Carbon Direct

Background
An opportunity was evaluated at a large Norwegian smelter with CO/H₂ rich, combustible off gas. In “Carbon Direct” we explore methods for more efficient CO₂ capture from combustible, carbon bearing gases, with a particular focus on industrial off gas where capture can be combined with power generation. The idea study investigates a direct capture approach (oxy fuel) with two process variants: direct water injection (DWI) and a steam cycle (SC) — as a basis for selecting the direction toward a pilot.

Goal
• Select the power generation method to be combined with direct CO₂ capture (decision basis/requirements).
• Prepare PFDs, mass and energy balances.
• Outline the path toward pilot/implementation and site specific energy integration.

Activities
• Define requirements (gas specifications, transport quality).
• Assess different configurations for the power process.
• Perform energy calculations, load distribution, and an indicative cost frame.

Results
• Performance: The design case indicates 12.4 t CO₂/h capture at ~99% capture rate.
• Method for the power module: One option was identified as best suited for the case, based on energy calculations and procurement considerations.
• Configuration & process assessments: yielded valuable learning and concrete results.
• Implementation: Energy integration must be site specific, leveraging local synergies (heat/cooling/power).

Further Work
• Pilot sites and pre FEED: Continue by identifying potential pilot sites and conducting a pre FEED study (energy integration, layout/tie ins, draft PFD/P&ID, utilities, HAZID preparations).
• Product & process development: Initiate targeted product and process development based on results from this idea study.
• Pilot run: Define a scalable demo package and measurement programme together with industrial partners.