Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and the role of heat exchangers

Updated on May 15, 2023.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) process

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), also known as carbon capture and sequestration, is a process that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources or directly from the atmosphere and transporting them to a suitable storage location. Then, they are securely stored underground or in other long-term storage facilities. CCS aims to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

The process of carbon capture typically involves three main steps.

Capture

The CO₂ is captured from large point sources such as power plants, industrial facilities, or directly from the air. There are various methods for capturing CO₂, including post-combustion capture (removing CO₂ from flue gases), pre-combustion capture (separating CO₂ from fuel before combustion), and direct air capture (removing CO₂ from ambient air).

Transport

Once the CO₂ is captured, it must be transported to a suitable storage site. This can be done via pipelines, ships, or trucks. The transportation infrastructure depends on the distance between the capture source and storage location.

Storage

The captured CO₂ is stored in underground geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams. The CO₂ is injected deep underground, where it is intended to remain trapped and isolated from the atmosphere for thousands of years.

The storage sites undergo extensive characterisation and monitoring to ensure the integrity and safety of the stored CO₂. Monitoring involves measuring the CO₂ plume movement, pressure changes, and conducting regular inspections to detect potential leaks.

Carbon capture and storage is considered a key technology for reducing CO₂ emissions and mitigating climate change. By capturing and storing CO₂ that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, CCS can help achieve significant emissions reductions. It is especially true in sectors where it is challenging to decarbonise completely, such as heavy industries or fossil fuel-based power plants. However, it’s important to note that CCS is not a standalone solution. It should be complemented with other efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and improve energy efficiency.

Role of heat exchangers in carbon capture and storage

In the context of carbon capture and storage, a heat exchanger plays a crucial role in capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. The primary function of a heat exchanger is to transfer heat energy from one fluid to another without allowing them to mix.

In CCS, heat exchangers are commonly used in two main stages: the capture and compression stages.

Capture stage

During the capture of CO₂, heat exchangers are utilised to manage the temperature of the flue gas or exhaust gas from the industrial source. In post-combustion capture, for example, the flue gas containing CO₂ is cooled down in a heat exchanger. This cooling process helps to condense and separate the CO₂ from the flue gas. The captured CO₂ can then be further processed and transported for storage.

Compression stage

After the CO₂ is captured, it must be compressed to a suitable pressure for transportation and storage. Compression requires a significant amount of energy, and heat exchangers are employed to recover and reuse the waste heat generated during compression. The waste heat from the compression process is transferred to the incoming CO₂, which helps reduce the energy consumption and overall cost of compression.

Heat exchangers contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the CCS process by maximising the utilisation of waste heat and minimising the energy requirements for CO₂ capture and compression. They also play a role in controlling and optimising the temperature conditions during different stages of the process, ensuring the effectiveness of CO₂ capture and storage operations.

It’s worth noting that the specific design and configuration of heat exchangers may vary depending on the Carbon Capture and Storage technology and system employed. Different heat exchange mechanisms, such as direct contact or indirect heat exchange, may be utilised based on the characteristics of the fluids involved and the desired heat transfer efficiency.

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