CarbonAssist

Challenge

Climate change is a global concern, associated with the rapid rise of the atmospheric CO₂ concentration. To mitigate CO₂ emissions, there are significant efforts in research and development for carbon removal, including in CO₂ capture and separation both from the stationary sources with high CO₂ concentrations (e.g. industry processes or power generation flue gas) as well as directly from the atmosphere. There are a number of different technologies that are currently deployed and also under investigation. However, these technologies are still quite energy-intensive or costly. Carbon removal as a part of a portfolio of approaches to reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations is consistent with a strategy for achieving net zero, an objective to meet 1.5^oC target in the Paris Agreement.

Solution

We have developed a system which consists of a simple and readily-available two-part chemical mixture, placed in different units, which allows CO₂ capture from different sources at low cost. The chemical mixture has a high affinity to CO₂ . The units are designed to be modular which ensures versatility and scalability.

Value proposition

The technology has demonstrated the potential to capture CO₂ from different emission sources as well as directly from air at very low costs (target <$50/t CO₂).

Technology

The technology encompasses an engineering design and a novel chemical system. The chemical system is encapsulated within a unit which is a two-part solution that is readily manufactured at commercial scales. The chemical system has a longevity between 2 to 5 years depending on the application. There are 2 different designs which are focused on CO₂ capture directly from air and industrial processes (pre and post combustion).

Applications

CarbonAssist can be applied to capturing CO₂ directly from air and emissions from different sources such as flue gases from combustion. The captured CO₂ can then be used to create value in existing and different industries such as medical, food and beverages, chemical, oil and gas and in cement manufacturing.

Intellectual property

We currently have four patents related to the chemical composition of the CO₂ capturing system and the unit designs.

The team

Our team of researchers (chemists and engineers) have conducted laboratory experiments which identified the chemical system and evaluated its performance under a variety of accelerated ageing conditions. The team has also designed, and is currently piloting, a five tonne per year system at their facility. Larger CO₂ capture units are currently being designed, constructed and will be deployed across different industrial sites, set to commence in 2021.