A study of very large scale post combustion CO₂ capture at a refining & petrochemical complex

The CO₂ Capture Project (CCP) is a joint project of eight major energy companies working to make significant reductions in the cost of capturing and storing CO₂. The CCP is developing a range of technologies; post-combustion, oxyfuel and pre-combustion decarbonisation. To ensure realism, “real world” scenarios, based on actual sites, have been established. One scenario is based upon the BP Grangemouth refinery and petrochemical complex located in the UK. This paper presents a study of the cost and practicability of capturing CO₂ from the site using today’s best available technology. The paper examines issues of retrofitting a very large scale, post combustion, amine based capture facility. It is designed to capture 2,000,000 tonnes per annum, of carbon dioxide which is compressed to 220 bar(a) for pipeline transmission to a North Sea oil field where it can be used for Enhanced Oil Recovery. Alternatively, it could also be stored in depleted reservoirs or deep saline formations. The study provides a firm basis for comparison with other technologies and develops a feasible process design and cost estimate. The paper discusses the environmental impacts, the benefits and the challenges to be addressed by anyone considering post combustion capture at this unprecedented scale.