Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Carbon Capture Utilization & Storage (CCUS)

CCUS refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources, transporting it, storing it securely, and utilizing it in various applications. This technology helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports environmental and economic goals.

CCUS is crucial for mitigating climate change by reducing CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and power generation. The practice helps industries meet regulatory requirements, supports environmental sustainability, and can transform captured CO₂ into valuable products.

Challenges include high costs, energy requirements for capture and compression, infrastructure for transportation and storage, regulatory and permitting issues, and public acceptance.

Governments play a critical role in CCUS deployment by providing funding, creating favorable policies and regulations, offering tax incentives, and supporting research and development to lower costs and improve technologies.

Industries such as cement manufacturing, chemical processing, petroleum refining, iron and steel manufacturing, oil and gas production, power generation, and electric utilities can benefit from our CCUS technologies to manage CO₂ emissions.

Partnering with us for CCUS initiatives provides access to a diverse portfolio of advanced analytical tools and technologies tailored to the specific needs of carbon capture, utilization, and storage. Our innovative solutions, combined with comprehensive service and support, help meet regulatory standards and contribute to sustainability goals and economic benefits through effective carbon management.

The main stages of the Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) process include carbon capture, transportation, storage/sequestration, and utilization.

Carbon capture focuses on capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities before they enter the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is then compressed and either transported to storage sites or utilized in various applications such as enhanced oil recovery or chemical production.

The transportation stage of CCUS is crucial for moving captured CO₂ from the capture site to storage or utilization facilities. This process ensures that CO₂ is safely and efficiently transported via pipelines, ships, rail, or trucks, with specific safety measures in place to prevent leaks.

The utilization stage of CCUS converts captured CO₂ into valuable products, helping reduce atmospheric CO₂ and creating economic opportunities. Key methods include enhanced oil recovery (EOR), chemical production, building material strengthening, beverage carbonation, and synthetic fuel production.

CO₂ utilization repurposes captured carbon dioxide into useful products, thus preventing its release into the atmosphere. It also promotes the development of new markets and technologies that can further drive down emissions.

The storage or sequestration stage of CCUS focuses on the long-term containment of captured CO₂ to prevent its atmospheric release. Key methods for CO₂ storage include geological caching, mineral carbonization, ocean storage, and terrestrial storage, all requiring continuous monitoring to ensure secure storage and detect potential leaks.

Geological storage involves injecting captured CO₂ into underground rock formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers. This method ensures long-term containment of CO₂, leveraging natural geological traps to prevent leakage.

Continuous monitoring is critical to ensure the integrity and safety of CO₂ storage sites. It helps detect any potential leaks early, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the storage and maintaining public and environmental safety.

Research and development (R&D) are crucial for advancing CCUS technologies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance safety, and overcome technical, economic, and regulatory challenges, facilitating the widespread adoption of CCUS.

We offer a range of technologies for CCUS, including flow measurement, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, optical gas imaging, process Raman spectroscopy, and process mass spectrometry.

Flow measurement technology tracks the flow throughput of CO₂ and key pipeline metrics by integrating data from various meters and sensors across the pipeline system, ensuring accurate monitoring, control, and safe transport of captured carbon dioxide. It also helps in detecting any anomalies or leaks within the pipeline system to maintain operational integrity.

FTIR spectroscopy analyzes molecular vibrations to monitor impurity levels in captured CO₂, ensuring the purity and integrity of the carbon dioxide pipeline. This technology also assists in optimizing the separation and purification processes.

Optical gas imaging is an advanced, non-contact technology used to detect and visualize gas leaks, allowing prompt recognition and remediation of leaks to protect the environment and ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance.  It provides a non-intrusive method to effectively monitor large areas for potential leaks.

Raman spectroscopy provides molecular composition insights, helping to monitor and optimize carbon capture processes and transform emissions into new materials. This aids in the precise characterization of captured CO₂ and enhances the efficiency of utilization strategies.

Process mass spectrometry provides real-time gas composition analysis, improving efficiency and product quality, and reducing operational costs in carbon capture processes. It offers high sensitivity and rapid response times that are crucial for dynamic process control and optimization.

