North Haven, CT (February 14th, 2022) - Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) received a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I program award from the Department of Energy (DOE) to advance a cost competitive metallic-based membrane reactor for modular blue hydrogen production with CO2 capture from multi-feedstock gasification.

PCI’s membrane reactor offers high purity hydrogen (H2) from gasified coal/biomass blends or reformed natural gas and allows for simultaneous carbon dioxide (CO2) capture. The proposed technology supports the Department of Energy-National Energy Technology Laboratory vision for developing high efficiency and cost-effective modular gasification technologies for fuel-flexible and waste remediation systems.

Prior H2 membrane reactor work focused on demonstrating advantages of membrane reactors for H2 generation from coal/biomass-derived syngas. PCI’s process-intensified design integrates membrane and manufacturing innovations as well as insights from prior work to decarbonize the entire process and meet performance and cost requirements for multi-feedstock gasification. PCI’s approach also enhances the membrane’s thermal and chemical stabilities when operated in coal/biomass gas environments.

Phase I work will focus on demonstrating technical concepts and economic viability of the proposed approach to deliver H2 at a competitive cost. We will perform process simulation, optimization, and technoeconomic analysis, utilizing resources available through DOE’s IDAES, supported by experimental determination of the chemical and thermal stability of the proposed metallic membrane under representative conditions. PCI’s team includes leading university experts in the field during the effort and includes interaction with two major U.S. corporations on manufacturing and implementation.

Principal Investigator, Dr. Hani A.E. Hawa states, "We’ve integrated several innovations within a process-intensified approach to create the potential for multiple performance advances as well as energy and cost savings.  Our technology is also modular and scalable, suitable for both small and large scale applications.” PCI President, Kevin Burns, adds, “We’re working to improve membrane performance, energy cost and life to lower capital and energy cost and system complexity.  This is ambitious but we believe has high potential.”

Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy and environmental technology company developing new processes and systems for energy and environmental sector applications.

For more information, contact:
Tony Anderson
Director, Business Development and Marketing
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