CO2 & CCS pumps

CO₂ and CCS pumps for reliable carbon capture infrastructure

Carbon capture infrastructure depends on more than one pump duty. Across the full chain, from capture and conditioning to liquefaction, export and storage, different fluids and operating conditions place very different demands on equipment. DESMI addresses this with engineered CO₂ and CCS pumps designed for safe media handling, dependable hydraulic performance and integration into wider process systems.

In capture plants, a carbon capture pump may handle solvents such as amines or other process liquids used in absorption and regeneration loops. Downstream, a CO₂ pump may be required for conditioned or liquefied carbon dioxide, where temperature control, vapour margin and stable suction conditions become decisive. In transport and storage infrastructure, liquid CO₂ pumps and CO₂ transfer pumps are often selected for tank-to-tank transfer, loading operations, terminal circulation and support duties connected to injection or export systems.

Because CCS projects are highly application-specific, DESMI works from duty conditions rather than generic assumptions. This helps ensure that the selected pump principle, materials and sealing arrangement align with the actual operating profile, including low-temperature service, continuous duty and planned maintenance requirements.

Applications for liquid CO₂ pumps across capture, transport and storage

Liquid CO₂ pumps are used at several points in the CCS value chain where carbon dioxide has been conditioned and must be moved safely and efficiently between process steps or storage assets. The exact duty may vary, but the common requirement is controlled transfer with predictable hydraulic behaviour and suitable margins against flashing or cavitation.

Typical applications include:

• conditioning and transfer following capture and purification

• intermediate storage tank filling and emptying

• loading to trucks, tankers or export systems

• terminal and hub transfer between storage vessels and process lines

• export infrastructure for land-based and marine CCS chains

• injection support and booster duties upstream of high-pressure systems

In land-based projects, liquid CO₂ transfer pumps may be installed around liquefaction units, cold storage tanks and terminal manifolds. In marine CCS projects, the same functional need appears in loading, onboard storage handling and discharge to shore-based receiving infrastructure. DESMI supports both environments, including pump solutions relevant for fixed plants and shipboard integration.

Where project scope extends beyond CO₂ transfer itself, associated process duties may also include cooling water circulation, heat exchange support and the movement of rich and lean solvents. This is why many CCS projects require a combination of pump types rather than a single standardised platform.

CO₂ and CCS pumps for transfer, circulation and process integration

In CCS systems, pumps do not operate in isolation. A CO₂ transfer pump must perform consistently within a process train that may also include compressors, heat exchangers, separators, storage tanks and liquefaction systems. Stable flow and controlled pressure are essential not only for hydraulic efficiency, but also for process continuity and equipment protection.

For solvent-based capture plants, carbon capture pumps support circulation between absorber and regenerator sections, helping to maintain the flow conditions needed for separation efficiency. Rich solvent and lean solvent duties typically demand reliable continuous operation, good material compatibility and straightforward maintenance planning.

For liquid CO₂ service, the pump often acts as a transfer or loading component within a tightly controlled low-temperature system. Here, pressure control and suction conditions are especially important because liquid CO₂ can change phase if the operating window is not maintained. Properly selected liquid CO₂ pumps help reduce instability during transfer, support a smoother interface with downstream equipment and improve plant operability over time.

DESMI’s CCS flow solutions include in-line centrifugal pump ranges such as NSL pumps and NSLH pumps, as well as dedicated solutions for more demanding low-temperature transfer duties. For high-pressure injection stages, multistage centrifugal pump concepts may also form part of the wider CCS system design.

DesCan canned deepwell pump for liquefied CO₂ handling

The DESMI DesCan canned deepwell pump is a key option for demanding liquefied CO₂ duties in terminals, hubs and marine CCS infrastructure. Developed from DESMI deepwell cargo pump expertise, DesCan is designed for reliable transfer of liquid CO₂ where low suction margin, safe containment and dependable low-temperature operation are central requirements.

DesCan is based on a vertical can-mounted concept and is available in designs tested to API VS6 principles. This arrangement is particularly relevant where the installation calls for submerged or can-based pump positioning to improve suction conditions and support stable handling of liquefied gases. For CCS applications, that can be a strong advantage in storage tank transfer, loading and unloading, and other duties where a conventional layout may struggle with low NPSH availability.

Key technical characteristics of the DesCan concept include:

• flow range from 80 to 1200 m3/h

• head up to 200 mLC

• temperature range from +50°C to -100°C

• stainless steel 304 or 316 construction options

• very low NPSHr, down to 0.2 or lower depending on configuration

• dual mechanical seal options, including API Plan 53C

For engineers specifying a liquid CO₂ transfer pump, low NPSHr is often one of the most important selection criteria. The DesCan design directly addresses this by combining a vertical can-mounted arrangement with a hydraulic concept tailored for low-temperature liquefied media. At the same time, the configuration offers containment and service benefits relevant to regulated CCS facilities where leakage control and maintenance planning matter.

You can read more about the DesCan Canned Deepwell Pump and DESMI’s Deepwell and Cargo Pumps.

