CoChat
Sign Up
Cited by 104Carbon Dioxide Capture TechnologiesCO2 Sequestration and Geologic InteractionsHybrid Renewable Energy Systems

Prospective techno-economic and environmental assessment of carbon capture at a refinery and CO2 utilisation in polyol synthesis

Open access
Fernández-Dacosta, Cora, van der Spek, Mijndert, Hung, Christine Roxanne, Oregionni, Gabriel David, Skagestad, Ragnhild, Parihar, Prashant, Gokak, D.T., Strømman, Anders Hammer +1 more·2017·Journal of CO2 Utilization
DOI 10.1016/j.jcou.2017.08.005
Open this paper in CoChat — free accountOpen PDF

Abstract

CO2 utilisation is gaining interest as a potential element towards a sustainable economy. CO2 can be used as feedstock in the synthesis of fuels, chemicals and polymers. This study presents a prospective assessment of carbon capture from a hydrogen unit at a refinery, where the CO2 is either stored, or partly stored and partly utilised for polyols production. A methodology integrating technical, economic and environmental models with uncertainty analysis is used to assess the performance of carbon capture and storage or utilisation at the refinery. Results show that only 10% of the CO2 captured from an industrial hydrogen unit can be utilised in a commercial-scale polyol plant. This option has limited potential for large scale CO2 mitigation from industrial sources. However, CO2 capture from a hydrogen unit and its utilisation for the synthesis of polyols provides an interesting alternative from an economic perspective. The costs of CO2-based polyol are estimated at 1200 €/t polyol, 16% lower than those of conventional polyol. Furthermore, the costs of storing the remaining CO2 are offset by the benefits of cheaper polyol production. Therefore, the combination of CO2 capture and partial utilisation provides an improved business case over capture and storage alone. The environmental assessment shows that the climate change potential of this CO2 utilisation system is 23% lower compared to a reference case in which no CO2 is captured at the refinery. Five other environmental impact categories included in this study present slightly better performance for the utilisation case than for the reference case.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This study prospectively assesses carbon capture at a refinery hydrogen unit with CO₂ either stored or partly utilised for polyol synthesis, using integrated techno-economic, environmental and uncertainty models. It finds that only 10% of captured CO₂ can be used in a commercial-scale polyol plant, but the CCUS case is economically attractive and reduces climate change impacts by 23% versus a no-capture reference, while large-scale mitigation potential is limited.

Key findings

  • Only 10% of the CO₂ captured from a 77 kt/a H₂ unit can be utilised in a 250 kt/a polyol plant; in the CCUS case, 58 kt/a CO₂ is utilised and 495 kt/a is stored, while CO₂ emissions fall from 890 kt/a (REF) to 271 kt/a (CCS and CCUS), a 65% reduction.
  • The CCUS case has the lowest polyol cost: LCOP of 1.2 €/kg polyol, 16% lower than conventional polyol (1.4 €/kg), while H₂ LCOP is 7.7 €/GJ in CCUS, 55% higher than REF (5.0 €/GJ); break-even CO₂ cost is 47 €/t for CCS vs REF and −47 €/t for CCUS vs REF, with payback periods of 5 years (REF), 8 years (CCS) and 6 years (CCUS).
  • CCUS reduces climate change impact by 23% compared with REF (2.0E-1 vs 2.6E-1 kg CO₂ eq per functional unit), and all other assessed impact categories except photochemical oxidant formation (POF) show slightly better performance than REF; POF is 8.3E-4 kg NMVOC in CCUS vs 8.0E-4 in REF.
  • Technical changes include 14 wt% less naphtha fuel consumption (70 to 60 kt/a) and 17 wt% lower propylene oxide consumption (243 to 202 kt/a) in CCUS, but primary energy use rises from 125 GWh (REF) to 623 GWh (CCUS).

