Pentair FlashCO₂ is a patented CO₂ recovery technology designed for hydrogen plants and steam reformers. It uses PSA off-gas with up to 50% CO₂ concentration, eliminating the need for steam. By combining chilled methanol absorption with advanced CO₂ liquefaction, FlashCO₂ delivers high-purity, food-grade CO₂ at low cost – without the need for steam stripping. With a recovery rate of 92%, FlashCO₂ outperforms conventional amine systems while offering unmatched installation flexibility and energy efficiency.
 

FlashCO₂ Technology – Key Benefits

High Efficiency & Output

• Up to 92% CO₂ recovery – exceeding industry minimums by 12%
• Boosts hydrogen production by up to 115%

Low Operating Costs

• No steam consumption – eliminates need for LP steam
• Low energy use – typically 1 GJ/ton CO₂
• No chemical waste or effluent treatment required

Superior CO₂ Quality

• Produces high-purity, food-grade liquid CO₂
• Enables recovery of valuable fuel gas byproducts

Flexible & Scalable Installation

• Stand-alone units possible
• Can be installed outside hydrogen plant fence
• Minimal changes to existing infrastructure

Environmental Impact

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
• Supports long-term CO₂ reduction goals

 

Challenge

Access to low-pressure steam and high operating costs are major challenges for CO₂ recovery using MDEA, which typically consumes 1 ton of steam per ton of liquid CO₂. MDEA systems also require complex modifications to hydrogen plants and installation in ATEX zones, often facing licensing hurdles.

• 
  was designed to overcome these issues with a simple, end-of-pipe solution that uses PSA off-gas and requires no steam. The unit can be installed outside the hydrogen plant fence, minimizing disruption. An optional PSA can recover up to 10% additional high-purity hydrogen. Steam methane reforming remains the leading hydrogen production method, converting methane and steam into syngas, followed by shift conversion and PSA purification to separate hydrogen from CO, CO₂, and CH₄.