JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, and NYK’s affiliate Knutsen NYK Carbon Carriers AS have conducted a successful demonstration experiment to optimise the carbon dioxide liquefaction and storage process using KNCC’s proprietary “LCO2 – EP Cargo Tank” technology.
In May 2024, the companies developed a CO2 liquefaction process based on the isenthalpic expansion cooling and liquefaction method, which leverages the elevated pressure approach to store and transport liquefied CO2 at ambient temperature. This process (referred to as the “Process”) was tested at KNCC’s “Test Rig” demonstration facility in Norway, where a liquefaction unit was integrated into the system. During the experiment, CO2—replicating pipeline-gathered conditions—was successfully liquefied and transferred to the LCO2-EP Cargo Tank. The technology reached a Technology Readiness Level 6, indicating a high level of maturity.
Comparison of Isenthalpic Expansion Cooling and Liquefaction Process and External Refrigeration Process
The Process demonstrates liquefaction efficiency that is equal to or greater than conventional methods, with potential energy savings of up to 20 percent. Furthermore, the equipment required for this Process is simpler, more compact, and can be modularised or adapted to floating systems, thereby reducing the cost and site area of CO2 liquefaction facilities within the CCS and CCUS value chains.
This innovation is expected to significantly contribute to more efficient and cost-effective CO2 management, advancing the capabilities and scalability of CCS and CCUS technologies globally.
For more information visit www.kn-cc.com