Methods

  • Prospective assessment using the environmental due diligence (EDD) framework, integrating technical, economic and environmental models with uncertainty analysis; three cases are compared: REF (no capture, conventional polyol), CCS (capture and storage, conventional polyol) and CCUS (capture, partial utilisation for CO₂-based polyol, partial storage), with temporal scope 2015 and location Northwestern Europe.
  • Technical modelling uses Aspen Plus V8.4 for the H₂ unit with and without CO₂ capture, validated against a real Asian refinery with ±1% deviation, plus spreadsheet models for conventional and CO₂-based polyol synthesis; capture uses ADIP-X solvent with 95% capture efficiency.
  • Economic assessment estimates Capex from equipment lists and Aspen Capital Cost Estimator with a 0.65 scale exponent and 20% contingency, Opex from mass/energy flows and market prices, and uses LCOP, break-even CO₂ price and payback period; environmental assessment is a hybrid LCA using ReCiPe 1.11, ecoinvent v3.2 and EXIOBASE 3.3, with functional unit of 1 MJ H₂, 0.03 kg polyols and 0.187 kg low-pressure steam; uncertainty uses pedigree matrices and sensitivity analysis.

Limitations

  • Stated: the impact of CO₂ capture on PSA unit performance is not covered; additional costs of PPC and cPC separation are not included, so real plant capital costs may be higher; no validation was performed for the thermodynamics, chemistry and kinetics of the CO₂-based polyol models, and publicly available independent information for validation was unavailable.
  • Stated: environmental differences between cases are small (approximately 15% or 2–14% depending on category) and may fall within uncertainty margins, so the conclusion that CCUS is environmentally superior should be used carefully; the environmental determination of the investigated systems remains inconclusive.
  • Evident from the text: most technical models were developed by a single modeller with limited expertise in the area, except conventional polyol; Opex data came from only one source and was not validated; chemicals LCI for SA 5 had the lowest pedigree scores, with proxy chemicals needed for DMC catalyst and ADIP-X solvent and outdated/incomplete database processes for propylene oxide, monopropylene glycol and glycerol.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.jcou.2017.08.005

Cites

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 21 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The costs of storing the remaining CO2 are offset by the benefits of cheaper polyol production.

    “Furthermore, the costs of storing the remaining CO 2 are offset by the benefits of cheaper polyol production.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The H2 unit and the polyol plant are extensions to an existing plant located in Northwestern Europe.
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The host site delivers the utilities, so cooling towers and steam production are excluded from the cost estimates.
  • Findingown data

    Only 10% of the CO2 captured from an industrial hydrogen unit can be utilised in a commercial-scale polyol plant.

    “Results show that only 10% of the CO 2 captured from an industrial hydrogen unit can be utilised in a commercial-scale polyol plant.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    Five other environmental impact categories included in this study present slightly better performance for the utilisation case than for the reference case.

    “Five other environmental impact categories included in this study present slightly better performance for the utilisation case than for the reference case.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The climate change potential of this CO2 utilisation system is 23% lower compared to a reference case in which no CO2 is captured at the refinery.

    “The environmental assessment shows that the climate change potential of this CO 2 utilisation system is 23% lower compared to a reference case in which no CO 2 is captured at the refinery.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    Variations in the reaction pressure have the most important effect on the overall system.

    “However, variations in the reaction pressure have the most important effect on the overall system (Fig. 3b).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 54
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 21
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The costs of CO2-based polyol are estimated at 1200 €/t polyol, 16% lower than those of conventional polyol.

    “The costs of CO 2 -based polyol are estimated at 1200 €/t polyol, 16% lower than those of conventional polyol.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The H2 unit and the polyol plant are extensions to an existing plant located in Northwestern Europe.
    • The authors state this as an assumption: The host site delivers the utilities, so cooling towers and steam production are excluded from the cost estimates.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The LCOP per kg polyol produced is the lowest in the CCUS case, 16% lower than in the reference and CCS cases.

    “Thus, whilst the LCOP per GJ of H 2 is higher in the CCS and CCUS cases (+58/+55% compared to the reference), the LCOP per kg polyol produced is the lowest in the utilisation case (-16% with respect to the reference and CCS cases).”
    • Also stated in: § 4. Conclusions · plain
      “However, the levelised costs of polyol decrease to 1.2 €/kg polyol in the CCUS case, 16% lower than in the conventional process.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The H2 concentration entering the PSA was 72 mol% in the model of the H2 unit without capture and 91 mol% in the model of the H2 unit with capture.

    “The H 2 concentration entering the PSA was 72 mol% in the model of the H 2 unit without capture and 91 mol% in the model of the H 2 unit with capture.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The Theoretical understanding of the technical input data is of good quality, while the Empirical basis and Methodological rigour show a higher level of uncertainty.