The AutoXP Gas and Liquid Flow Computers provide flexibility for gas and liquid applications, integrating data from various meters and sensors for precise flow measurement. They can be configured as single-run flow computers or multi-variable transmitters, meeting Class I Div 1 requirements and API 21.1 standards.

The AutoFLEX Flow Computer enhances monitoring capabilities from wellhead to consumer, offering precise tracking of flow throughput and other critical metrics. It processes inputs and outputs from flow meters and analyzers to monitor mass flow and ensure safe CO₂ transport, optimizing maintenance and reducing downtime.

The Antaris IGS Gas Analyzer enables the simultaneous analysis of over 100 gas species, providing high sensitivity for monitoring amines in captured CO₂. It is designed for plant and process environments, offering research-grade performance and speed.

The MAX-Bev CO₂ Purity Monitoring System uses FTIR spectroscopy for real-time measurement of impurities in CO₂. It helps ensure pipeline integrity and prevents acidic conditions by monitoring purity and analyzing impurity levels.

The MAX-iR FTIR Gas Analyzer is designed for real-time measurements of hot/wet samples in carbon capture processes. It optimizes environmental monitoring, impurity abatement, and CO₂ purification, maintaining sample integrity from extraction to analysis.

The Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer offers outstanding performance for routine analysis and advanced research applications. It enhances productivity and precision in the laboratory, making it indispensable for material characterization and compliance with regulations.

The Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer allows for rapid identification of sample components and material verification. Its user-friendly software enables both new and experienced users to perform efficient and reliable analysis.

The OPGAL EyeCGas Optical Gas Imaging Camera detects and visualizes CO₂ leaks, allowing for quick identification and repair of emissions. It helps ensure safety and regulatory compliance by enabling effective monitoring of gas pipelines and industrial environments.

The MarqMetrix All-In-One Process Raman Analyzer provides nondestructive, real-time chemical analysis, making it a valuable solution for monitoring and optimizing carbon capture processes. Its ability to deliver detailed molecular insights into CO₂ and solvent interactions makes it an ideal fit for enhancing system performance and efficiency.

The Prima PRO 710 Process Mass Spectrometer delivers rapid, precise gas composition analysis for various industrial applications. It provides real-time data for evaluating and improving CO₂ capture processes, helping to ensure efficient and safe carbon capture operations.

Flow measurement involves accurately determining the flow rate of gases or liquids within a pipeline or system. In CCUS, precise flow measurement is crucial for monitoring and controlling the transport of captured CO₂, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

The  AutoXP Gas and Liquid Flow Computer provides flexible and accurate flow rate data for both gas and liquid applications. It integrates data from various meters and sensors, meeting API 21.1 standards and ensuring reliable real-time flow measurement.

The AutoFLEX Flow Computer enhances CCUS operations by offering precise tracking of flow throughput and other critical metrics from wellhead to consumer. It processes inputs from flow meters and analyzers, optimizing maintenance, and reducing downtime.

Both the AutoXP and AutoFLEX Flow Computers provide accurate and real-time flow measurement, crucial for the safe transport of CO₂. These devices help detect anomalies or leaks within the pipeline system, helping to ensure operational integrity and enhancing overall process efficiency in CCUS.

Accurate flow measurement is essential in the carbon capture and storage process to monitor the amount of CO₂ being transported and stored. It ensures that the operations comply with regulatory standards, maintain system integrity, and optimize the efficiency of the entire CCUS process.

FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy is a non-destructive analytical technique that measures molecular vibrations to identify chemical species. In CCUS, it is essential for monitoring contaminant levels in captured CO₂, ensuring purity and integrity throughout the carbon capture and storage process.

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.

The Antaris IGS Gas Analyzer is an advanced instrument that enables simultaneous analysis of over 100 gas species. It provides high sensitivity for monitoring impurities in carbon capture applications, making it ideal for plant and process environments.

The Antaris IGS Gas Analyzer offers detailed, real-time analysis of a wide range of gas species, including amines and impurities in captured CO₂. This high sensitivity and rapid response time support efficient monitoring and optimization of carbon capture processes.

