Innovative ideas for pioneering CO₂ applications

We are driving forward the development of CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage)

In the Paris Climate Agreement, the signatory countries committed themselves to making the global economy more climate-friendly in order to meet the 1.5 degree target – a major challenge in particular for energy-intensive companies. The manufacturing sector, i.e. the building materials, chemicals, glass, non-ferrous metals, paper and steel industries, uses processes that currently still cause large amounts of CO₂ emissions. Thermal combined cycle power plants and coal-fired power plants also produce high levels of greenhouse gases during conventional power generation. CCUS technologies are currently the only practicable solution for reducing emissions.

As a compressible fluid, CO₂ places very high demands on pump systems and valves. In order to optimally design such a system, particular attention should be paid to the density development of the fluid between the inlet and outlet of the pump. By selecting suitable valve closing characteristics, the risk of pressure surges in the overall system can be reduced. Such systems must also be perfectly sealed to prevent leaks and resulting ice formation or health risks. With pumps and valves from KSB, our customers are ideally equipped for all CO₂ applications. Technically advanced high-quality products and our experts’ many years of experience guarantee the smooth operation of the equipment used.

Discover how KSB’s solutions can support you across the various processes within the following applications:

1. Capturing carbon dioxide
CO₂ can be captured using a variety of methods, each with its own specific challenges. KSB offers solutions for all capture technologies (chemical and physical absorption, direct air separation, etc.) at all separation stages (pre-combustion, post-combustion and oxyfuel):

• Lean amine solution for CO₂ absorption
• Transfer of liquefied CO₂
• Desulphurisation fluids for purification
• Process water for the synthesis gas scrubber
• Process condensate for the stripper flow and coolant injection
• Demand-driven cooling, scrubber and boiler feed water supply in the overall system

In the main carbon capture process, KSB’s Magnochem, MegaCPK and RPH pumps are used in conjunction with corrosion-resistant butterfly valves and globe valves from the DANAÏS, SICCA and ECOLINE series. The lined diaphragm valves and swing check valves from the SISTO series are ideal for abrasive scenarios while the valves from the NORI and STAAL series as well as MIL control valves can be used for steam supply.

2. Compression and transport of carbon dioxide
After it has been captured, the CO₂ can be compressed to form a fluid that is almost as dense as water. When the CO₂ condenses below its critical point, it can be pumped and transported by pipeline, truck or ship. HG and CHTR pumps are the perfrect choice for the main process. Butterfly valves from the DANAÏS CRYO  and TRIODIS series are ideal for the particularly demanding process of liquefaction.

3. Carbon storage
Carbon storage involves the permanent storage of CO₂ in underground geological formations. With geological storage, CO₂ captured during industrial processes is injected into rock formations deep underground, permanently removing it from the atmosphere:

• in saline formations
• EOR (enhanced oil recovery)
• in depleted reservoirs

In all applications, handling highly critical CO₂ requires technical equipment that can withstand high pressures. Our high-performance multistage HGC and CHTR pumps are equipped for all critical conditions and are designed to order based on the customer’s requirements. Movitec pumps are used as auxiliary pumps while ball valves are the main choice when it comes to valves.

4. CO₂ as a heat transfer fluid in power stations 
In a combustion chamber, natural gas is mixed under high pressure with oxygen and supercritical CO₂ from the capturing process and burned. The resulting very hot working fluid expands in a turbine before being cooled in a heat exchanger. The water that forms condenses and is then separated, leaving a gaseous CO₂ flow. The excess CO₂ is fed into a pipeline so it can be used elsewhere or stored underground. The remaining CO₂ flow is compressed, cooled and pumped under high pressure using pumps from KSB. In the heat exchanger, the CO₂ flow is heated up again and then returned to the combustion chamber.

5. The use of carbon dioxide
Once the CO₂ has been captured, it can be used as a raw material to manufacture products or provide services, for example climate-neutral energies such as synthetic and biofuels, chemicals, plastics, fibres and synthetic rubber. KSB offers a wide range of pumps and valves for such purposes.

As a global market leader for high-quality pumps, valves and systems, we are the perfect partner for all plant operators, consultants and engineering contractors when it comes to developing carbon capture solutions. 

With our technical excellence and keen sense for future-relevant issues, we play an important role in the development of energy-efficient technologies that benefit our environment. We are shaping the future – welcome to the world of green solutions!