What is Carbon Capture and Sequestration?
As the world moves towards more sustainable energy solutions, carbon capture and sequestration is an important energy transition technology. Carbon capture technology can be used on its own to directly capture CO2 in the air, or it can be used in tandem with other industrial processes to clean up emissions and reduce impact on the environment.
Government incentives to implement carbon capture technologies have been introduced in several countries and UN Global Framework has provided an impetus for countries to reduce carbon emissions. Countries have set aside billions of dollars for carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives.
At the most basic level, direct carbon capture works by pulling CO2 out of the air and injecting it into geological formations deep under the ground for permanent storage. However, there are several ways to apply carbon capture and sequestration and many variations on the same concept.
When is carbon captured?
The point at which carbon is captured is the biggest difference between “direct air” carbon capture and other carbon capture applications. Direct air carbon capture extracts carbon from the atmosphere by pulling air from the atmosphere through an installation. Other forms of carbon capture include pre-combustion and post-combustion carbon capture, both of which capture and store CO2 as it is created in industries such as cement manufacturing, steel production, refining and power generation.
How is carbon captured?
Carbon dioxide can be captured through absorption, adsorption and membrane technologies. CO2 scrubbing technology has been used in vehicles like space shuttles and submarines for years, but now it is being used in much larger applications. The direct carbon capture process works by pulling CO2 through a filter that contains elements that carbon molecules are attracted to. Amines, soda lime and lithium can all be used in carbon filters.
What happens to carbon after it is captured?
Once carbon is captured, it can be used or stored or transformed in a variety of ways. In order for it to be stored, CO2 is first pressurized into a supercritical fluid for transportation. One of the most common ways CO2 is stored is by pumping it deep underground into rock formations. Carbon can also be repurposed in commercial products and services.
How does nVent support carbon capture technology?
Many carbon capture technologies and installations are emerging and require nVent RAYCHEM mission critical solutions for energy efficient, safe and reliable operation. These solutions include pipe freeze protection for water lines, instruments and other equipment; process temperature maintenance; and leak detection for water, fuel or aqueous chemicals.
Learn more about nVent’s role in the energy transition by visiting our webpage.