Why Gas-Tight Blowers are Vital in CO₂ Capture

As global pressure to reduce carbon emissions intensifies, carbon capture technologies, including Direct Air Capture (DAC), pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel processes, are becoming central to industrial decarbonisation strategies. At the heart of these systems lies a component often overlooked but utterly essential: the gas-tight blower. 

BECKER is the only industrial manufacturer currently offering gas-tight blowers, making us a pioneer in this market. This expertise, combined with our consultative approach to industry challenges, makes us a valuable long-term partner in carbon capture. In this article, we’ll explore the role of gas-tight blowers in CO₂ capture, the challenges they solve, how they compare to other solutions, and why BECKER blowers are uniquely positioned to support advanced carbon capture systems. 

 

Visit our Carbon Capture page to learn more

 

What Is a Gas-Tight Blower? 

A gas-tight blower is a type of blower designed to prevent any leakage of gases, such as CO₂, into or out of the blower housing. In carbon capture systems, this feature is critical. Captured carbon dioxide must be handled with the utmost care to prevent losses and contamination. 

Gas-tight blowers are engineered with special sealing systems, corrosion-resistant materials, and non-lubricated compression (oil-free) to support clean, leak-free, and continuous operation in sensitive environments.

 

How Does Oil-Free Compression Technology Improve Performance in CO₂ Capture?

Oil-free compression is often a mandatory requirement in CO₂ capture, as operators cannot risk contaminating process media with lubricants. This principle applies not only to blowers but also to other BECKER industrial vacuum and pressure technologies, such as claw pumps and rotary vane pumps. 

By eliminating oil, BECKER solutions ensure: 

 

• Purity of captured CO₂ 
• Lower maintenance and downtime 
• Greater compatibility with sensitive capture and storage processes 

The Role of Regenerative Blowers in CO₂ Capture:

In carbon capture processes, non-contact blowers play an integral role at multiple stages: 

Air Intake & Pre-Treatment:
Blowers draw in atmospheric or process air, as well as gases, which must then be filtered and cooled before entering the capture system. In this stage, they also provide the transport of gases before CO₂ separation begins. 

CO₂ Separation & Capture: 
Whether using chemical absorption, membranes, or physical processes, CO₂ is isolated from other gases. Gas-tight blowers ensure that none of the captured carbon escapes, protecting process efficiency. In membrane-based capture, they also create the required differential pressure that drives CO₂ separation. 
 
Recirculation, Compression & Liquefaction: 
Once separated, CO₂ may need to be recirculated through membranes or capture media, compressed for transport, or even pre-compressed for liquefaction. Here, regenerative blowers with gas-tight features provide stable performance under varying pressure conditions. 

Post-Capture Handling:
In most applications, captured CO₂ must be transported for long-term storage or reuse. At this stage, gas-tight and corrosion-protected blowers handle the transfer of remaining process gases. Our corrosion-resistant variants (anodized) withstand wet gases, while the blowers also compensate for pressure fluctuations and can be equipped with additional filtration solutions to manage potential contamination. 

Why Use Gas-Tight Blowers Instead of Fans or Compressors?

While standard centrifugal fans and basic compressors can move air or gas, they often lack the precision control, tight sealing, and customisability required in carbon capture environments. Gas-tight blowers strike a balance between efficiency and specialised performance. Key advantages include: 

 

• Leak-tight operation → avoids loss of valuable CO₂ 
• Oil-free compression → ensures gas purity and reduces maintenance 
• Plug-and-play integration → streamlines installation into DAC units, modular skids, or membrane systems 

BECKER solutions include both Side Channel Blowers and Radial Blowers, both of which are available in gas-tight versions for CO2 capture – optimal for carbon capture systems. The choice of the best working principle depends on the particular application, and we are happy to consult. 

 

Unique Technical Features of BECKER Gas-Tight Blowers: 

BECKER blowers are engineered with a deep understanding of the challenges faced in carbon dioxide handling. Some of the standout features include: 

Gas-Tight Construction: 
Our regenerative blowers are fully sealed with mechanical shaft seals and leak-proof housings, ideal for handling CO₂ or gas mixtures. 

Oil-Free Compression: 

No risk of contamination. BECKER blowers operate without lubrication in the compression chamber, making them ideal for clean CO₂ applications. 

 

Customisable Configuration: 

BECKER blowers can be tailored to the specific technical and environmental requirements of each application. Beyond the blower itself, we also provide a full range of accessories to support easy integration and performance optimisation, including:

 

• Silencers 
• Filters 
• Variable Speed Drive (VSD) technology 
• Fittings and connection pieces 

These additions simplify integration and boost efficiency. For example, VSDs allow engineers to adjust and test operating points, which is especially valuable in pilot and development phases. Our consultative approach ensures the right solution is selected for your process. 

 

Machine Integration Made Easy:

Our expert engineered solutions are designed for modular carbon capture systems, with a focus on space-saving form factors and simple integration into existing setups – supporting both horizontal and vertical modular integration.

 

 

Applications BECKER supports in Carbon Capture Technologies: 

BECKER gas-tight blowers are already being integrated across carbon capture architectures. We support: 

 

• Direct Air Capture (DAC): Drawing in atmospheric air and circulating captured CO₂ through membranes or sorbents 
• Pre-Combustion Capture: Managing syngas and hydrogen streams before combustion 
• Post-Combustion Capture: Handling flue gas streams after combustion in power plants and cement works 
• Oxy-Fuel Combustion: Recirculating high-purity CO₂ streams in controlled combustion environments 
• Membrane Separation Systems: Supporting pressure-controlled CO₂ extraction through semi-permeable membranes 

Overcoming CO₂ Handling Challenges: 

CO₂ presents unique challenges in gas handling due to its reactivity, moisture content, and pressure variability. BECKER blowers are engineered to meet these head-on: 

Wet Gas Handling:

Materials and coatings are selected to resist corrosion and prevent performance degradation from condensation. 

Pressure Fluctuations: 
Blowers are tested at different operating points to ensure stable flow and pressure control under varying load conditions. Frequency inverter technology (variable speed drive) help achieve this by continuously adjusting motor speed, which compensates for pressure fluctuations and keeps the medium’s flow constant. 

Sealing Integrity: 
Customised sealing systems prevent leakage even under elevated back-pressure, ensuring safety and efficiency. 

Automation Compatibility: 
BECKER blowers can be delivered with control systems and feedback interfaces for remote monitoring, flow control, and smart integration. 

 

Why Engineers Choose BECKER for Carbon Capture Systems: 

At BECKER, we strive to be more than a supplier; we act as your trusted technical partner. Our consultative approach ensures each blower is optimised for its environment, whether it’s installed in a research-scale DAC unit or an industrial Carbon Capture skid.

✔ Trusted Globally, Delivering Locally 
With a reliable global service network and localised technical support, BECKER offers fast response times and regionally relevant solutions, wherever you are. 

✔ Consultative Sales Engineering 
From concept to commissioning, our expert team supports engineers with configuration, performance validation, and integration planning – we are here every step of the way. 

✔ Robust Aftermarket Support 
Whilst our solutions are designed for minimal maintenance, BECKER’s global service and spare parts support ensures reliable long-term operation. As a full-solution industrial pump manufacturer, we provide the peace of mind that your systems are supported, and your operations are in safe hands. 

 

Ready to Enhance Your CO₂ Capture System? 

Whether you're in early R&D or scaling up a full facility and looking for an ETO project, BECKER gas-tight regenerative blowers are a proven choice to support reliable, clean, and efficient carbon capture operations. Download our technical data sheets here to start finding your perfect solution.

 

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