A Strategy for Reliable Cargo Loading of Low-Pressure Liquid Carbon Dioxide Carriers

This study addresses the control challenges associated with loading low-pressure liquid carbon dioxide carriers (LCO2Cs), which are crucial components of the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) chain. It explores the need for stable pressure and temperature control to prevent dry ice formation and ensure efficient cargo handling. The research employed HYSYS dynamic simulations to assess three different control strategies. The simulations assessed each strategy's effectiveness in maintaining stable operating conditions and preventing risks, such as dry ice formation and valve blockages. The study concluded by examining the necessity of pressurization for safe and efficient LCO2 loading and by determining which control strategy is most effective and reliable based on the simulation outcomes. Among the three scenarios examined, Case A, which utilized two control valves, exhibited initial instability due to significant flow coefficient differences, resulting in temperature drops below the CO2 triple point and increasing the risk of dry ice formation. Case C, operating without pressurization, experienced severe pressure fluctuations and prolonged exposure to temperatures below the triple point, posing risks of valve blockages. In contrast, Case B, which uses a remote pressure-reducing valve and a control valve, demonstrated the most stable performance, effectively avoiding dry ice formation and pressure fluctuations, making it the most reliable method for safe LCO2 cargo loading.