    “The Theoretical understanding is also of good quality.The Empirical basis and the Methodological rigour show a higher level of uncertainty.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Since the CO2 is captured upstream the PSA, the PSA offgas has higher calorific value, and consequently naphtha fuel requirements for the furnace are lowered with respect to the reference case.

    “Since the CO 2 is captured upstream the PSA, the PSA offgas has higher calorific value, and consequently naphtha fuel requirements for the furnace are lowered with respect to the reference case.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The primary energy use of the overall system shows only minor changes (±2%) because only 10% of the total amount of CO2 captured is used in the polyol synthesis.

    “Nevertheless, the primary energy use of the overall system only shows minor changes ( ± 2%) because only 10% of the total amount of CO 2 captured is used in the polyol synthesis.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A commercial-scale polyol plant producing 250 kt/a can use only 10% of the CO2 captured from a typically sized hydrogen plant producing 77 kt/a H2; in the CCUS case the rest is sent to storage.

    “since the commercial-scale polyol plant (250 kt/a of polyol production) can only use 10% of the CO 2 captured from the typically sized hydrogen plant (77 kt/a of H 2 produced), the rest of the captured CO 2 is sent to storage in the CCUS case.”
    • Also stated in: § 4. Conclusions · plain
      “In the CCUS case, 10% of the total captured CO 2 is utilised in polyol synthesis while the remainder of the CO 2 is stored.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Chemical absorption with ADIP-X solvent leads to a capture efficiency of 95% of the total CO2 emissions, which corresponds to 552 kt/a of CO2.

    “Chemical absorption with ADIP-X solvent (a mixture of methyl diethanolamine (MDEA) and piperazine) leads to a capture efficiency of 95% of the total CO 2 emissions, which corresponds to 552 kt/a of CO 2 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Although the accuracy of the baseline value of the Capex for the polyol plant was -30% to +50%, the sensitivity analysis shows that those inaccuracies have no impact on the final product costs.

    “Although the accuracy of the baseline value of the Capex for the polyol plant was -30% to +50%, the sensitivity analysis shows that those inaccuracies have no impact on the final product costs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The differences between CCUS and REF range between 2 and 14% improvement over the REF case and may in some cases potentially fall within uncertainty margins.

    “However, the differences range between 2 and 14% improvement over the REF case and may in some cases potentially fall within uncertainty margins.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Both product costs are largely affected by the price of their respective major feedstocks (naphtha and PO), although the LCOP of the polyol is twice as sensitive as the hydrogen one (±19% and ±8%, respectively).

    “Both product costs are largely affected by the price of their respective major feedstocks (naphtha and PO), although the LCOP of the polyol is twice as sensitive as the hydrogen one ( ± 19% and ± 8%, respectively).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Naphtha production and transport (SA1) for all cases is also a key contributor, particularly to PMF and FD, while the combustion of naphtha and steam reforming in SA 2 (H2 unit) are the dominant processes contributing to CC and POF.

    “Naphtha production and transport (SA1) for all cases is also a key contributor, particularly to PMF and FD, while the combustion of naphtha and steam reforming in SA 2 (H 2 unit) are the dominant processes contributing to CC and POF.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The LCOP of H2 is also affected by changes in the Capex and the discount rate, while the LCOP of the polyol is stable against variations in these economic parameters.

    “Whereas the LCOP of H 2 is also affected by changes in the Capex and the discount rate, the LCOP of the polyol is stable against variations in these economic parameters.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The Opex for storage in the CCUS case is 10% lower than in the CCS case, which is proportional to the amount of CO2 stored.

    “The Opex for storage in the CCUS case is 10% lower than in the CCS case, which is proportional to the amount of CO 2 stored.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    In the CCUS case, 10% of the captured CO2 is used in polyol synthesis, and therefore the CO2 transported and stored is 90% of the CO2 transported and stored in the CCS case.

    “In the CCUS case, 10% of the captured CO 2 is used in polyol synthesis, and therefore the CO 2 transported and stored is 90% of the CO 2 transported and stored in the CCS case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    As a consequence, all of the investigated impacts in the CCUS case decrease relative to the reference and CCS cases, with the exception of POF.

    “As a consequence, all of the investigated impacts in the CCUS case decrease relative to the reference and CCS cases, with the exception of POF.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The LCOP of H2 is 7.8 and 7.7 €/GJ H2 in the CCS and CCUS cases, respectively.

