Out of the stream

The patented technology behind the system was initially developed at the Robert Gordon University. It is based on the use of simple porous materials that separate CO2 from the other gases by selective permeation. The driving force in the process is partial pressure, making the separation process independent of gas flow rates.

The company says that its membrane-based systems will be more compact that existing systems used for the task – 80m2 versus over 600m2 for a comparable amine-based system. In addition, it believes that they will be more reliable and easier to maintain since they contain no moving parts and the membrane life is greater than one year.

New systems based on the technology will not only be mechanically stronger than polymer membranes, but they will be capable of operating at high pressures of 80 bar and high temperatures of 300C – much higher than existing systems.

In September this year, the company won a SMART award from the Scottish Executive to develop and trial a multi-tubular hybrid membrane system for the removal of acid gases, including carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide from natural gas streams.