Instrumentation for a safe and reliable carbon capture process 

Chemical absorption based on amine solvents is the leading carbon capture technology. Process challenges include amine losses, degradation and energy efficiency leading to reduced profitability. Endress+Hauser Raman analyzers enable real-time monitoring of CO₂ capture solvent quality and offer the following benefits:

• Replace tedious off-line analysis
• Predict the total CO₂ and amine concentrations in changing process conditions
• Monitor variation of solvent quality and degradation to reduce loss
• Minimize CO₂ capture plant downtime

A typical process unit comprises contactor (absorption) and regeneration (distillation) columns. Maintaining effective level control in these columns is crucial for stable operation. Holding a constant level and a steady rich amine flow rate is essential to avoid reboiler overload. Guided wave radar technology offers accurate level measurement to achieve:

• Reliable measurement even with changing product and process conditions
• Zero maintenance: no moving parts
• Easy commissioning and diagnostics from HistoROM data management
• Multi-Echo Tracking evaluation

Maintaining accurate temperature is critical in the amine solvent-based carbon capture process. Temperature differences beyond the stipulated limits between the flue gas and amine stream entering the contactor column can result in gas condensation, foaming and losses. Additionally, reliable monitoring of temperature across the heat exchanger walls is required to detect fouling and improve reliability. Temperature measurement in the regeneration column ensure the quality of amine is maintained and prevents amine degradation. Our instrumentation ensures:

• Flexible design with standard terminal heads as per DIN standards
• Ultra-fast response time thanks to special thermowell tip
• iTHERM StrongSens: unsurpassed vibration resistance (> 60g) for ultimate plant safety
• iTHERM QuickSens: fastest response times (t90s: 1.5 s) for optimum process control
• High precision of skin type surface measurement with customized thermal protecting sheath

Optimal CO₂ capture requires precise pH control in amine scrubbing to ensure maximum CO₂ absorption. The quality of water used for making an amine solution is essential for operational efficiency. Deionized or distilled water prevents issues like foaming, corrosion and plugging, ensuring maintenance-free operation. Our Memosens-based water quality analyzer offers the following benefits:

• Inductive coupling of cable sensor and cable for energy and data transmission in harsh environments
• Memosens digital technology for all relevant sensor and process data
• Enhanced sensor design against reference poisoning
• Special electrolyte gel for maximum chemical resistance

Flow measurement in the carbon capture process is necessary for monitoring and controlling process efficiency. Excessive circulation may result in increased fuel consumption, exceeded reboiler capacity and amine losses. Multivariable flow measurement technology provides:  

• Increased plant safety and data integrity thanks to Heartbeat Technology
• Best-in-class diagnostics coverage – developed according to IEC 61508
• Multivariable measurement – mass and volume flow, density, temperature, entrained gas detection
• Compact installation – no inlet/outlet run requirements