    “The LCOP of H 2 is 7.8 and 7.7 €/GJ H 2 in the CCS and CCUS cases, respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The use of these polyol precursors is reduced by use of captured CO2 in the CCUS case and is evident in the lower SA 5 impacts in these categories.

    “The use of these polyol precursors are reduced by use of captured CO 2 in the CCUS case and is evident in the lower SA 5 impacts in these categories.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The scores of the criterion Proxy were the highest and the ones for the Reliability of source were intermediate.

    “The scores of the criterion Proxy were the highest and the ones for the Reliability of source were intermediate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Typical trends of CCS scenarios are observed, where advantages in climate change impacts are identified for CCS over the reference scenario, but moderate increases in other environmental impact categories.

    “Typical trends of CCS scenarios are observed, where advantages in climate change impacts are identified for CCS over the reference scenario, but moderate increases in other environmental impact categories.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Assuming a H2 market price of 1135 €/t and a polyol market price of 1700 €/tonne, the payback period is 5 years in the reference case, 8 years in the CCS case and 6 years in the CCUS case.

    “Assuming a H 2 market price of 1135 €/t and a polyol market price of 1700 €/tonne, the payback period (PBP) is 5 years in the reference case, 8 years in the CCS case and 6 years in the CCUS case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The Opex of SA 1 is 15% lower in the CCS and CCUS cases due to naphtha fuel savings from the enhanced heat content of the PSA offgas burned in the reformer furnace (as CO2 is captured upstream the PSA unit).

    “The Opex of SA 1 is 15% lower in the CCS and CCUS cases.This is due to naphtha fuel savings as a result of the enhanced heat content of the PSA offgas burned in the reformer furnace (as the CO 2 is captured upstream the PSA unit).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The differences between the three cases are approximately 15%, indicating relatively small differences in environmental performance outside of CC.

    “However, the differences between the three cases are approximately 15%, indicating relatively small differences in environmental performance outside of CC.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    As compared to the reference and CCUS cases, CCS alone increases the costs and other environmental impact categories analysed.

    “As compared to the reference and CCUS cases, CCS alone increases the costs and other environmental impact categories analysed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingreasoning

    The Validation criterion had the largest uncertainties in the economic assessment.

    “As already indicated in the technical assessment, the Validation criterion had the largest uncertainties.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    In the REF case, naphtha fuel consumption is 70 kt/a.

    “Naphtha fuel consumption | kt/a | 70 | 60 | 60”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Environmental assessments have shown that polyol synthesis based on a pilot plant for CO2 capture from a power plant had lower global warming impacts than traditional polyol manufacturing routes.

    “Environmental assessments have shown that polyol synthesis based on a pilot plant for CO 2 capture from a power plant had lower global warming impacts than traditional polyol manufacturing routes [18].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [18] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    The mismatch between the CO2 amounts emitted by the source and the amounts used by the CO2 sink was not addressed in that study.

    “Also, the mismatch between the CO 2 amounts emitted by the source and the amounts used by the CO 2 sink were not addressed.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Waste heat integration from nearby facilities may reduce the energy (and cost) penalty of the capture unit.

    “Moreover, waste heat integration from nearby facilities may reduce the energy (and cost) penalty of the capture unit [10].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [10] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Although CO2 utilisation capability of CO2-based polyols is small, there is added value in significant replacement of fossil feedstock.

    “So although the CO 2 utilisation capability of CO 2based polyols is small, there is added value in a significant replacement of fossil feedstock.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The input parameters have a high score for the Proxy criterion because they were based on data from the refinery and information from industrial experts in carbon capture and polyol synthesis.

    “The input parameters have a high score for the Proxy criterion since they were based on data from the refinery and information from industrial experts in carbon capture and polyol synthesis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The CO2 content in the polyol is 20 wt% because at higher shares, the polyol viscosity increases to the point of making it unsuitable for flexible PU foam application.

    “The CO 2 content in the polyol is 20 wt% [22,18] because at higher shares, the polyol viscosity increases to the point of making it unsuitable for flexible PU foam application [13,23].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 4 sources checked
    • cites [22]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [18] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [13] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [23]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Implementation of carbon capture at refineries sets a business case when CO2 is partially utilised as in the CCUS case, but not when there is only CO2 storage, as in the CCS case.

