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.
Renewable Energy | Zero Carbon
CCUS Query? Get in touchCCUS - 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.
At levels above 5% concentration CO2 is toxic to humans
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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.
At levels above 5% concentration CO2 is toxic to humans. Only measuring the O2 is not enough and the CO2 levels can rise and overwhelm the users. The course of injury breathing high concentrations of CO2 is not the hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in your body tissues) but the intoxication of carbon dioxide.
Mobile Gas Detection may should be carried by personnel to ensure the user is aware of high/Toxic levels of CO2.
Suitable occupational health and safety equipment is essential to protect employees during operational and maintenance works.
Due to high levels of CO2 or the possibility of high levels of CO2 an independent air supply is required for working and in case of an emergency, the type of device required is dependent on the duration it will take to get to a safe breathing area. APR is NOT allowed. Escape respiratory devices must be available in case of emergencies.
Consultancy in handling Carbon Dioxide safety challenges is a matter for Dräger safety engineers. Experts review existing concepts to identify potential for improvement and establish sustainable safety. They provide conceptual support, assess your risks and define measures together with you.
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