The MAX-Bev CO₂ Purity Monitoring System utilizes FTIR spectroscopy to measure impurities in CO₂ in real time. It helps maintain pipeline integrity and prevents acidic conditions by ensuring CO₂ purity during transportation and storage.

The MAX-Bev CO₂ Purity Monitoring System provides continuous and precise measurement of low-level impurities in CO₂, helping to ensure the safety and integrity of the carbon dioxide pipeline. This real-time monitoring helps avoid the formation of acidic conditions and supports compliance with regulatory standards.

The MAX-iR FTIR Gas Analyzer is designed for real-time measurement of hot/wet samples in carbon capture processes. It optimizes environmental monitoring, impurity abatement, and CO₂ purification, maintaining sample integrity from extraction to analysis.

The MAX-iR FTIR Gas Analyzer offers accurate, real-time monitoring of various impurities in hot/wet CO₂ samples. It enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon capture and purification processes, providing valuable data for continuous process optimization.

The Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer is an analytical instrument that offers exceptional performance for both routine analysis and advanced research applications. It enhances laboratory productivity and precision, making it a valuable tool for material characterization, regulatory compliance, and in-depth molecular analysis.

The Nicolet Apex FTIR Spectrometer provides high sensitivity, rapid data acquisition, and advanced analytical capabilities. It is designed to meet the demands of detailed molecular analysis and supports a wide range of research and industrial applications.

The Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer is an instrument designed for the rapid identification of sample components and material verification. Its user-friendly software and robust design enable efficient, reliable analysis for both novice and experienced users.

The Nicolet Summit FTIR Spectrometer offers quick and accurate identification of sample components, facilitating material verification and quality control. Its intuitive interface and powerful analytical tools make it a valuable tool for various laboratory applications, helping to ensure reliable and consistent results.

Carbon purity is crucial for ensuring and maintaining the safety and efficiency of carbon capture processes. Accurate measurement and analysis of carbon purity are essential for compliance with government tax incentives requiring the quantification of captured and stored carbon.

FTIR spectroscopy enables the real-time observation of low-level impurities within carbon dioxide. This insight helps protect the carbon dioxide pipeline integrity by avoiding the formation of acidic conditions and signaling when an emitter reaches dangerous impurity levels.

The MAX-Bev CO₂ Purity Monitoring System utilizes FTIR spectroscopy to measure various impurities in captured CO₂, including critical contaminant species such as NOx, SOx, hydrocarbons, ammonia, moisture, and carbon monoxide. These measurements help prevent pipeline degradation and ensure CO₂ purity.

Yes, FTIR is capable of giving a direct, precise measurement of carbon dioxide as well as helping to measure impurities. Direct measurement of CO₂ can be more accurate than measurements 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, it has significant potential to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon capture processes.

There are no standardized CCUS pipeline and purity specifications globally; there are variations by region. For example, in Norway, CO₂ sold to the Northern Lights project must meet strict NOx and SOx specifications, while in the US, specifications are source-specific and often related to oil and gas industry practices.

Yes, acid dropout, specifically nitric acid, can occur in CO₂ streams, particularly during post-combustion capture with elevated NO₂ levels. This can lead to nitric acid ending up in storage tanks, highlighting the need to monitor and address nitrogen oxide and acid cycles.

The modifications to the 45Q tax credit are expected to help the scale of CCUS in the US by offering parity between utilization and CCUS. This encourages companies without access to transportation infrastructure to capture CO₂ and utilize it in products, promoting growth in carbon capture and utilization efforts.

The Antaris IGS Gas Analyzer is used for detailed analysis in R&D settings and inline carbon stream analysis, particularly in applications involving amines and complex gas mixtures. The MAX-Bev CO₂ Purity Monitoring System continuously measures low-level impurities in CO₂ to maintain pipeline integrity and prevent acidic conditions, making it essential for CO₂ transport and storage. The MAX-iR FTIR Gas Analyzer offers accurate and real-time monitoring of hot/wet samples, making it valuable for ensuring the effectiveness of carbon capture and purification processes.