    “Implementation of carbon capture at refineries sets a business case when CO 2 is partially utilised as in the CCUS case, but not when there is only CO 2 storage, as in the CCS case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The values of the conventional polyol were validated against data from experts of a polyol manufacturing site, but this was not done for the CO2-based polyols.

    “The values of the conventional polyol were validated against data from experts of a polyol manufacturing site.However, this was not done for the CO 2based polyols.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The polyol process flowsheets were validated by personal communication with experts from a polyol manufacturing site; this information was not peer-reviewed, so lower pedigree scores were given.

    “In the case of the polyol processes, the flowsheets were validated by personal communication with experts from a polyol manufacturing site [21].This information was not peerreviewed, and therefore lower pedigree scores were given to”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    In the reference and CCS cases, the same amount of hydrogen and polyol are produced as in the CCUS case to ensure system equivalence.

    “To ensure system equivalence, in the reference and CCS cases, the same amount of hydrogen, polyol are produced as in the CCUS case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The same process sizes were defined for the three cases: 77 kt/a of H2 production and 250 kt/a of polyol production.

    “The same process sizes were defined for the three cases: 77 kt/a of H 2 production and 250 kt/a of polyol production (based on a world-class scale plant).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Although there is no information on a real refinery with the specific CO2 capture unit included in the models, CO2 capture by chemical absorption has been applied to other systems, so the capture unit model could be validated although measurements included proxy variables or spanned a limited domain.

    “Although there is no information on a real refinery with the specific CO 2 capture unit included in the models, CO 2 capture by chemical absorption has been applied to other systems.The model of the capture unit could thus be validated although the measurements included proxy variables or spanned a limited domain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The overall polymerization reaction in both conventional and CO2-based polyol synthesis is exothermic, but the energy released in the CO2-based polyol is lower.

    “The overall polymerization reaction in both conventional and CO 2 -based polyol synthesis is exothermic, but the energy released in the CO 2 -based polyol is lower.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The input data of the conventional polyol process were provided by experts of a polyol R&D and manufacturing plant, but the input data of the CO2-based polyol were derived from conventional polyol data, increasing uncertainty.

    “The input data of the conventional polyol process were provided by experts of a polyol R & D and manufacturing plant [21].However, the input data of the CO 2 -based polyol was derived from conventional polyol data and thereby the level of uncertainty increased.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Capturing CO2 upstream of the PSA increases the heating value of the PSA offgas, so it contributes more heat to the reformer furnace.

    “Since CO 2 is captured upstream the PSA, the PSA offgas has an enhanced heating value and contributes more heat to the reformer furnace.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The reduced CO2 content in the feed gas will affect the PSA cycles and time, which should be adjusted so the separation targets are met despite the CO2 feed variation.

    “The reduced CO 2 content in the feed gas will affect the PSA cycles and time, which should be adjusted so the separation targets are met despite the CO 2 feed variation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    No validation was performed for the thermodynamics, chemistry, and kinetics included in the models, resulting in low scores.

    “There was no validation performed for the thermodynamics, chemistry, and kinetics included in the models, resulting in the low scores.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The models of the H2 unit were validated by comparing them with data from a real refinery, and therefore they have the highest score.

    “The models of the H 2 unit were validated by comparing them with data from a real refinery (Appendix A), and therefore they have the highest score.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    A sensitivity analysis was carried out to quantify the effect of six selected input parameters on the primary energy requirements for the polyol system area (SA 4b) and for the overall system (SA 2b and SA 4b).

    “Besides the qualitative pedigree analysis, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to quantify the effect that six selected input parameters have on the primary energy requirements for the polyol system area (SA 4b), and for the overall system (SA 2b and SA 4b).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    To minimize subjectivity, pre-defined pedigree matrices were used.

    “To minimize subjectivity, pre-defined pedigree matrices were used (Appendix D).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The knowledge base uncertainty of the different research areas was systematically assessed using pre-defined pedigree matrices.

    “The knowledge base uncertainty of the different research areas was systematically assessed using pre-defined pedigree matrices (Appendix D).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The remaining system areas score fairly high as these were based on the technical modelling, which was specific to the plants studied.

    “The remaining system areas score fairly high as these were based on the technical modelling, which was specific to the plants studied.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The Capex of the H2 and the capture units were validated against independent cost estimation of the same equipment and scope, but due to scarce availability of real project data on polyol systems, they scored 1 in the Capex validation.

