From blind spots to full control of amines

When CO₂ is captured using amines, residues and byproducts inevitably follow, often remaining invisible in the process while still affecting the environment, health and plant performance. With a new laser-based measurement instrument, NXPAS and DTI aim to make these hidden amine residues visible in real time, so operators can act immediately, before small issues grow into major problems.

Invisible amines and slow control

Today, monitoring of amines in CO₂ capture plants relies on manual sampling and slow laboratory analysis, providing only snapshots of a process that is constantly changing. At the same time, amines and their degradation products can escape into the environment and pose environmental and health risks without being detected in time. The lack of precise online tools therefore limits safety, emission reduction efforts and the broader roll-out of amine-based CO₂ capture.

Laser gas analysis in the process stream

The project develops a compact laser spectroscopic instrument that can be mounted directly on the process stream and continuously measure concentrations of amines and relevant byproducts such as NOx. Using advanced laser gas analysis, the measurements become fast, selective and highly accurate, enabling early warning, process optimisation and better documentation for regulators. In this way, the solution replaces slow, manual sampling with real time online monitoring that strengthens safety, environmental performance and stable plant operation.

from prototype to critical enabling technology

The ambition is to move the technology from an early development stage (TRL 2–3) to a validated prototype in realistic industrial environments (TRL 4–6), proving that real time monitoring of amine contamination is both feasible and reliable. In the short term, the tool should give operators better control, fewer unexpected emissions and more stable operation; in the longer term, the goal is to become a standard instrument in commercial CO₂ capture plants in Denmark and abroad. If successful, the technology can both strengthen trust in CO₂ capture as a climate tool and give Danish companies a strong position in the growing global market for CCUS solutions (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage).