Gas Compression
Carbon Capture & CCUS Compressor Lubricants
NEXT Lubricants supplies compressor lubricants for carbon capture and storage compression across post-combustion and industrial CO₂ capture, pipeline transport compression and geological storage injection. Product selection is based on CO₂ purity level, impurity composition, operating pressure and the specific compression duty within the CCS chain.
Knowledge
Lubrication Considerations for Carbon Capture & CCS Compression
Supercritical & Dense-Phase CO₂ Conditions
CCUS compression raises CO₂ to supercritical pressures — typically above 74 bar — where it transitions from gas phase to dense-phase behaviour. In dense-phase and supercritical conditions, CO₂ has significantly higher density and lower compressibility than conventional gas-phase compression, influencing mechanical loads on the compressor and the behaviour of the lubricant throughout the system.
CO₂ Solubility & Impurity Effects
CO₂ dissolves readily into compressor lubricants under the elevated pressures of CCS compression, reducing lubricant viscosity in the oil-CO₂ mixture within the compressor. Unlike industrial-grade CO₂, captured CO₂ from power generation or industrial sources may contain impurities including moisture, SOx, NOx, hydrogen and oxygen depending on the capture process and source — each influencing lubricant compatibility and the aggressiveness of the gas environment at the compressor.
Continuous Duty in Emissions-Critical Service
CCUS compressors operate continuously as critical path assets in carbon capture facilities where compressor downtime directly affects CO₂ capture rates and emissions compliance. Lubricant stability under sustained operating conditions and extended service life between planned maintenance intervals are practical requirements alongside technical compatibility with the compressed gas stream.
products
Carbon Capture & CCUS Compressor Lubricants
The following lubricants are available for carbon capture and CCUS compression across post-combustion capture, pipeline transport and geological storage injection applications. Final selection depends on operating pressure, CO₂ phase behaviour, impurity levels in the captured gas stream and compressor design. If you need assistance selecting the right product, use the recommendation form below or contact our technical team directly.
NEXT GPL PAG-WS
High-Pressure CO₂ / Dense-Phase Compression Lubricant
Base Oil: PAG (EO/PO)
ISO Range: 32 – 320
NEXT GPL PAO
Carbon Capture / Process CO₂ Compression Lubricant
Base Oil: PAO
ISO Range: 32 – 680
NEXT PAO
CO₂ Liquefaction / Ship Transport Compression Lubricant
Base Oil: PAO
ISO Range: 15 – 320
Cross reference tool
Find Equivalent Carbon Capture & CCUS Compressor Lubricants
Use the NEXT Lubricants cross-reference database to find equivalent alternatives to commonly used biogas compressor lubricants.
Our technical team can help identify the right product.
Recommendation
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