    “The Capex of the H 2 and the capture units were validated against independent cost estimation of the same equipment and scope.However, due to scarce availability of real project data on polyol systems, they scored 1 in the Capex validation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The differences in results between REF, CCS and CCUS cases are generally small, and given the uncertainty assessment, the conclusion that CCUS is the environmentally superior option should be used carefully.

    “The differences in results between REF, CCS and CCUS cases are generally small, and given the uncertainty assessment, the conclusion that CCUS is the environmentally superior option should be used carefully.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Additional costs of PPC and cPC separation are not included in this study, meaning that in a real plant the capital costs of the CO2-based polyol process may be higher.

    “Note, however, that additional costs of PPC and cPC separation are not included in this study, meaning that in a real plant, the capital costs of the CO 2 -based polyol process may be higher.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The Capex input data was derived from independent open literature and therefore scored a 2.

    “The Capex input data was derived from independent open literature and therefore scored a 2.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Technical model validation of the H2 unit without capture shows deviations from real refinery data of less than 1% for total flow, pressure, temperature, mass fraction, H2O, H2, CO, CO2, CH4, and naphtha at syngas before WGS, and deviations of -2% for pressure, -1% for CO2, and 1% for CH4 at PSA inlet.

    “Δ(Total flow) < 1% -1% Δ(Pressure) < 1% -2% Δ(Temperature) < 1% < 1% Δ(Mass fraction < 1% < 1% Δ(H 2 O) < 1% < 1% Δ(H 2 ) < 1% < 1% Δ(CO) < 1% < 1% Δ(CO 2 ) < 1 % -1% Δ(CH 4 ) < 1% 1% Δ(Naphtha) < 1% < 1%”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    SA 5 is a significant contributor to all of the studied impact categories, which indicates an incentive to obtain higher quality data for the chemicals used in this system.

    “This same SA is a significant contributor to all of the studied impact categories (Fig. 5), which indicates an incentive to obtain higher quality data for the chemicals used in this system.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The chemicals used in the facility (SA 5) show the lowest scores, representing a lack of available and representative data to model the required chemicals.

    “From the table, it can be seen that the chemicals used in the facility (SA 5), show the lowest scores, representing a lack of available and representative data to model the required chemicals.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The LCOP of polyol is directly influenced by the PO price but this does not negatively affect the competitiveness of the CO2-polyols.

    “The LCOP of polyol is directly influenced by the PO price but this does not negatively affect the competitiveness of the CO 2polyols.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The Opex input data sources were qualified estimates by industrial experts supported by industry data and therefore scored a 3.

    “The Opex input data sources were qualified estimates by industrial experts supported by industry data and therefore it scored a 3.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment performed in this study indicates that CO2 utilisation in combination with CO2 storage can become a cost-effective mitigation option that still provides environmental advantages.

    “The integrated techno-economic and environmental assessment performed in this study indicates that CO 2 utilisation in combination with CO 2 storage can become a cost-effective mitigation option that still provides environmental advantages.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    A review of technical design values of polyol synthesis reported in the literature was performed and together with experts in polyol R&D specific values were used to develop the polyol models.

    “A review of the technical design values of the polyol synthesis reported in the literature was performed [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] and together with experts in polyol R & D and manufacturing [21] specific values shown in Table A2 were used to develop the polyol models.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [21]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These trends arise from the carbon capture process (SA 2), which reduces the CC impact relative to the REF case, but increases relative POF impacts because the PSA offgas, which is released to the atmosphere, is richer in CO.

    “These arise from the carbon capture process (SA 2), which reduces the CC impact relative to the REF case, but increases relative POF impacts because the PSA offgas, which is released to the atmosphere, is richer in CO.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Uncertainty analysis was performed using pre-defined pedigree matrices for each research area.

    “Uncertainty analysis was performed using pre-defined pedigree matrices for each research area.See Tables D1-D5.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The results show that the combination of CCUS and CCS can provide a feasible option to reduce the CO2 emissions associated with this type of refinery operations while improving the business case.

    “The results show that this combination of CCUS and CCS can provide a feasible option to reduce the CO 2 emissions associated with this type of refinery operations while improving the business case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Proxy chemicals were necessary to model the DMC catalyst and the ADIP-X solvent, and the database processes used for propylene oxide, monopropylene glycol and glycerol are somewhat outdated and incomplete.

