CCUS - Attaining global decarbonisation & CO2 reduction goals
—CCS (Carbon Capture Storage) is an option in the portfolio of mitigation actions for stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations and the attainment of global CO2 reduction goals.
The capture and storage of carbon dioxide, summarized under the abbreviation CCS for Carbon Capture and Storage or Carbon Dioxide, Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS), are considered as a crucial transitional technology to quickly reduce net CO2 emissions. Usually, the CO2 is captured from industrial and energy-related sources such as coal-fired power plant, a chemical plant or biomass power plant.
Carbon capture involves the capturing of anthropogenic waste CO2, transporting it to a storage site and depositing it into sinks such a geological reservoir, where it cannot enter the atmosphere. CCS can be applied to large point sources such as fossil fuel energy facilities like the natural gas-powered plants or steel manufacturing sites. After capturing the CO2, it is then compressed and transported for geological storage. Pipelines are preferred for transporting large amounts of CO2 for distances around 1000km. If the volume of CO2 is smaller than a few million Tonnes per year, then ships/trucks are economically favoured. After the CO2 is injected into the subsurface, it will rise until it is trapped by some impermeable layer or cap rock where it is stored indefinitely.
Capturing CO2 plays an important role at large carbon-based energy facilities, industries with major CO2 emissions (e.g., cement production, steelmaking), natural gas processing, synthetic fuel plants and fossil fuel-based hydrogen production plants - and also supports the great goal of greenhouse gas reduction.
Safety solutions for CCUS applications
Read on to find out more.
At levels above 5% concentration CO2 is toxic to humans
—The density of CO2 needs to be considered. This molecule is heavier than air by roughly 60% and will travel at low levels, displacing O2 and creating toxic conditions for humans.
It can linger for long periods in depressions, pits, trenches and cellars, long after it has dispersed from ground level.
CO2 is toxic
The cause of death in breathing high concentrations of CO2 is not the hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in your body tissues) but the intoxication of carbon dioxide. CO2 is:
- Colourless
- Odourless
- Non-combustible
- Results from the oxidation of carbon
CO2 is a greenhouse gas
CO2 is the most significant long-lived greenhouse gas in earth's atmosphere.
Since the industrial revolution anthropogenic emissions – primarily from use of fossil fuels and deforestation – have rapidly increased its concentration in the atmosphere leading to Global Warming
Hazards found in different application areas for CCUS
Recommended Plant & Personal Safety Solutions
—The typical gases that need to be considered during carbon capture processes are Oxygen (in terms of deficiency), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Amines (RNH2) R for example: Methyl- (CH3) or Ethyl groups- (CH2CH3-), Nitrogen Oxides (NO2, NO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Reliable detection is essential to increase worker's safety.
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Due to the weight of CO2, 60% heavier than air, this gas has a tendency to gather in low spots such as bund areas and pits. This can used to the site advantage. The detectors should be placed beneath pipelines and can alert to any build-up of CO2. IR detection will give an accurate ppm level measurement. Suitable for low pressure and high-pressure systems, with the primary focus being protection of personnel, these should be located in areas where personnel are likely to frequent.
CO2 as %vol or ppm can be detected using point IR detection.
Dräger PIR 7200
Dräger Polytron® 8720 IR
Dräger REGARD® 3000
Monitor various gases and vapours with the modular Dräger REGARD® 3000 control system. Its multi-coloured status light signals the status of your gas detection system. The controller allows you to combine three different modules: Input, Relay and Gateway module. You can connect up to four analogue transmitters and eight relays in combination.
Find the full range of Dräger FGDS products
VOICE Hazardous Substances Database
—Dräger VOICE is an essential tool for the safe handling of hazmats. One click and you’ll receive relevant information and specific recommendations of safety equipment for more than 1,500 hazardous substances in its database.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) appears as a colourless odourless gas at atmospheric temperatures and pressures.
For a full list of substance properties, click the link below.
Find out more from VOICE
Resource Centre
—Here you can find useful links to information from a wealth of Dräger materials produced to support you in your search for knowledge of the Carbon Dioxide landscape
White papers, brochures and informative texts to give you the facts and technical background.
Safety Solutions in Carbon Capture Projects
CO2 is an odourless an colourless gas, heavier than air and may collect in poorly ventilated areas or confined spaces in low level clouds replacing the oxygen, posing the threat of suffocation in extreme cases.
How to choose the right emergency escape devices
Life-threatening emergencies can occur at any moment in all kinds of industries. Proper risk analysis and safety planning should consider every possible emergency scenario. Use this emergency escape chart to help you plan.
Confined spaces in the chemical industry
Where no two jobs are the same. Cleaning and maintenance work in confined spaces present particular challenges for safety officers in the chemical industry. This document outlines five basic rules for working safely and efficiently.
Got a question? Get in touch
Want to know more? Get in touch
—If you have any questions or queries about the safety solutions surrounding clean energy, carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), then complete the short form below and we'll get straight back to you.
Other Dräger Clean Energy Solutions
—Follow the links below to find out more about our range of safety solutions in the Clean Tech area.
Hydrogen Safety
Ammonia Safety
Lithium-ion Battery Safety
Methanol Safety
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