Raw CO2 Characteristics

CO2 from combustion, gasification, or industrial sources contains particulates, condensed water, hydrocarbon liquids, and entrained process chemicals. These contaminants foul desulfurization catalysts and treating solutions. Inlet separation provides cleanup before sulfur removal.

Separator Design

Vertical vessel with raw gas inlet, liquid knockout section removing free liquids, coalescing stage capturing aerosols, filtration removing particulates above 10 microns, mist eliminator polishing gas, and clean outlet to desulfurization. Multiple stages handle diverse contaminants.

Sulfur Protection

Raw CO2 may contain H2S, SO2, COS, and mercaptans requiring removal before compression or use. Desulfurization catalysts and solvents sensitive to liquid water, oils, and particulates. Inlet separator prevents contamination maintaining treating efficiency.

Operating Conditions

Atmospheric or slight pressure typical after CO2 recovery. Temperature 30-80C after initial cooling. Flow rates from 1,000 to 500,000 SCFM depending on facility scale. Design accommodates varying gas composition from different sources.

Material Selection

Stainless steel construction resists corrosion from wet acidic CO2. Coalescing media handles moisture and oils. Filter elements capture particulates without excessive pressure drop. Materials withstand continuous operation in contaminated gas streams.

Contaminant Removal

Knockout section removes bulk liquids and condensate. Coalescing captures water and oil aerosols. Filtration removes fly ash, catalyst dust, and solid particles. Combined stages protect desulfurization equipment from fouling.

Applications

Carbon capture CO2 treating before compression, industrial CO2 purification for food and beverage, enhanced oil recovery CO2 processing, and any application requiring sulfur-free carbon dioxide with upstream contaminant removal.

Liquid Handling

Level-controlled drains remove accumulated water, condensate, and oils. Automatic drainage maintains inventory. Collected liquids route to wastewater treatment. Continuous removal prevents carryover during flow surges.

Desulfurization Benefits

Clean inlet gas extends catalyst life reducing replacement costs. Prevents solvent degradation in liquid treating systems. Maintains treating capacity and efficiency. Reduces downstream equipment fouling. Simple pre-treatment with significant operational value.

Maintenance Requirements

Periodic filter element replacement depending on gas cleanliness typically quarterly to annually. Vessel inspection during planned outages. Cleaning removes accumulated deposits. Straightforward maintenance supports continuous CO2 processing.

Construction Standards

Design per applicable pressure vessel codes. Materials for corrosive acidic gas with moisture. Filtration efficiency verified through testing. Complete documentation with contaminant removal specifications.

ERGIL inlet separators protect CO2 desulfurization systems through effective pre-treatment removing liquids and solids maintaining treating performance in carbon capture operations.