Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Compression Solutions

Carbon Capture and Utilization uses captured carbon dioxide as a feedstock or process medium instead of routing it directly to geological storage. The CO₂ may be used in its existing molecular form or converted into fuels, chemicals and other products.

Captured CO₂ can be used directly or as a feedstock in processes such as methanol and e-fuel production, synthetic aviation fuel, chemical synthesis, fertilizer production and selected food and beverage applications. Many conversion pathways form part of broader Power-to-X value chains.

Before utilization, captured CO₂ generally requires purification, dehydration and compression according to the downstream process specification. Compression may be required for transportation, intermediate storage, process integration or delivery to a chemical synthesis unit.

Each utilization process defines different requirements for CO₂ purity, pressure, temperature and flow stability. Water and impurities can affect phase behavior, material compatibility, catalyst performance and product quality. The compressor solution must therefore be engineered for the specified CO₂ stream and downstream application.

With more than 80 years of experience in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made CO₂ compressor solutions for CCU applications. Every solution is individually engineered according to the gas composition, process conditions, required capacity and applicable project specifications.

For captured CO₂ intended for permanent geological storage, explore our Underground Carbon Storage Solutions.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

ISO 13631 Compressors

Recommended for continuous carbon-utilization processes requiring stable flow rates, high discharge pressures and project-specific package engineering, including applications with downstream supercritical CO₂ conditions.

  • Capacity:
    up to 15 100 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 301 bar
  • Power consumption:
    6 MW

API 618 Compressors

Recommended for demanding heavy-duty CCU processes requiring high availability, continuous operation and project-specific engineering according to API 618, including applications with downstream supercritical CO₂ conditions.

  • Capacity:
    up to 27 000 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 200 bar
  • Power consumption:
    6 MW

Selected References 

Pre-Select a CO₂ Compressor with CompXpert

Enter the CO₂ composition, suction temperature, suction and discharge pressures, required capacity and operating conditions to estimate key process values, pre-select a suitable LMF compressor model and generate an inquiry for our experts.

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FAQs

CCU comprises processes that use captured carbon dioxide as a feedstock or process medium. The CO₂ may be used directly or converted into fuels, chemicals and other products.

Compression may be required after capture and conditioning, before transportation, for intermediate storage or to reach the pressure required by the utilization process. The required delivery conditions are defined by the downstream application.

Captured CO₂ can be used in methanol and e-fuel production, synthetic aviation fuel, chemical synthesis, fertilizer production and selected food and beverage processes. Each application has its own purity and delivery requirements.

Not necessarily. The duration for which carbon remains bound depends on the product and how it is used. The overall climate impact also depends on the CO₂ source, energy inputs, conversion process and end-of-life pathway.

No. CO₂ purity, moisture content, suction conditions, discharge pressure, capacity and operating profile differ between utilization processes. Materials, sealing systems, compression stages and auxiliary equipment must be selected for the specific compression duty.

Above its critical point of approximately 73.8 bar absolute and 31 °C, carbon dioxide enters a supercritical state with a high density and distinct thermodynamic properties. Selected CCU processes use CO₂ at or above these conditions for transportation, process integration or as a reaction and extraction medium. The complete pressure and temperature path must therefore be considered when engineering the compressor solution.