Selecting the right CO₂ and CCS pumps for pressure, temperature and media compatibility

Choosing the right CO₂ and CCS pumps starts with a precise definition of duty. In CCS, small differences in temperature, suction pressure or medium composition can significantly affect pump behaviour. This is especially true for liquid CO₂ pumps, where phase behaviour and NPSH margin must be understood before final selection.

Key selection criteria typically include:

• required flow rate and differential head

• minimum and maximum operating pressure

• temperature range in normal and upset conditions

• CO₂ phase behaviour and vapour pressure at the duty point

• available NPSH versus pump NPSHr

• wetted material compatibility with liquid CO₂, solvents or additives

• sealing philosophy, including mechanical seal or sealless design

• installation layout, footprint and access for maintenance

For solvent duties, material selection and elastomer compatibility are critical to long-term reliability. For liquid CO₂ service, the combination of low temperature, pressure envelope and fluid stability often drives the decision. An apparently suitable CO₂ pump may still be unsuitable if the suction arrangement creates inadequate margin against flashing.

It is also important to distinguish between transfer, circulation, boosting and injection duties. A CO₂ transfer pump for loading or terminal service is not the same as a high-pressure injection pump, and the hydraulic, mechanical and sealing requirements will differ accordingly. DESMI supports this evaluation through early engineering dialogue so that the selected configuration reflects the actual service conditions rather than a broad product assumption.

When should you choose a magnetic drive pump, in-line centrifugal pump or deepwell pump?

Different CCS duties call for different pump principles. The best choice depends on the medium, operating window, available installation space and containment requirements.

A magnetic drive pump is often considered where leakage reduction, safe operation and low maintenance are priorities. Because it is a sealless design, it can be attractive for selected carbon capture pump duties involving process liquids where containment and reduced mechanical seal maintenance are important. DESMI’s magnetic drive pump range includes compact solutions for demanding process environments and can be supplied with wetted materials and elastomers selected for the intended service.

An in-line centrifugal pump is often a practical option where the system benefits from compact installation, straightforward pipework integration and efficient transfer or circulation performance. DESMI NSL and ESL ranges are relevant examples for parts of the CCS process, including balance-of-plant duties and selected solvent or utility services. Depending on the specific range and configuration, in-line centrifugal concepts can cover capacities up to 1800 m3/h and pressures up to 25 bar.

A deepwell pump or can-mounted vertical pump becomes highly relevant when handling low-temperature liquid CO2 in storage, loading and terminal applications. In this area, a cryogenic centrifugal pump concept may be considered a market reference term, but in practice the priority is to match the actual liquefied CO2 duty, suction arrangement and NPSH conditions. DesCan is particularly suitable where very low NPSHr, vertical installation and robust containment are required.

As a rule of thumb:

• choose a magnetic drive pump for selected sealless process duties where containment and low maintenance are central

• choose an in-line centrifugal pump for compact transfer or circulation duties integrated into plant pipework

• choose a deepwell pump for demanding liquid CO2 transfer from tanks, terminals or marine storage systems where suction conditions are challenging

CO₂ and CCS pumps for land-based carbon capture and onboard CCS

Land-based CCS and onboard CCS share some process principles, but the practical pump requirements are often different. Stationary plants usually offer more flexibility in layout, equipment spacing and access for service. In contrast, shipboard systems must work within strict footprint, weight and integration constraints while also meeting marine operating requirements.

In land-based carbon capture, pumps are typically used for solvent circulation, transfer between process stages, cooling duties and liquid CO₂ storage or export. Selection priorities often centre on process efficiency, maintainability, operating continuity and integration with compressors and liquefaction systems.

For onboard CCS, the same fluid-handling functions must fit into a more compact and dynamic environment. Space-saving, pipe routing, vibration considerations and maintenance access all become more critical. At the same time, the system still needs stable solvent circulation and reliable handling of captured and liquefied CO₂ for storage and later discharge.

DESMI supports both use cases through solutions developed for Landbased Carbon Capture and Onboard Carbon Capture.

In marine contexts, pump solutions may also be selected with regard to broader compliance targets such as EEDI, EEXI and CII, depending on project scope and vessel strategy.

Standards, compliance and documentation for CO₂ and CCS pumps

CCS projects are typically documentation-heavy, and for good reason. Pump selection in these applications must be supported by technical data that allows the project team to assess performance, safety margin, materials and maintainability before procurement and commissioning. For this reason, documentation quality is often as important as the pump itself.

Depending on the duty and project specification, relevant documentation may include:

• pump curves and duty point confirmation

• NPSHr data and hydraulic performance information

• general arrangement drawings and installation details

• material certificates and wetted parts traceability

• seal arrangement details and auxiliary system data

• factory test information and acceptance documentation

• operating and maintenance manuals

For DesCan, designs can be supplied in accordance with API VS6 references and with dual mechanical seal arrangements using API Plan 53C where required by the application. This is particularly relevant for technical buyers evaluating low-temperature CO₂ service in regulated infrastructure. Other pump types may be selected and documented according to the project’s own technical and compliance framework.

DESMI supports customers with the documentation needed for design review, technical approval and lifecycle operation, including access to product data and engineering dialogue during specification and procurement.