Protection Requirements

Gas entering CO2 absorbers carries particulates from combustion, entrained water droplets, condensed hydrocarbons, and aerosols. These contaminants foul packing, degrade amine solution, and reduce capture efficiency. Inlet separators provide cleanup protecting expensive carbon capture investment.

Separator Design

Vertical vessel with gas inlet, liquid knockout section, coalescing stage removing aerosols, filtration capturing particulates, mist eliminator polishing gas, and clean outlet to absorber. Multiple stages handle diverse contaminants from various gas sources.

Gas Sources

Flue gas from power plants contains fly ash and sulfur compounds. Industrial process gas carries hydrocarbons and oils. Natural gas combustion produces water vapor and trace contaminants. Separator design matches specific source characteristics.

Operating Conditions

Atmospheric or slight positive pressure typical for flue gas applications. Temperature 40-80C after gas cooling. Flow rates from 10,000 to 1,000,000 SCFM depending on capture facility scale.

Material Selection

Stainless steel construction resists corrosion from moisture and acid gases. Coalescing media handles wet conditions. Filter elements capture particulates without excessive pressure drop. Materials withstand continuous operation in humid gas streams.

Contaminant Removal

Liquid knockout removes bulk water and condensate. Coalescing captures droplets and aerosols. Filtration removes particulates above 5-10 microns. Combined stages protect amine solution from contamination maintaining capture performance.

Applications

Coal-fired power plant CO2 capture, natural gas combined cycle CCUS, industrial process gas treatment, hydrogen production with carbon capture, and any CO2 absorption system requiring feed gas cleanup.

Liquid Handling

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

Amine Protection

Clean inlet gas extends amine solution life reducing makeup costs. Prevents foaming maintaining absorber capacity. Reduces heat-stable salt formation. Protects heat exchangers from fouling. Simple pre-treatment with significant downstream benefits.

Maintenance Requirements

Periodic filter element replacement depending on gas cleanliness. Visual inspection during planned outages. Vessel cleaning removes accumulated deposits. Straightforward maintenance supports continuous carbon capture operation.

Construction Standards

Design per applicable pressure vessel codes. Materials for corrosive gas environments. Filtration efficiency verified through testing. Complete documentation with performance specifications supporting carbon capture system design.

ERGIL CO2 absorber inlet separators protect carbon capture systems through effective gas cleanup maintaining absorption efficiency and equipment reliability.