Continuouscarbon

Continuouscarbon is a term used in environmental engineering and energy sectors to describe approaches and systems that continuously manage, reduce, and monitor carbon emissions across industrial processes. It emphasizes real-time data, ongoing operation, and integration with existing process systems, as opposed to batch or intermittent carbon capture activities.

The concept covers technologies and practices that operate in a continuous mode, including continuous emissions monitoring systems to track CO2 and other pollutants, automated capture loops, and solvent or solid sorbent regeneration cycles. It often involves process integration and digital optimization, potentially including direct air capture integrated into process streams and subsequent utilization or storage pathways.

Technologies associated with continuouscarbon include post-combustion and pre-combustion capture configured for continuous operation, membrane separation, and sorbent or solvent systems designed for cyclic regeneration. Mineralization and electrochemical CO2 reduction may also be pursued in continuous configurations. Integration with heat recovery, power supply, and waste-heat streams is common to minimize energy penalties and improve overall efficiency.

Applications span high-emission sectors such as power generation, cement and lime production, steelmaking, and other chemical manufacturing where emissions are closely tied to throughput. The approach aims to enable real-time control, lower downtime, and more resilient decarbonization pathways.

Key challenges include high capex, energy penalties associated with regeneration, integration with legacy plants, and regulatory and liability considerations. Ongoing research focuses on durable materials, low-energy regeneration, system optimization through digitalization, and scalable deployment in industrial settings. See also CCUS, direct air capture, and continuous emissions monitoring.