24.06.2025
Protecting Water, Advancing Capture: TCM’s Latest Research on Solvent Degradation
At the 17th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference (GHGT-17), TCM and its partners presented three pivotal studies advancing the environmental safety and scientific understanding of amine-based CO2 capture.
The highlights: a powerful new modelling tool for safeguarding water, refined methods for solvent analysis, and the discovery of previously unknown degradation products. Together, these efforts strengthen the foundations for safer, smarter carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.
A New Tool to Protect Drinking Water
One of the most impactful contributions was a dynamic modelling tool designed to protect drinking water sources near CO2 capture plants. While amine-based capture is a proven and widely adopted method, small amounts of amines can still be released into the atmosphere—where they may form nitrosamines (NSAs) and nitramines (NAs), some of which are known or suspected carcinogens.
Because these compounds are highly water-soluble, they can be carried by rainfall into lakes, rivers, and aquifers. Norway has responded by setting strict limits on NSA and NA concentrations in drinking water. The new model helps capture operators and regulators forecast the movement of these compounds from emission sources to water bodies—and design measures to stay within safe thresholds.
The tool integrates real-world stack emissions with atmospheric dispersion modelling and catchment hydrology. Validation is underway using field plume data and lab studies of atmospheric reactions and biodegradability.
A key innovation is the planned launch of a user-friendly web application, enabling users to simulate various mitigation strategies—such as enhanced water wash systems—and immediately assess their effectiveness on nearby water quality. The aim: to enable safe, sustainable, and transparent deployment of CCS solutions.
Advancing Analytical Tools for CESAR1
The second study presented a new LC-MS/MS method for analyzing degradation products in CESAR1, a leading solvent blend of AMP and PZ. The technique accurately detected and separated several non-volatile degradation compounds from the parent amines—demonstrating high precision, selectivity, and reliability.
This method significantly enhances the ability to monitor solvent health during operations and supports ongoing efforts to optimize process stability and efficiency.
Uncovering Unknown Degradation Compounds
In the third study, researchers analysed CESAR1 samples from pilot operations using industrial flue gases. A total of 35 degradation compounds were identified—12 of them never previously observed in CESAR1, AMP, or PZ.
By combining pilot-scale sampling with laboratory degradation stress tests, the researchers were able to map all major nitrogen-containing compounds in the solvent, helping close one of the most significant knowledge gaps in CO2 capture chemistry.
The study contributes to the Horizon Europe AURORA project, which aims to improve the environmental performance of advanced capture solvents.
Want to learn more?
Explore how TCM is working to improve solvent degradation and reclaiming: tcmda.com/studies-with-focus-on-amine-components