Reliable flow control for carbon capture
Feb 7, 2024
Carbon capture and storage will be essential to lowering emissions and to help tackle climate change. We interviewed Andreas Pischke, Global Industry manager, Renewable Energy and Gas at Valmet’s Flow control business line, about this important topic from flow control perspective. Did you know reliable flow control and high quality valves play an important role also in carbon capture technologies?
Andreas, how do you see the importance of carbon capture for tackling climate change?
To reach the net-zero goal in 2050, our industries, all forms of transportation and all our well-being amenities must avoid all carbon emissions. Although new technologies based on emission-free produced hydrogen constitute the most important element of this target, we cannot yet convert all processes or even all our energy production to being fossil-free. At least for a transition phase, we need to capture carbon emission from flue gases and other CO2 emitters like cement production. Technologies for carbon capture, utilization and storage will therefore play a decisive role in the future.
Which carbon capture technology will be most applied in future?
Carbon capture covers a range of technologies that support the efforts to achieve the net-zero target. A different industrial process requires different carbon capture technologies. Direct Air Capture, the only Negative Emission technology, is also worth mentioning. So there won’t be a leading Carbon Capture technology – only a best-fit-for-process respective application.
How can Valmet’s flow control solutions bring value to carbon capture technology providers?
Our long history of suppling valves for absorption, adsorption or any other kind of carbon dioxide separation in the refinery and chemical industries means we can say we have extensive experience of the requirements and challenges of carbon capture technologies. We can offer this experience to our customers and help them operate the carbon capture plant as efficiently and reliably as possible.
Will the carbon capture technologies change?
There is an urgent need to develop the current technologies and make them far more efficient. The existing technologies are aimed at cleaning the gas stream rather than capturing as much carbon dioxide as possible from it and keeping it out of the atmosphere. New CCUS technologies will emerge with higher efficiency and lower costs.
How do you address the new development of carbon capture technologies?
Our valve experience offers support to technology providers in their development – whether it’s flow control accuracy, the right material selection, safety or reliability. We have the capability to find the best valve per application. We are constantly developing our valves and adapting them to new requirements.
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