Maximizing Carbon Credits and Achieving Net Zero Emissions through CCUS and Emerson’s FB3000 RTU Remote Terminal Unit

Industry-leading low-carbon ethanol producer sets a new standard in sustainability with precise flow control and gas measurements.

Challenge

The ethanol plant initiated a carbon sequestration project which sought to set a new standard for sustainability and carbon neutrality by capturing and permanently storing CO2 emissions several thousand feet below their site.

The aim was to significantly reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and to implement a reliable and accurate gas measurement system that could handle the complexities of carbon sequestration. The site required a solution that could provide precise flow computation, control, and diagnostics to ensure the efficient capture and storage of CO2.

Solution

To address this challenge, the customer collaborated with a gas engineering consulting firm to initiate a competitive bid process, and eventually selected the FB3000 RTU from Novaspect, an Emerson Impact Partner. The advanced Remote Terminal Unit was ultimately chosen due to its unrivaled measurement and control in remote locations, powerful processor, scalability, and low power requirements.

The FB3000 RTU was configured for nine initial meter runs (including Venturi, orifice plates, liquid turbine meters, and Coriolis meters) and an 8-slot chassis was designed to accommodate multiple mixed I/O modules. Four mixed I/O modules were included to monitor and control various analog and digital field signals, ensuring comprehensive data collection and control.

In addition, Novaspect designed and built a custom panel integrating the FB3000 RTU and other necessary components at their Mandan, North Dakota shop.

These technologies were integral to the facility’s strategy and have helped paved the way for a successful venture into carbon capture and storage. Through frequent communication, collaboration, and project coordination, the Novaspect team ensured that the solution was tailor-made to meet the customer’s specific requirements and would enable them to reduce their carbon footprint.

Outcome

The implementation of Emerson’s FB3000 RTU resulted in several valuable outcomes, including:

Maximized Carbon Credits—The precise measurement and control capabilities of the FB3000 RTU ensures accurate quantification of captured CO2.
Net Zero Emissions— By capturing and storing CO2 emissions, the ethanol plant balanced its carbon output with carbon removal.
Industry Leadership—After demonstrating the viability and benefits of large-scale carbon capture and storage, the customer is setting a pioneering example, not just for the ethanol industry, but for producers worldwide.
Enhanced Operational Efficiency—The advanced diagnostics and real-time monitoring features of the FB3000 RTU minimized downtime and maintenance costs, leading to more efficient operations.
Scalability for Future Expansion—The modular design of the FB3000 RTU allows for easy expansion, enabling the customer to scale up their carbon capture efforts as needed.

The successful deployment of the FB3000 RTU highlights the critical role of advanced measurement and control technologies in achieving sustainability goals. This project not only maximized carbon credits and operational efficiency, but also established the ethanol producer as a leader in the transition to a low-carbon future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) to mitigate or defer global warming and climate change. This process helps reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is a major greenhouse gas contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. By capturing and storing CO2, these technologies help to lower the carbon footprint of industrial processes and power generation, contributing to a more sustainable future.

Types of Carbon Sequestration:

Biological Sequestration:

Forests: Trees and plants absorb CO2 during photosynthesis and store it as carbon in biomass (trunks, branches, leaves, and roots) and soils.
Oceans: Marine plants, algae, and phytoplankton absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. The ocean also stores carbon in dissolved forms and in sediments.
Soil: Agricultural practices can enhance the storage of carbon in soils through techniques like no-till farming, cover cropping, and agroforestry.

Geological Sequestration:

Underground Storage: CO2 is captured from industrial processes and injected into underground geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields, deep saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams.
Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): CO2 is injected into oil fields to increase oil recovery while simultaneously storing the CO2 underground.

Technological Sequestration:

Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS): Technologies capture CO2 emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes, then transport and store it underground.
Direct Air Capture (DAC): Technologies that capture CO2 directly from the ambient air and store it.

Net Zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. Achieving net zero means that any GHG emissions produced are offset by an equivalent amount of GHGs being removed, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric GHG levels. Many companies are setting net zero targets and implementing sustainability strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. Achieving net zero is a critical goal for addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future. It requires coordinated efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce emissions and enhance carbon removal.

Carbon credits are permits that allow the holder to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases (GHGs). One carbon credit typically represents the right to emit one metric ton of CO2 or its equivalent in other GHGs. The primary goal of carbon credits is to reduce overall emissions and combat climate change by creating a financial incentive for companies to lower their carbon footprint.

To maximize carbon credits, manufacturers can adopt several strategies:

Implementing Emission Reduction Technologies:

Energy Efficiency: Upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment and processes can significantly reduce emissions.
Participating in Carbon Offset Projects: Investing in or developing projects that are verified to reduce or remove GHGs. These projects generate carbon credits that can be used to offset the company’s emissions. Exploring new technologies and methods for carbon capture and storage (CCS) or direct air capture (DAC) can create additional carbon credits.

Optimizing Operations:

Process Improvements: Streamlining operations to reduce waste and improve efficiency can lower emissions.
Supply Chain Management: Working with suppliers to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain can contribute to overall emission reductions.

Monitoring and Reporting:

Accurate Measurement: Implementing robust systems for measuring and reporting emissions ensures that reductions are accurately tracked and verified.
Compliance and Transparency: Adhering to regulatory requirements and maintaining transparency in reporting can enhance credibility and maximize the value of carbon credits.

Engaging in Carbon Trading:

Buy and Sell Credits: Actively participating in carbon markets by buying and selling credits can help companies manage their emissions more effectively and take advantage of market opportunities.

By adopting these strategies, manufacturers can not only maximize their carbon credits but also contribute to global efforts to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change.