How do you create a carbon capture system for petroleum facilities?

1 Assess the CO2 source

The first step of creating a carbon capture system is to assess the CO2 source, which can be either pre-combustion, post-combustion, or oxy-fuel combustion. Pre-combustion involves removing CO2 from the fuel before it is burned, such as in gasification or reforming processes. Post-combustion involves capturing CO2 from the flue gas after it is burned, using solvents, membranes, or sorbents. Oxy-fuel combustion involves burning the fuel in pure oxygen instead of air, resulting in a flue gas that is mostly CO2 and water, which can be easily separated. The choice of the CO2 source depends on the type and efficiency of the fuel, the configuration and age of the facility, and the cost and availability of the capture technology.

2 Choose the CO2 capture technology

The second step of creating a carbon capture system is to choose the CO2 capture technology, which can be either physical, chemical, or biological. Physical capture technologies use physical properties, such as pressure, temperature, or density, to separate CO2 from other gases. Examples of physical capture technologies are absorption, adsorption, membrane separation, and cryogenic separation. Chemical capture technologies use chemical reactions, such as binding, catalysis, or conversion, to isolate or transform CO2. Examples of chemical capture technologies are amine scrubbing, calcium looping, and mineral carbonation. Biological capture technologies use living organisms, such as algae, bacteria, or plants, to consume or store CO2. Examples of biological capture technologies are biofiltration, bioreactors, and biosequestration.

3 Transport the CO2 to the storage site

The third step of creating a carbon capture system is to transport the CO2 to the storage site, which can be either onshore or offshore, near or far from the facility. The most common method of transporting CO2 is by pipeline, which requires compressing the CO2 to a supercritical state, where it behaves like a liquid. Pipeline transport is relatively safe, efficient, and flexible, but it also requires high capital and operating costs, as well as regulatory and environmental approvals. Other methods of transporting CO2 are by ship, rail, or truck, which are less common, but may be suitable for smaller volumes, shorter distances, or remote locations.

4 Store the CO2 in a suitable reservoir

The fourth step of creating a carbon capture system is to store the CO2 in a suitable reservoir, which can be either geological, oceanic, or terrestrial. Geological storage involves injecting the CO2 into deep underground formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields, saline aquifers, or coal seams, where it can be trapped by physical or chemical mechanisms. Geological storage is the most mature and widely used method of CO2 storage, but it also poses risks of leakage, seismicity, or contamination. Oceanic storage involves dissolving the CO2 in seawater or injecting it into the deep ocean, where it can be diluted or mineralized. Oceanic storage is still experimental and controversial, as it may affect the marine ecosystem, the ocean chemistry, or the climate. Terrestrial storage involves using the CO2 for enhancing plant growth or creating useful products, such as fuels, chemicals, or materials. Terrestrial storage is still in the early stages of development and faces challenges of scalability, durability, and marketability.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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