Is Carbon Capture and Storage the best way to reduce industrial CO2 emissions in the short term? Escher certainly considers this a realistic solution. “Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) solutions can be seen as a transition within the energy transition. The impact could be enormous, as these solutions focus primarily on the largest CO2 emitters,” says Maarten Brandenburg, Commercial Manager at Escher. “If you want to reduce CO2 emissions drastically and cost-efficiently in the short term, then this is the low-hanging fruit. And it’s because these solutions are so accessible that they are an ideal tool to facilitate the energy transition.”

The desire is to electrify many processes in the future. A transition in which industry will run on sustainable electrical technologies instead of gas- fired technologies. Maarten: “This, however, will not be achievable in the short term. Partly because the amount of green energy available both now and in the near future is not nearly enough to meet the industry’s total energy needs. But also, because not all processes can be electrified. Even if processes can be electrified, huge investments are required because entire factories must be overhauled to achieve electrification. CCS solutions are therefore an ideal option for reducing CO2 emissions quickly and cost effectively, and to continue working in parallel on the development of green energy production and sustainable solutions such as electrification.”

Drying CO2 is necessary to prevent the release of acids which causes corrosion in the pipes. The CO2 drying process is almost identical to that of natural gas drying. The design, manufacturing and delivery of such installations is something that Escher, as a supplier of process solutions, has been providing since 1925.

The basic principle of the CO2 drying process is the supply of CO2 from the capture system to the drying system under a certain pressure. At this stage of the process, the CO2 is still saturated with water and sometimes contains other elements. Before the CO2 can be injected into a depleted oil and gas field or old salt cavern, the water and other pollutants must first be removed. Removal of these elements can be performed via several methods. The most suitable technique is dependent on the application and the wishes and requirements of the client. For example, the CO2 can be treated using glycol or molecular sieves. When the treated CO2 is clean, it can be compressed for transport or underground storage. Once the CO2 is safely and hermetically sealed underground, the CO2 can be stored there for eternity.
 
Maarten: “The CO2 drying process can be standardised. Since CO2 is not an explosive gas, there are a lot less stringent requirements for the drying process. At Escher, we have developed a standard solution, which is fit for purpose and based on proven technologies. We critically studied the process and the set requirements during development and did not introduce unnecessary redundancy in our standard, enabling us to realise a well-functioning cost- efficient system. Of course, we can customise the CCS solution if desired. Our goal is to work seamlessly with our clients tosignificantly reduce CO2 emissions in the short term, with accessible, effective and affordable applications.”