    “In particular, proxy chemicals were necessary to model the DMC catalyst and the ADIP-X solvent, and the database processes used for the propylene oxide, monopropylene glycol and glycerol are somewhat outdated and incomplete.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    CO2 transport and storage scores a 2 since the Opex was based on the ZEP reports (2011) [31,45], which include inputs from industrial partners, but do not explicitly constitute an industrial quote and assumptions are not fully documented.

    “However, CO 2 transport and storage scores a 2 since the Opex was based on the ZEP reports (2011) [31,45], which include inputs from industrial partners, but do not explicitly constitute an industrial quote and assumptions are not fully documented.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [31]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [45]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The break-even analysis carried out at the system level showed that the reduced costs of the CO2-polyol in the CCUS case compensate for the increase in H2 costs, thus making the CCUS case more economically attractive than the reference case.

    “A break-even analysis carried out at the system level showed that the reduced costs of the CO 2 -polyol in the CCUS case compensate for the increase in H 2 costs, thus making the CCUS case more economically attractive than the reference case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The results in Fig. 5 indicate negligible contribution of the CO2-polyol system area to overall impact in the investigated categories, so the low scores for this system area are of less concern.

    “However, the results presented in Fig. 5 indicate negligible contribution of the CO 2 -polyol system area to overall impact in the investigated categories, so the low scores in for this system area are of less concern.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
66 of 66

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The H2 unit and the polyol plant are extensions to an existing plant located in Northwestern Europe.

    “To carry out the cost estimation, it was assumed that the H 2 unit and the polyol plant are extensions to an existing plant located in Northwestern Europe.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The host site delivers the utilities, so cooling towers and steam production are excluded from the cost estimates.

    “The host site was assumed to deliver the utilities and therefore facilities such as cooling towers or steam production were excluded from the cost estimates.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The number of injection wells drilled is proportional to the amount of CO2 stored and the field has constant injectivity and permeability.

    “It was assumed that the number of injection wells drilled is proportional to the amount of CO 2 stored and that the field has constant injectivity and permeability.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Cyclic propylene carbonate is removed in the vacuum stripper together with odours.

    “In this study, we assume it is removed in the vacuum stripper together with the odours [15].”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The same manning is assumed for conventional and CO2-based polyol plants.

    “The same manning was assumed for the conventional and CO2-based polyol plants, one extra engineer and one extra operator shift were added for the capture unit.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The real refinery used for validation does not include a CO2 capture unit.

    “The H 2 unit of the real refinery does not include a capture unit.”
6 of 6

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • CCS electricity requirement differs between tables

    Minor

    Table 4 reports CCS electricity use as 7 424 kW, whereas Table A3 reports 7 454 kW for the same case.

  • Stated environmental improvement range excludes the climate result

    Minor

    The discussion says improvements over the reference case range from 2% to 14%, but the paper also reports a 23% improvement in climate change potential for CCUS.

2 of 2

The citation lists haven’t been fetched yet

References 26 · Cited by 104

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Pérez-Fortes, 2016, Carbon capture and utilisation −synthesis of fuels, chemicals and materials, SETIS Mag., 11, 43
  2. Sinott, 2005, vol. 6

Authors
Fernández-Dacosta, C., van der Spek, M., Hung, C. R., Oregionni, G. D., Skagestad, R., Parihar, P., Gokak, D. T., Strømman, A. H., & Ramirez, A.
Affiliations
  • Utrecht University (NL)
  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NO)
  • Tel-Tek (NO)
  • Bharat Petroleum (India) (IN)
Corresponding author
Fernández-Dacosta, Cora
ORCID
Venue
Journal of CO2 Utilization
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2017-10
Volume
21
Pages
405-422
ISSN
2212-9820 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jcou.2017.08.005
OpenAlex
W2755569217
Semantic Scholar
c41051151c5650039440c23e4589ba22c9263d9b
Cited by
104
References
26
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 14 · 2021: 21 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 2
FWCI
7.44
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Journal of CO2 Utilization (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Research Repository (Delft University of Technology) (submittedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Norges Forskningsråd (218952)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Environmental Engineering › CO2 Sequestration and Geologic Interactions
  • Physical Sciences › Energy › Energy Engineering and Power Technology › Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
Keywords
CO2 capture, CO2 utilization, polyol synthesis, carbon capture and storage, techno-economic analysis, environmental impact assessment, climate change potential, CO2 emission reduction, uncertainty analysis

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review