Because Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) can achieve significant carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission reductions, this process is considered a key and viable option within the portfolio of approaches required to reduce greenhouse gas (CHG) emissions. CCS involves three major steps; capturing CO₂ at the source, compressing it for transportation, and then injecting into a deep reservoir at a carefully selected and safe site for permanent storage. In the capture process, the CO₂ is separated from other gases produced at large, industrial process facilities, or in a Blue Hydrogen process with Steam Methane Reforming (SMR). In the transport stage, the separated CO₂ is compressed for onshore (pipelines, trucks, and rail) or offshore (ships) transport. Ship transportation of liquid CO₂ can be an alternative option for many regions of the world. In the storage process, the CO₂ is injected into deep underground rock formations, usually at depths of one kilometer or more.

CO₂ is considered non-corrosive in dry conditions; however, the presence of “impurities” (water, H2S, or MEG) could affect metal and non-metallic materials. In 100% CO₂ conditions, elastomers are susceptible to swelling and changes in physical properties due to absorption of the dense phase of CO₂. With fluoropolymer PTFE-based materials, CO₂ has been shown through immersion testing to have a limited impact on multiple physical properties (creep resistance, crystallinity, sorption, and swelling).

In partnership with an Energy major, the Omniseal Solutions’ technical team collaborated on a 100% CO₂ certification campaign of several of our proprietary fluoropolymer materials that consisted of a bespoke immersion testing in compliance with the pass/fail criteria of NORSOK M-710, Edition 3.

The following are the selected materials used in testing:

1. Fluoroloy^® A02 - Proprietary Custom PTFE

2. Fluoroloy^® A19 - Proprietary Custom PTFE

3. Fluoroloy^® A21 - Proprietary Custom PTFE

4. Fluoroloy^® A20 - Proprietary Custom FEP

5. Fluoroloy^® A08 - Proprietary Ekonol Filled PTFE

6. Fluoroloy^® A09 - Proprietary Custom UHMW-PE

7. Fluoroloy^® A10 - Proprietary Custom PTFE

8. Fluoroloy^® A16 - Proprietary Custom PTFE

9. Meldin^® 5301 - Proprietary Custom PEEK

The following are the test conditions: 100% CO₂, 345 bar [5000 psi], -46 / RT / 97°C / 127°C, up to 56 days (the selected pressure / temperature conditions ensure testing in liquid and supercritical CO₂).

The result was EVERY selected material successfully passed the NORSOK M-710, Edition 3, acceptance criteria, proving that these materials are a better option compared to standard elastomers.

• Superior lifetime compared to elastomers

• Reduced downtime and improved reliability even in subsea environment

• Third-party material certificates available upon request

• Our design engineering team can customize Omniseal^® spring-energized seals that cope with the most extreme operating conditions of Capture, Transport and Storage applications

• Volume: +5 / -1%

• Tensile Strength: +50%

• Elongation: +50%

• Modulus: +50%

• Visual: No dissolution, cracking, blistering or deformation