Optical gas imaging (OGI) is a non-contact method that uses infrared imaging technology to detect and visualize gas emissions, such as CO₂, in real-time. In CCUS, OGI helps identify leaks and ensures the safety and efficiency of carbon capture and storage operations.

OGI technology allows for the rapid detection and visualization of gas leaks, improving safety and reducing environmental impact. It provides a non-intrusive method to monitor large areas and hard-to-reach locations, ensuring efficient and reliable operation of CCUS infrastructure.

The Opgal EyeCGas Multi OGI Camera is an advanced optical gas imaging tool designed to detect and visualize a variety of gas emissions, including CO₂. It is specifically tailored for industrial applications, offering high sensitivity and real-time leak detection capabilities.

The Opgal EyeCGas Multi OGI Camera enhances CCUS operations by providing precise and quick identification of gas leaks, helping to ensure timely repairs and maintenance. This helps maintain the integrity of carbon capture and storage systems, promotes safety, and supports compliance with environmental regulations.

The Opgal EyeCGas Multi OGI Camera features high sensitivity for detecting a wide range of gases, real-time imaging, and the capability to operate in various environmental conditions. It also includes advanced software for leak quantification and reporting, making it a powerful tool for monitoring CCUS processes.

Process Raman spectroscopy is an analytical technique that uses laser light to provide molecular composition insights by measuring the scattering of light. In CCUS, it helps monitor and optimize carbon capture processes, offering real-time analysis of feed streams, byproducts, and products.

The MarqMetrix All-in-One Process Raman Analyzer is a scalable, compact system that analyzes feed streams, analytes, byproducts, and products in real-time without sample preparation. It includes an analyzer and probes to monitor, control, and optimize processes in carbon capture operations.

This analyzer offers high sensitivity, real-time monitoring, selective analysis, portability, and cost-effectiveness. It is instrumental in carbon capture applications, including manufacturing sustainable aircraft fuel, providing valuable insights to improve carbon capture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Process Raman spectroscopy enhances CCUS operations by providing precise, real-time molecular composition data, allowing for dynamic monitoring and optimization of carbon capture and conversion processes. It is particularly effective in tracking the reduction of CO₂ by hydrogen and other chemical transformations.

FTIR and process Raman are complementary technologies operating on different principles. Process Raman excels in steps such as capturing CO₂ in aqueous amine solutions, where it can monitor processes involving water more effectively than FTIR and detect symmetrical molecules like hydrogen that are IR inactive.

Yes, advanced tools like Raman and FTIR are well-suited for real-time monitoring of CO₂ conversion into value-added products. These technologies provide insights into catalytic mechanisms and accurate measurement of CO₂ levels and impurities.

Yes, process Raman systems are designed to perform reliably under high temperatures, high pressures, and harsh chemical conditions. They are especially effective for monitoring hydrogen and CO₂ purity, quantifying impurities, and offering comprehensive monitoring solutions from CO₂ sequestration to conversion into value-added products.

Process mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to measure the composition of gases in real time by ionizing gas samples and analyzing their mass-to-charge ratios. In CCUS, it is crucial for providing accurate, real-time data on the composition of captured CO₂ and other gases, optimizing capture efficiency, and ensuring process control.

The Prima PRO 710 Process MS is an advanced instrument designed for rapid, precise gas composition analysis in industrial applications. It offers real-time monitoring capabilities essential for evaluating and improving CO₂ capture processes.

The Prima PRO 710 Process MS provides high-speed, high-precision gas analysis, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes. Its advanced features help ensure efficient carbon capture, reduce operational costs, and enhance product quality by continuously analyzing gas compositions.

Process mass spectrometry enhances CCUS operations by delivering real-time, accurate data on gas compositions, enabling dynamic process adjustments to maximize CO₂ capture efficiency. This technology supports process optimization and regulatory compliance, ensuring the effectiveness of carbon capture and storage initiatives.

Process mass spectrometry is preferred for monitoring CO₂ capture processes because of its ability to provide continuous, real-time data on the composition of gas streams. This precision and speed in analysis help maintain optimal operational conditions and ensure the integrity of the capture and storage processes.