Back-to-Basics: The Use of Valves in Carbon Capture

Carbon capture is a crucial process worldwide as the call to reduce and eliminate global emissions continues. Valves are one of the components necessary to employ such a process. Join Valve World Americas on a back-to-basics approach to carbon capture and storage and valves’ incredibly crucial role in the process.

By Charlie Evans

Q: What Is Carbon Capture?

A: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a process implemented to reduce emissions and aid in the fight against global warming. It is essential in achieving any net zero goals. Beginning in 1972, CCS has been around for decades. It has grown to prominence in many industrial sectors recently as the call for the reduction of harmful emissions continues to grow. The process of carbon capture can be broken down into three steps – capturing, transporting, and storing:

1) Capturing the carbon dioxide (CO₂) produced by an industrial operation or power-generated venture and separating it from the rest of the produced chemicals.

2) Transporting the CO₂ after compressing the chemical is done primarily through pipelines that are deep below ground.

3) Storing the CO2 deep below the Earth where it is injected into secure rock formations.¹

Q: What Role Do Valves Play in The Carbon Capture Process?

A: Valves play a vital role in carbon capture processes. Overall, valves control the flow of fluids. They help control pressure, prevent leaks, and manage the safe handling of CO₂ under extremely high pressure. Valves are important for the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the process. Proper pressure management is crucial to avoid equipment damage and ensure proper CO₂ capture.

Valves are utilized within the pipelines, required to transport the carbon after compression, that lead deep below the ground. To properly ensure the carbon remains in place, valves are placed at precise locations along a pipe. Each segment within the pipeline requires its own valves and vents. This is vital as not only do valves play a role in the pipelines that transport the CO2, but they are also used during an emergency event where the pipeline needs to be shut down.²

Q: What Kind of Valves Are Used in Carbon Capture Systems?

A: A variety of different valves are used within carbon capture systems. Some include control valves, gate valves, ball valves, and check valves. These solutions are crucial and proven to help isolate and control the flow of CO₂ throughout the carbon capture process.³ Emergency Shutdown Valves (ESDVs) are also used throughout the process and are used in the event of an emergency occurs.

• Control Valves: Essential for regulating the flow rate and pressure of CO₂ and other gases throughout the carbon capture process.
• Gate Valves: Used to help isolate and control flow through the CCS.
• Ball Valves: Used due to their ability to provide tight shut-off and control flow with minimal pressure drop; ideal for high-pressure environments.⁵
• Check Valves: Allow fluid to flow in one direction only; preventing backflow. These valves can help protect expensive equipment.

Q: What Materials Are Typically Used for Valves in Carbon Capture Processes?

A: When contemplating what materials may be required in terms of valves for carbon capture, one must consider the potential hazards that could arise during the use of the application. Common material selection concerns include corrosion and the subsequent structural integrity of the pipeline, including the valves. The most common material used to prevent this situation is carbon steel. This tends to be far less affected than other materials by pure, dry CO₂. Polymeric seals are also used to allow for the safer transportation of carbon through the pipeline is less likely to result in corrosion.⁴

Q: What Does Carbon Capture Mean for The Future of The Valve Industry?

A: When it comes to greener emissions, many professionals believe that the implementation of processes may result in a reduced need for traditionally used products such as valves. However, this is not entirely the case. Valves are required for many of these new initiatives, specifically carbon capture. Without valves, there would not be the correct and required components for carbon capture and storage. For example, the pressure required to inject the carbon into the geological formations below ground cannot be achieved without valves.²

In relation to pressurized situations, the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) Nitrogen Blowdown Facility has proved the usefulness of valves when it comes to carbon capture. Recreating a high-intensity gas event, the facility was able to conduct an experiment to test the necessity and use of subsurface safety valves and their ability to withstand gas flow rates at high pressures.⁶ This allowed the facility to ensure that these sorts of valves are capable of aiding with preventing intense consequences including loss of life and environmental disasters. They also tested safety valves within carbon capture specifically to ensure their efficacy.

Q: What Are the Challenges Associated with Valves in Carbon Capture?

A: Common challenges associated with valves include corrosion, safety and reliability, and maintenance challenges.

• Corrosion: Material selection is crucial when it comes to preventing corrosion. Materials must be compatible with CO₂ and able to withstand the extremely high-pressure environment. When materials succumb to corrosion, it can put the whole operation and pipeline integrity in danger. Chemicals in addition to CO₂ may be used throughout the process which can also contribute to corrosion. Material selection should be made accordingly.⁴
• Safety and Reliability: Safety is a number one priority in any industrial process. Valves must meet stringent safety requirements to be of use in carbon capture. The high-pressure environment means that valves must be selected accordingly. Failure can have significant consequences, such as environmental consequences as well as endangering the lives of workers involved in the process.
• Maintenance Challenges: As parts are mainly located deep underground, the carbon capture systems may be hard to access. This makes maintenance challenging and requires specialized equipment and procedures. Frequent maintenance or valve failures can result in unplanned downtime. Any of this may disrupt the entire process and lead to high-cost consequences.

Final Words

The role of valves in carbon capture is not just integral but indispensable to the success of these complex systems. As the global push towards reducing emissions and mitigating climate change intensifies, the need for robust, and efficient carbon capture technologies becomes increasingly relevant. Valves are at the heart of ensuring the seamless operation of these systems, from the initial capture of carbon dioxide to its final storage processes. This component serves multiple critical functions within CCUS. From controlling the flow of CO₂ and regulating pressure, to preventing leaks and ensuring safety of the entire process, valves are essential for maintaining the integrity of the pipeline that transports CO₂.

The valve industry plays a pivotal role in the continuous advancement of carbon capture innovation. Industries worldwide strive to meet net-zero emissions targets, and the demand for high-performance valves that can handle the unique challenges of carbon capture will continue to grow.