Anti-surge system for CO2 compressor by Jan Smeulers Smeulers and Jeremy Veltin

In the process of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), the compression stage is of paramount importance. Typically, the stream of CO2 is compressed from pressures of about 1.5 bar to above 100 bar, for which several stages are necessary. Isothermal compression is strived for, since it delivers the optimal efficiency. The compression follows a quasi-isothermal process, by making use of heat exchangers to cool down the stream right after it is compressed and enters the next stage. Because the stream contains a small amount of water, which can cause corrosion and thus jeopardize the integrity of the compressor itself or the transfer line downstream, dehydration also takes place at some stage during the compressor process.