Enrichment of light gas components in CO2 liquefaction and transport process for industrial gas streams
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Accurate thermodynamic data for CO 2 mixtures containing light gas components are essential for the safe and efficient design of CO 2 liquefaction and transport processes in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) applications. This study presents an experimental investigation of CO 2 mixtures containing light gas components (N 2 , CH 4 , H 2 , and Ar) under conditions relevant to liquefaction and ship transport (−50 °C and −30 °C, 7–20 bar). Vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) measurements demonstrated pronounced vapor enrichment of light gas components across all binary and ternary mixtures, with hydrogen exhibiting the lowest solubility and the greatest influence on phase behavior. Obtained experimental data were compared with the predicted results from thermodynamic models, among which GERG-2008 and CPA equation of state showed the best agreement, yielding average absolute deviations below 0.9 mol%. In parallel, cryogenic transfer experiments were conducted to simulate liquefied CO 2 (LCO 2 ) transfer between pressurized tanks. Stable transfer was achieved under pressure gradient between tanks, with transient variations in temperature. Vapor compositions were measured before and after the LCO 2 transfer to assess compositional changes, while the total transferred LCO 2 volume was quantified. Hydrogen showed the most distinct vapor enrichment and temperature drops below −51 °C, suggesting the potential risk of dry ice formation under large-scale operation. These findings provide experimental validation of thermodynamic models and reveal phase behavior of CO 2 mixtures in liquefaction and transfer process, forming a robust foundation for LCO 2 transport system design.
Source: Journal of CO2 Utilization
Authors: Geonwoo Jeong, Woojin Go, Junyup Park, Bonsu Koo, Yutaek Seo
Institutions: Seoul National University, Hyundai Engineering (South Korea)
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,360
OpenAlex ID: W7166713530