Success stories
Steam module for CO2 capture
Project Description
Steam generation module with pressure reduction and control system for a CO2 capture system. Steam acts as a gasifying element in the process of separating CO2 from other elements.
Original situation:
Challenges posed by the client:
Our client operates a CO2 capture pilot plant, a crucial component in the search for solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The customer faces a number of specific challenges related to the constant supply of steam in the CO2 capture process. This process, which involves the discharge of CO2 from a chemical product into vacuum chambers through the introduction of steam, requires particular attention to the accuracy and consistency of steam delivery, as well as overall system operating efficiency.
- Constant Steam Supply Requirement: The CO2 capture process inside the heat exchangers demands a constant supply of steam. Accuracy and consistency in vapor delivery is critical to ensure the effectiveness of the chemical CO2 discharge process. Any interruption or inconsistency in steam supply could adversely affect process efficiency and quality.
- Short and Repetitive Operating Cycles: The customer needs to perform steam feed cycles as short as 30 seconds repeatedly. This short time window requires a solution that can deliver steam quickly and accurately, adapting to the required cycle times. The ability to respond quickly is crucial to maintain process efficiency and meet the CO2 production targets set by the customer.
- Efficiency and Control:
- The customer must achieve optimum CO2 release efficiency of the chemical.
- The precise time of exposure to steam and the amount of steam introduced are critical factors.
- Lack of control could result in incomplete release of CO2 or loss of valuable chemical.
- Safety and Reliability:
- Since this is a delicate chemical process, safety is paramount.
- Any failure in the steam supply could affect the integrity of the system and ultimately the quality of the CO2 captured.
Proposed solution:
Customized steam solution developed by Giconmes.
Proposed solution:
Giconmes designed a compact system composed of three main elements:
- NGV0015 15kW steam generator with ASME certificate
- 80L stainless steel condensate tank
- Osmosis unit
The operation of the system is summarized below:
- Osmosis unit (1) enabled to feed water to a water tank (2) connected to the steam generator (3).
- Steam generator (3). It would include a general relay to be programmed from the PLC to manage both the switching on and off by timer or direct order.
- A condensate draining system for the removal of condensate from the line (4).
- A set of pressure transmitters (working pressure = 4 bar) to display the pressure in the control room (5).
- An electrically actuated pressure reduction system (6) with digital positioner to enable the establishment of a control loop.
- Safety valve (7). Normally regulated at one bar above the maximum pressure that the rest of the steam consuming equipment can withstand.
- Just after the safety valve, we incorporate a circuit (8) whose purpose is to evacuate any remaining condensate before the steam outlet (9).
- The system will give steam with the following thermodynamic characteristics:
- 1.2 bar absolute / 0.2 bar relative
- Temperature 105.1 ºC
- Specific Enthalpy
- Water (hf) 440.8 kj/kg
- Evaporation (hfg): 2243.4 kj/kg
- Vapor (hg) 2684.2 kj/kg
- Specific volume: 1.414 m3/kg
Technology used:
A steam generator
- NGV0015 15kW steam generator with ASME certificate
- 80L stainless steel condensate tank
- Osmosis unit
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FAQs
We understand that many questions may arise. Here are some of the most common ones.
There are no emissions beyond those produced during the electricity production process. Consequently, emissions can be neutral depending on the electricity mix. Electric steam boilers are the present and the future.
Absolutely. In fact, it is recommended to achieve maximum efficiency. There is no problem with remote control as long as it complies with current regulations.
A steam generator is a pressure vessel that, together with the piping network, is subject to regulatory control and complementary technical instructions, according to the regulations published in Royal Decree 809/2021, of September 21. Maintenance is divided into a part that can be easily fulfilled by the owner:
- Know and apply the manufacturer’s instructions regarding use, safety measures, and maintenance.
- Not to put the installation into service or prevent the operation of pressure equipment if the requirements of the Regulation are not met.
- Having at least the following documentation for the pressure equipment while they are installed: Declaration of conformity, manufacturer’s instructions (if applicable), and, if necessary, installation certificate, along with other supporting documentation (such as installation project, record of the last periodic inspection, certifications of equipment repairs or modifications, and any other documentation required by the relevant technical instruction complementary to this regulation). For detailed contents, refer to Annex IV of the regulation. Making this documentation available to the competent authority of the autonomous community and the companies responsible for maintenance, repair, or periodic inspections.
- Use the pressure equipment within its intended operating limits as specified by the manufacturer and take it out of service if it no longer meets the necessary safety requirements.
- Perform maintenance on the installations, pressure equipment, safety accessories, and control devices in accordance with the operating conditions and manufacturer’s instructions, and examine them at least once a year.
- Arranging for the necessary periodic inspections as required by Article 6 of the regulation.
- Having and maintaining an up-to-date record of pressure equipment categories I to IV, as defined in RD 709/2015, of July 24, or equipment similar to these categories according to Article 3.2 of the regulation, as well as their installations.
It is known that by applying heat to water, it transforms into steam at the boiling point and atmospheric pressure. From there, depending on the required saturation degree of steam for its proper application, we need to increase the pressure to obtain a higher temperature. To change the temperature and saturation degree of steam, we always need to modify the pressure.
It is a unit of pressure equivalent to 1 kg/cm2, 0.98 atmospheres, or 14.50 PSI.
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USES OF STEAM IN INDUSTRY AND OTHER BUSINESSES
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