Instruments used in the Carbon Capture Industry

Q: Are these solutions suitable for pilot plants?

Absolutely—compact designs and flexible ranges make them ideal for R&D.

Techniques to achieve carbon capture

Global climate change is strongly influenced by the amount of Carbon in the atmosphere. Decades of industrial and individual use of fossil fuels have increases the Carbon levels effecting the atmosphere concentration of Carbon. Carbon capture can reduce the amount of carbon being added to the growing levels. It can even be used to “clean up” the existing levels of carbon already emitted to the atmosphere.

Currently research is growing rapidly in techniques to achieve carbon capture / carbon reduction long term. Unfortunately with research we have to start from the beginning and increase efficiency with more research over time. The drive to succeed is very much a global effort with Universities, Governments and the private sector all seeing this as a great opportunity to develop more efficient solutions and discover new pioneering solutions.

Carbon Taxes have resulted in the emitters of Carbon to look for solutions to avoid hefty charges. Below are some of the common applications and how our products are helping solve them.

Carbon Capture applications and solutions

Gas Flow Control for CO₂ Capture Systems

Gas flow control is essential for maintaining absorber efficiency and preventing solvent degradation. In UK carbon capture plants, dynamic load changes demand fast-response mass flow controllers to stabilise CO₂ and flue gas streams. Accurate flow ensures optimal reaction kinetics, reduces energy waste, and supports compliance with emissions targets. Integration with SCADA systems enables real-time monitoring and automated adjustments, critical for large-scale and pilot installations.

Relevant products:

Alicat MC Series Mass Flow Controllers: These controllers deliver rapid response (50–100 ms) and a wide turndown ratio (10,000:1), making them ideal for variable flue gas conditions. Multi-gas capability supports CO₂, N₂, and calibration blends.

Key benefits:
- On-board pressure & temperature sensing for accurate compensation
- Digital protocols (Modbus, Profibus, IO Link, EtherCAT) for seamless integration
- Local display for quick setup and diagnostics
- NIST-traceable calibration ensures compliance

Electrolyte Dosing in Solvent-Based CO₂ Absorption

Amine-based solvents require precise dosing to maintain concentration and efficiency. In UK plants, dosing errors can lead to increased energy consumption and off-spec solvent batches. Coriolis flow meters provide direct mass flow and density measurement, ensuring accurate dosing even with aggressive chemicals.

Relevant products:

Alicat CODA Coriolis Flow Meters: Designed for liquid dosing with ±0.2% accuracy, these meters handle MEA/MDEA solvents and integrate easily into automated systems.
Key benefits:
- Direct mass flow and density measurement
- High-pressure capability for demanding processes
- Digital communication for closed-loop control
- Compact footprint for skid integration

Slurry Transfer for Amine-Based Capture Solutions

Slurry transfer is common in sorbent preparation and solvent reclaim processes. Low-shear pumping prevents particle damage and maintains slurry integrity. Peristaltic pumps offer quick tubing changes and hygienic operation, ideal for UK pilot and production plants.

Relevant products:

Longer WT600 Series Peristaltic Pumps: Robust pumps for viscous slurry transfer with programmable speed control.
Key benefits:
- Low-shear transfer preserves slurry properties
- Quick-change tubing for minimal downtime
- RS-485 connectivity for automation
- Handles corrosive media reliably

Pressure Regulation in CO₂ Compression Loops

Stable pressure control protects compressors and reduces energy costs. High-flow regulators and back-pressure devices maintain system balance during compression and dehydration stages.

Relevant products:

Drastar High-Pressure Regulators: Suitable for up to 420 bar inlet pressure, ensuring safe and stable operation.
Key benefits:
- Wide pressure range for flexibility
- Compact design for skid mounting
- Corrosion-resistant materials for CO₂ service

Inert Gas Purging for CO₂ Separation Units

Nitrogen purging prevents contamination and ensures safe maintenance. Accurate flow control reduces gas waste and improves safety compliance.

Relevant products:

Alicat MC Series MFCs: Multi-gas capability for N₂ and CO₂ purging applications.
Key benefits:
- Fast response for purge cycles
- Digital integration for automated sequences
- Compact design for retrofit installations

Precise Liquid Dosing for Chemical Scrubbing Processes

Chemical scrubbing requires accurate dosing of additives like corrosion inhibitors and anti-foam agents. Integrated pump and flow control systems ensure repeatable dosing and reduce chemical waste.

Relevant products:

Fluid Metering Q Series Ceramic Piston Pumps: Ultra-precise dosing for aggressive chemicals.
Key benefits:
- ±1% accuracy for critical dosing
- Ceramic components for chemical resistance
- Continuous duty operation for industrial environments

Gas Mixing for Optimised CO₂ Capture Reactions

Gas mixing is vital for calibration and process optimisation. Automated mixers reduce cylinder handling and improve accuracy.

Relevant products:

Fusion Flow Gas Mixers: Programmable mixers for up to 10 gas channels.
Key benefits:
- ±0.6% mixture accuracy
- Ethernet connectivity for remote control
- Fast response for dynamic processes

Back Pressure Control in Membrane Separation Systems

Membrane systems require stable upstream pressure to maintain separation efficiency. Dome-loaded regulators provide ultra-sensitive control.

Relevant products:

Equilibar Back Pressure Regulators: Precision control for gas and liquid phases.
Key benefits:
- Wide turndown ratio
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Rapid response for process stability

Flow Measurement for CO₂ Pipeline Monitoring

Accurate flow measurement ensures custody transfer compliance and network balancing. Coriolis meters provide direct mass flow and density readings.

Relevant products:

Alicat CODA Coriolis Meters: Compact and vibration-resistant for pipeline applications.
Key benefits:
- High accuracy for custody transfer
- Density measurement for phase verification
- Digital outputs for SCADA integration

Binder and Additive Dosing for Sorbent Preparation

Sorbent preparation requires precise dosing of binders and additives to maintain performance. Ceramic piston pumps deliver repeatable dosing for critical formulations.

Relevant products:

Fluid Metering RH Series Pumps: High-capacity dosing for production-scale operations.
Key benefits:
- Handles viscous and corrosive media
- Long service life with minimal maintenance
- Compact design for skid integration

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Technologies	Why It Helps
Gas flow control	Alicat MC Series	Fast response, multi-gas capability
Electrolyte dosing	Alicat CODA Coriolis	Direct mass flow, high accuracy
Slurry transfer	Longer WT600	Low-shear, quick tubing change
Pressure regulation	Drastar Regulators	High-pressure stability
Inert gas purging	Alicat MC Series	Automated purge control
Chemical scrubbing	FMI Q Series	Ultra-precise dosing
Gas mixing	Fusion Flow Mixers	Accurate multi-gas blending
Back pressure control	Equilibar BPRs	Stable upstream pressure
Pipeline monitoring	CODA Coriolis	Custody transfer compliance
Sorbent preparation	FMI RH Series	Reliable additive dosing