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CO2 dehydration

An essential component of carbon capture and sequestration

Artwork showing CO2 dehydration equipment at a gas processing plant.
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Standard or fully customized solutions to meet your project economics and performance parameters

Transportation of CO2 is a key area of focus in any CCS project. Aqueous amines are typically used to capture CO2, resulting in water-saturated gas. If not managed correctly, this wet CO2 can lead to corrosion and hydrate formation.

Identifying the appropriate CO2 treatment and dehydration level for transport and storage is therefore essential. In-depth understanding of the constraints and transport parameters enables defining fit-for-purpose pipeline specifications and identifying and implementing suitable technologies to treat the CO2.

SLB brings a holistic approach to the task, taking into account the full CCS value chain. Leveraging our extensive knowledge of gas treatment processes, industry-leading suite of technologies, partnerships with industry experts, and global experience onshore, offshore, and on FPSOs, we work with you to develop effective, scalable solutions that you can count on to meet your project requirements.

  Triethylene Glycol
(TEG)		 Silica Gel Molecular Sieve
Capex $ $$ $$
Opex $ $$$ $$$$
Footprint Small Medium Medium
Power consumption Low Medium High
Typical outlet moisture specification, ppm 100 30 1

Periodic TEG makeup and chemical treatment requires regular attendance by personnel. Moreover, TEG carryover in CO2 gas may be prohibited for some applications. Alternative dehydration methodologies are available in these cases.

Dehydration with adsorbents

Dehydration with silica gel


  • Silica gel typically delivers <30 ppm of water and is suitable for gaseous and liquid CO2 systems.
  • Pressure drop is <2.4 bar, or lower if regeneration gas compression is adopted.
  • Silica gel desiccant is acid resistant and ideally suited for CO2 applications.
  • No vent stream is generated, reducing direct emissions.
  • Operation is automated and unattended.
  • Standard designs are available for handling 0.25–5 metric tons of CO2/year.

Dehydration with molecular sieve


  • Molecular sieves can achieve <1 ppm of water, suitable for ultradry applications.
  • Pressure drop is <2.4 bar, or lower if regeneration gas compression is adopted.
  • Acid-resistant molecular sieves are available.
  • No vent stream is generated, reducing direct emissions.
  • Operation is automated and unattended.
  • Standard designs are available for handling 0.25–5 metric tons of CO2/year.