carbon capture, oxyfuel capture involves burning fuel with pure oxygen. This produces a CO₂-rich flue gas that’s relatively easy to capture, compress, and store to power energy generation equipment. Part of the challenge with this type of low-carbon capture is the enormous amount of heat generated during combustion and how to best dissipate these high heat levels in the most efficient way possible. 

How does low-carbon energy capture work?

While there is some variance in terms of how carbon is captured across the three different methods, the general principles of capturing and separating CO₂ are relatively standard across each capture type. 

First, CO₂ is captured through chemical or physical absorption. With chemical absorption, liquid solvents are used to help isolate and trap carbon. With physical absorption, solid materials like zeolites are used to capture the required carbon. The gas streams are then pressurized and passed through a membrane molecule, separating the CO₂-rich stream from other elements, which creates a purified CO₂ stream that can then be compressed. 

Once compressed, the captured carbon is then transferred to the utilization site and stored deep underground in wells, saline aquifers, or depleted reservoirs for later use. 

Each stage of the low-carbon capture process requires highly efficient, durable industrial pumps and compressors, particularly those that can transfer volatile or corrosive liquids reliably and for long periods of time. Leakproof pumps are also essential in handling caustic process fluids or circulating water and cooling solutions to help maximize process performance. 

What are the ideal industrial pumps and compressors for low-carbon capture applications?

There’s rarely a one-size-fits-all solution for energy & power applications, but there are a handful of industrial pump and compressor types that offer superior efficiency and reliability for pre- and post-combustion carbon capture processes. Some of these pumps and compressors include: 

• Reciprocating pumps, which provide durability in high temperatures and low pressures, both of which are common conditions for CO₂ injection into geological storage sites. Reciprocating pumps that offer corrosion resistance and leakproof operation are also important to mitigate any potential environmental impact. 
• Centrifugal pumps, which are ideal to efficiently transfer solvents between the absorption and desorption stages of carbon capture. Centrifugal pumps also offer the deployment versatility and flexibility to adapt to a variety of facility configurations. 
• Process gas compressors, which are used for flue gas transfer, pre-treated gas handling, and direct air capture systems. Where consistency and precision are mission-critical, the ideal process gas compressor will provide accurate, reliable operation.  

IPEC’s longstanding partnerships with leading pump and compressor brands like Sundyne, Milton Roy, and Fybroc & Dean allow us to create custom solutions for any low-carbon capture application. Our knowledge and experience can help you overcome any configuration or deployment challenge with durable, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to maximize the new opportunities created by this eco-friendly method of power generation. 

Plus, as an authorized service center for Sundyne, Milton Roy, and Fybroc & Dean, we service what we sell, helping you avoid unplanned maintenance and costly downtime. Contact us today to learn more about solutions for low-carbon capture energy production.