The "negative emissions" technology developed by our client is a breakthrough in the fight against climate change. Instead of merely reducing emissions, it actively removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and permanently binds it in the form of mineral powders - raw materials that can replace traditional, polluting materials in the production of concrete, plastic or paper. A process that would naturally take hundreds of years, here takes place in seconds! In this case study, we discuss the details of this technology and the technical aspects of the supercritical liquid analysis equipment supplied by JUMO to the customer, Read on to find out how our measuring sensors perform under extreme conditions of very high temperature and pressure!
The process of binding CO₂ and converting organic waste into green gas is a real breakthrough for sustainable energy. At a time when carbon emissions are one of the biggest climate threats, more than just temporary storage is needed. Unfortunately, most of the available carbon capture methods rely on costly, temporary solutions - CO₂ is only stored, often at great expense and without long-term effects.
With help comes technology based on the natural process of CO₂ binding in minerals. A process that would take centuries in nature, the company has accelerated to just a few seconds. The CO₂ is permanently bound to the minerals, in the process creating raw materials with a usable value that can be used in industry, such as for concrete production. What's more, the company's technology goes even further: in a supercritical water treatment process, it transforms organic waste - plastic, paper, food scraps - into a renewable gas Under very high pressure and temperature, water becomes reactive enough to break down organic matter into pure, light gases.
This solution not only reduces CO₂ levels in the atmosphere, but also uses the waste as a source of green energy, transforming it into products that can fuel the circular economy.
The client encountered a number of challenges with a liquid treatment technique that enables the conversion of organic waste into a renewable gas. The basic prerequisite for its operation is the achievement of a supercritical state of the water, which requires both extreme temperatures as high as 374°C and pressures as high as 218 atmospheres. Keeping these parameters stable requires measurement sensors of exceptional robustness.
Temperature and pressure are only part of the challenge. The customer needed solutions to accurately monitor conductivity, flow and pH. Any deviation from the set values could not only affect the quality of the converted products, but also the safety of the entire system.
In addition, it was important to meet regulatory requirements for renewable energy applications. The process of working with supercritical water had to comply with international regulations, which required the customer to pay particular attention to safety and technical documentation. Every instrument and procedure had to meet the standards that apply to the energy industry worldwide.
In order to accurately manage the supercritical water treatment process, the customer has implemented JUMO's key measuring devices to ensure accuracy and stability under extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure. The JUMO CTI-500 inductive conductivity transmitter enables precise measurement of the conductivity of liquids - even contaminated liquids - with compensation for temperature effects, which is crucial for process stability in sediment-laden environments. The JUMO flowTRANS PW IO1turbine flow meter measures the flow rate of the medium with high accuracy, and the JUMO tecLine pH electrodes monitor this value in the process for ongoing control of chemical reaction parameters.
This is complemented by a resistance temperature sensor with a J-type head, providing accurate temperature measurement of liquids and gases up to 400°C. Differential pressure control is achieved with our multi-range transmitter with LED display.
With these devices fully integrated into the process control system, the customer is able to monitor and analyse key parameters in real time. Such a solution guarantees high process efficiency and safety, enabling rapid response to changes and providing the stability necessary for the sustainable conversion of CO₂ and organic waste into green gas.
From left: JUMO CTI-500 conductivity transmitter (202755), resistance temperature sensor (902030), JUMO flowTRANS PW I01 turbine flow meter (406020)
The implementation of our measurement system brought tangible benefits to the client - both in terms of efficiency and operating costs. Through precise control of process parameters, process management has become more efficient and energy consumption has been optimised. For the customer, this means direct resource savings and more sustainable production.
Furthermore, the equipment used is highly durable and maintenance-free, significantly reducing the need for servicing. As a result, downtime is prevented and operating costs are lower. This not only improves operational stability, but also extends the life of the entire plant.
With this solution, the customer can also operate according to the principles of a closed-loop economy. The system allows CO₂ and waste to be sustainably converted into raw materials that can be reused in industrial applications.
My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.
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