CCUS emmisions

Instrument validation for CO₂ detection technology

Calibration (EN14181) of continuous CO₂ mass emission, concentration and flow, for automated measurement systems 

Hygrometers

Calibration of hygrometers in CO₂ or CO₂ mixtures

Quality assurance 

Primary reference mixtures (PRMS) 

Carbon dioxide purity

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We offer research and development alongside services to support quality assurance of carbon dioxide. This includes developing novel analytical techniques for measuring impurities within CO₂ , designing risk assessments to forecast the quality of CO₂ captured from operational processes and sampling and analysis of CO_2.   Additionally, we provide primary reference materials (PRMs) containing low level impurities in CO₂ which are suitable for laboratory testing or calibration of analysers. 

Consultancy, commercial products and services available, outlined in our gas and particle metrology measurement services brochure: 

• Primary reference mixtures (PRMS) 
• Gas sample analysis 

Download gas and metrology measurement services brochure

Examples of collaborative research and development includes: 

• EURAMET project: Metrology Support for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)  
• EMPIR Decarb project: Metrology for Decarbonising the Gas Grid  
• Forecasting quality of CO₂ captured by novel capture technologies
• NMS project: Metrology for CCUS 

We are carrying out research and development as well as providing services for materials qualification in various energy applications. We are supporting materials qualification for metallic components and structures within various carbon capture applications. This is including but not limited to transmission/distribution of CO₂ by network operators, CO₂ storage and materials used within CCUS technologies. We also offer commercial consultancy services.

Examples of collaborative research and development include:

• A review of test methodologies for corrosion of pipeline steel in dense phase CO₂ containing impurities

• EURAMET project: Metrology Support for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)

We are collaborating on the development of acoustic techniques to detect leaks from subsea storage sites for CO₂, mainly exploiting depleted hydrocarbon fields in the North Sea. A significant challenge for such sites is ensuring their integrity once in use, requiring demonstration that the CO₂ remains within the facility.

In the event of a leak, detection and quantification is vital. CO₂ entering the water column is expected to do so partly in gas phase.The gas component of such a leak can be efficiently detected remotely (>100 m) using active acoustic techniques (sonar), because gas bubbles are strong scatterers of sound. CO₂ dissolves comparatively rapidly in water, so the plumes will not extend far into the water column, with a characteristic acoustic signature.

Whilst active methods are well suited to detecting CO₂ leakage, they are not effective at quantification of leak rates. For this, passive acoustic methods provide a complementary alternative facilitating the estimation of gas fluxes at short ranges.

Examples of collaborative research and development includes:

• EURAMET project: Metrology Support for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)

• Review of acoustic techniques
• Collaboration with University of Southampton (including access to offshore trials data, for example from STEMS-CCS)

NPL has several national facilities that may be used for research in this field.

• Open water test facility
• Acoustic pressure vessel
• Laboratory test facilities