Smart measurement for CCUS technologies
Decarbonising process industries stands among the world’s most urgent and complex challenges. Achieving meaningful progress requires not only bold ambition, but also the ability to measure every step with absolute precision. In every successful carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) project, accurate measurement is the key to transforming climate goals into operational reality, because only what is measured can be effectively managed and improved.
Leveraging decades of expertise and close collaboration with the CCUS community, we developed robust instrumentation solutions tailored to the entire carbon value chain, from capture to compression, transport and storage. WIKA’s advanced instrumentation solutions are relied upon by the most CO₂-intensive sectors including power generation, cement, steel, aluminium, pulp and paper, chemicals, transport and agriculture, which together account for a substantial share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
From the harshest environments of steel mills to the intricate operations of chemical plants, WIKA’s instrumentation is recognised for its accuracy, durability and resilience. Our solutions enable operators to monitor and optimise every stage of CCUS systems, reduce emissions and achieve ambitious sustainability targets.
Main technologies used in CCUS
CCUS relies on a suite of advanced technologies to capture, process and store carbon dioxide from industrial sources. The main technology families include:
Chemical absorption (amine scrubbing)
The most widely used method, chemical absorption, uses amine-based solvents (such as MEA, MDEA and proprietary blends) to selectively capture CO₂ from flue gases. The process involves an absorber column, where CO₂ binds to the solvent, and a desorber (stripper) column, where CO₂ is released for compression and storage. This technology is proven, scalable and deployed in power generation, cement, steel and chemical industries.
Physical absorption
Physical solvents like Selexol and Rectisol are used to capture CO₂ at high pressures, especially in pre-combustion and syngas applications. These solvents absorb CO₂ without chemical reaction, making regeneration energy-efficient in certain processes.
Adsorption
Adsorption technologies use solid materials (such as zeolites, activated carbon or amine-functionalised polymers) to capture CO₂ from gas streams. Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and temperature swing adsorption (TSA) are common regeneration methods. These systems are compact and suitable for modular or decentralised applications.
Membrane separation
Membrane technologies use selective barriers to separate CO₂ from other gases. Polymeric and hybrid membranes are increasingly used for their simplicity, modularity and low energy consumption, especially in small-scale or retrofit projects.
Cryogenic separation
Cryogenic processes cool gas streams to very low temperatures, causing CO₂ to liquefy or solidify for separation. This method is effective for high-purity CO₂ streams and is often used in combination with other technologies.
Direct air capture (DAC)
DAC systems extract CO₂ directly from ambient air using chemical or physical sorbents. While still emerging, DAC is critical for negative emissions and hard-to-abate sectors.
Biological fixation
Some CCUS projects use biological processes, such as algae cultivation or enzyme-catalysed reactions, to capture and utilise CO₂.
Compressing carbon dioxide is a crucial step in CCUS processes, enabling the captured CO₂ to be prepared for transportation or storage. Specialised compressors – typically centrifugal for high-flow, low-pressure applications and piston compressors for high-pressure requirements – are used to achieve the necessary pressure levels, often up to 100 bar or more. Accurate and reliable measurement of pressure and temperature at the compressor’s inlet and outlet is essential for safe and efficient operation.
Once compressed, CO₂ can be transported via pipelines, ships or commercial vehicles, depending on the quantity and destination. Pipelines are the most economical and efficient solution for large-scale transport, with CO₂ typically moved in a gaseous, liquid or supercritical state. Achieving supercritical conditions – above 31 °C and 74 bar – is ideal for pipeline transport, as it maximises efficiency and safety. The carbon storage, usually in liquid form, requires precise control of pressure, temperature and flow to manage phase transitions and ensure containment.
