Underground Carbon Storage (CCS) Compression Solutions

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) captures carbon dioxide from industrial, energy-related or other sources and stores it in suitable geological formations. Before transportation or injection, the captured CO₂ generally requires purification, dehydration, conditioning and compression according to the selected transport and storage concept.

Compression increases the CO₂ pressure from the available capture conditions to the level required for pipeline transportation, intermediate processing or injection. The exact compression path depends on the delivery specification, transportation method, wellhead conditions and storage-site requirements.

Carbon dioxide can pass through different phase regions as pressure and temperature change. Its composition, water content and impurities influence phase behavior, corrosion risk, materials and compressor performance. The complete operating envelope must therefore be evaluated rather than relying on pressure alone.

With more than 80 years of experience in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made CO₂ compressor solutions for CCS projects. Every solution is individually engineered according to the CO₂ specification, pressure and temperature conditions, required capacity, operating profile and applicable project requirements.

For processes that use captured CO₂ as a feedstock instead of storing it, explore our Carbon Capture and Utilization Solutions.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

Mobile Compressors

Recommended solution for temporary CO₂ transfer, commissioning and other mobile carbon storage applications requiring flexible on-site operation.

  • Capacity:
    up to 22 Nm³/min
  • Pressure:
    up to 76 bar
    Up to supercritical point
  • Power consumption:
    600 kW

ISO 13631 Compressors

Recommended for continuous CO₂ compression duties requiring stable flow rates, high discharge pressures and project-specific package engineering.

  • Capacity:
    up to 15 100 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 301 bar
    Designed for applications involving supercritical CO₂
  • Power consumption:
    6 MW

API 618 Compressors

Recommended for demanding heavy-duty CCS projects requiring high availability, continuous operation and project-specific engineering according to API 618.

  • 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

CCS is a process in which carbon dioxide is captured, conditioned, transported and stored in a suitable geological formation. Site selection, injection design and long-term monitoring form part of the overall storage project.

Compression is typically required after capture and conditioning to achieve the pressure specified for transportation or injection. Additional pressure adjustment may be required at intermediate facilities or the storage site, depending on the system design.

Carbon dioxide is supercritical when both its pressure and temperature exceed its critical point—approximately 73.8 bar absolute and 31 °C. Pressure alone is not sufficient to define the state. Dense-phase transportation conditions may be supercritical or liquid-like depending on pressure, temperature and composition.

Water and impurities affect CO₂ phase behavior, corrosion risk and material compatibility. They can also influence compression performance and transportation specifications. The compressor must therefore be engineered using the complete CO₂ composition and moisture specification.

No. The compressor supplies CO₂ at the conditions required by the downstream transportation or injection system. Geological characterization, well design, injection control, monitoring and verification are separate elements of the overall CCS project.