Ensuring Safe Operations in Amine-Based Carbon Capture at TCM

The study presented at PCCC-8 highlights how TCM combines advanced technology testing with strict safety monitoring to protect both people and the environment.

Monitoring Exposure in Carbon Capture Operations

Decarbonising heavy industries is central to achieving the climate mitigation goals set out in the IPCC-6 report. Amine-based carbon capture is among the most mature technologies available today for reducing emissions from large industrial point sources. Since 2012, TCM has been at the forefront of testing and demonstrating both generic and proprietary solvents under industrial conditions.

A key part of this work concerns environmental and occupational safety. The process of removing CO₂ from flue gas with amine-based absorption technologies introduces degradation products such as nitrosamines, which are classified as potentially carcinogenic. Early in TCM’s operations, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) assessed potential health risks and set strict safety thresholds. Since then, TCM has carried out extensive monitoring to ensure compliance and to safeguard personnel.

Findings from more than ten years of testing show that nitrosamines can be present during campaigns, but median and average background concentrations are very low—well below today’s occupational exposure limits. Both stationary and personal sampling methods have been applied to better understand exposure levels. Current research also aims to address uncertainties linked to sampling methods through new laboratory experiments.

Keeping Carbon Capture Both Effective and Safe

“Protecting the health and safety of our personnel is a top priority,” said Alexander Reyes Andersson. “Our monitoring results show that exposure levels are generally low, but we continue to study this in detail to close knowledge gaps and ensure that carbon capture operations remain both effective and safe.”

By combining rigorous safety assessments with cutting-edge technology testing, TCM strengthens its role as a global hub for advancing carbon capture solutions—supporting both industrial decarbonisation and safe workplace practices.

Co-writer: Fred Rugenyi