Success case

Methods for measuring amine emissions

CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) is one of the few technologies that can achieve a considerable reduction of industrial CO

2 emissions. Amines are typically employed in

this process, but they cause other types of emissions. Ramboll has established methods for sampling, analyzing and verifying these emissions, which takes CCS processes one step closer to realization.

Reducing CO2 emissions from fossil fuels is a global

challenge. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies provide an important solution for preventing the release of large quantities of CO

2 into the atmosphere. By utilizing

CCS technology almost 90% of the CO2 emissions from an

industrial plant can be separated and stored underground in, for example, depleted oil wells and saline aquifers. While these technologies have been in commercial use in natural gas processing, they are being implemented for the first time in a full-scale coal-fired power plant in the Boundary Dam power station in Canada. The capture method at the Boundary Dam CCS plant is post-combustion, in which amine technology is exploited. Amines are the main chemicals in use for removing CO2

from gases. However, using amine technology causes amine emissions. Previously there haven’t been proper methods for evaluating amine emissions, since amines are present in complex mixtures and are thus difficult to measure or analyze. Consequently, this has caused uncertainty factors in relation to health risks linked with amine-based CO

2 capture

facilities.

In the CCSP research program Ramboll has developed new methods for sampling, analyzing and measuring the environmental emissions from a CO

2 capture plant and

assessing their health impacts. Different technologies have been studied and developed in order to find out how they comply with the required emission limits. As a result, Ramboll has succeeded in developing a method that is one of the most accurate in the world for analyzing and measuring potentially harmful amine emissions. In addition, Ramboll has been noticed accreditation for this method, making Ramboll’s method the first accredited method in the world for measuring amine emissions from carbon capture facility. This is an important milestone for CCS, as the method provides an important tool for ensuring CCS as an environmentally, regulatory and socially acceptable technology for reducing CO2

emissions. The new, accredited method has already drawn interest from many relevant global actors in the field of CCS.

Methods for measuring amine emissions

For more information: CCSP program manager Sebastian Teir, sebastian.teir@cleen.fi

Image: Pursiala power plant