Cryocap™: reducing the CO2 emissions of the Port-Jérôme industrial site at source

Published on November 10, 2020

2 minutes

The Cryocap™ technology relies on a unique process developed by Air Liquide. It consists in capturing the carbon dioxide (or CO2) emitted during the hydrogen production thanks to a cryogenic process that liquefies gas. When purified, this CO2 can be used to meet the needs of local industrial markets for different applications such as in agri-food and water treatment, etc.).

Hydrogen production at Port-Jérôme: learn more in pictures

  • The Port-Jérôme site in Normandy, France, is the largest steam methane reforming hydrogen production unit operated by Air Liquide in France.
  • The major part of the hydrogen produced is sent directly via pipeline to the nearby refinery (at a rate of around 50,000 Nm3/ hour). The hydrogen is used to reduce the sulfur content in the fuel.
  • Cryocap™ is an additional component of this process launched in 2015. A world premiere. This technology enables the cold capture of CO2 released during hydrogen production via a cryogenic process.
  • Cryocap™ also allows for a 10 to 20% increase in hydrogen production, depending on the configuration of the facilities, by optimizing hydrogen recovery.
  • Meanwhile, the cost of CO2 capture is reduced by around 30% compared to other technologies.
  • The CO2 is liquefied and purified until it can be classified as food grade, then it is transported by truck to various Air Liquide customers, mainly agricultural producers, the agri-food industry (for deep-freezing, packaging or carbonation), and major distributors (transport and cold chain maintenance).
  • The Cryocap™ technology can capture up to 100,000 metric tons of CO2 a year. In 5 years, it has helped produce 8,000 metric tons of additional hydrogen.
    Cryocap™ has led to several patent filings, illustrating the Group's ability to innovate.
  • With Cryocap™, Air Liquide has opened up new prospects for reducing CO2 emissions at its own production sites and those of its customers around the world.

Credit: Adrien Daste. 

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Hydrogen production, flue gas, oxycombustion... The Cryocap™ technology can adapt and contribute to the decarbonization of many industrial processes. Find out how it works in details in this video.

Port-Jérôme is one of the few sites in Europe capable of producing certified low-carbon hydrogen. It is a pilot site for the CertifHy project, a Guarantee of Origin platform for green or low-carbon hydrogen.

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