Validation of a compression and liquefaction unit for measuring impurities in CO2

A new CO₂ Compression and Liquefaction Unit (CCLU) that measures impurities in CO₂ has been built and connected to SINTEF's CO₂ capture pilot plant in Trondheim, Norway.

Impurities, such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and amines, may have a negative impact on pipeline transportation and storage, and limit the potential uses of CO₂. Thus, being able to assess the quality of CO₂product is crucial for de-risking full-chain CCUS implementation.

The CCLU mimics the industrial-sized unit comprising three compressor stages, each including cooling and condensate knock-out drums, and can process 10-20 kg/h CO₂. The new CCLU rig can be  used to measure impurities in CO₂ after it has been compressed to 35-40 bar, dried, cooled down and liquefied at conditions relevant to CO₂ shipping or transport. 

Gas samples can be extracted after the dryers before the liquefaction, and liquid samples can be extracted after each compressor stage for analyses.

A test campaign using aqueous monoethanolamine (MEA) solvent at 30 wt% has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the CCLU.

Further information:

Mejdell, Thor and Hjarbo, Kai and Hovdahl, Lars and Chikukwa, Actor and Kim, Inna, Compression and liquefaction unit for measuring impurities in the CO₂  (November 21, 2022)