ION; “TCM Is Unrivaled!”

Since October of last year, Erik Meuleman, Chief Technology Officer of ION Clean Energy. Together with ION’s Research & Development team have conducted a test campaign at TCM on their ICE-31 solvent system. The Dutchman Meuleman joined ION in 2016. The same year as ION was the first US-based CO₂ capture company that tested at TCM. “We were a ‘Guinea pig” and laid the ground work for many other US Department of Energy-backed technologies to be further tested at TCM, he says with a smile.”

ION Clean Energy

ION is a dedicated CO₂ capture technology company headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. “We have a team of top-notch chemists, numerous engineers with specializations in processes, materials, mechanics, control and automation. As a result, we have strong corporate and administrative support. Currently, we employ 25 professionals and we are experiencing strong, organic growth focused on the continued development of our high-performing teams.”

Chief Technology Officer at ION Clean Energy, Erik Meuleman, has been leading the company’s test campaign at TCM’s amine plant in recent months. “We are extremely satisfied with the results we have achieved,” he says in this interview.

ION’s website boldly promotes your solvent as “The world’s best capture solvent”. You’re not modest.

“How do you substantiate such a claim?” 

“I will outline the key advantages of ICE-31 (.pdf) using three bullet points:

• Unparalleled Solvent Stability: ICE-31 demonstrates exceptional resistance to oxidative degradation, resulting in an extended solvent lifespan.
• Favorable Emissions Profile: We have conducted validation tests at TCM to confirm its remarkably low and environmentally friendly emissions profile.
• Energy Efficiency: ICE-31 maintains high capture efficiency while consuming minimal energy.

The feedback from potential investors and competitors leads us to believe that we have developed something truly exceptional. One of the world’s premier capture solvent systems. If not the best. We eagerly anticipate the moment where independent authoritative third parties corroborate these claims on our new TCM results.” 

“What specific advantages does ICE-31 technology offer compared to competing technologies?”

“The game-changing property of ICE-31 is its exceptional chemical stability in oxidative environments. Feedback indicates that our emissions are very low. If not ultra-low, for a high-performing amine-based system. This enables deep decarbonization of processes with relatively low energy consumption and excellent compatibility with materials.”

Eight years ago, ION tested its ICE-21 solvent at TCM. Now, you have been back with the ICE-31 solvent. Aiming to advance it from TRL 6 to TRL 7.

“Has ICE-21 been shelved, or is ICE-31 an improved version of ICE-21?”

“Indeed, ICE-21 has been successfully developed. And ION designs its capture plants to be adaptable to either solvent. The choice between them is made on a case-by-case basis.” 

“Why did you choose to return to TCM for testing. And what strengths do you see in TCM compared to other testing centers? 

“We chose to return to TCM for several compelling reasons. Among these, several stand out:

• TCM’s Proven Track Record: TCM boasts a remarkable history of successfully conducting 20X scale-ups, including handling highly confidential data with the utmost trustworthiness.
• High-Quality Data: TCM excels in providing high-quality data due to its in-depth understanding of the entire process, including operations, major equipment, online measuring devices, and laboratory facilities. This comprehensive knowledge is instrumental in generating reliable results.
• Credibility with Clients: TCM’s results hold substantial weight in our interactions with both existing and potential clients. This credibility has even attracted the interest of renowned institutions such as LLNL and LBNL, who are keen to explore deep decarbonization and ultra-low emissions using innovative amine-based solvents.
• Visitor-Friendly Environment: TCM is excellent in welcoming visitors, be they clients, strategic collaborators, or investors. The accommodating and professional atmosphere enhances our interactions and contributes positively to our projects.
• Meeting OCED Requirements: OCED mandates test results at power levels exceeding 10 MW. Collaborating with TCM allows us to work with the largest and most reputable facilities, aligning with industry standards and expectations.
• On a personal note, the lunches served at TCM’s canteen are simply top-notch, making our overall experience even more enjoyable.

“How would you describe the progress of testing at TCM since you started in October?”

“Since our project began with the integration of our solvent into the existing TCM plant in October.  There has been significant progress. Both ION and TCM teams have embarked on a steep learning curve, gaining valuable insights into each other’s roles and contributions within this collaboration. Specifically, ION has been delving into the intricate details of the TCM Amine Plant’s flexible operations, while TCM has been deepening its understanding of the unique properties of the ICE-31 solvent.

The hallmark of our collaboration has been outstanding teamwork. We have efficiently addressed and resolved challenges that have arisen along the way, showcasing our collective problem-solving capabilities. As we proceed, we are systematically progressing through the project’s work packages, each of which brings us closer to achieving our objectives.

One of the most significant milestones we have been working towards is demonstrating the capture of CO₂ beyond its concentration in the ambient air, a territory that has been uncharted for us. The results we have achieved seem very promising.”

“If, as a result of the testing at TCM, you succeed in advancing ICE-31 from TRL 6 to 7, what would be the next step in introducing the technology to the market?”

“ION is already actively engaged in several projects, and we have garnered the confidence of key industry players who are eager to incorporate our designs and technology. This interest is demonstrated by the visits of prominent companies to TCM during our testing campaign. For instance, we’ve hosted Koch Engineered Solutions, Siemens Energy, and Calpine. All of these companies are in the process of expanding their CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) efforts.

Furthermore, I would consider advocating for advancing to TRL 8 for applications up to 200 ktpa (thousands of metric tons per annum). This expanded scope will enable us to address a broader range of applications and markets. Regardless of the TRL level, it’s crucial to emphasize that testing at a scale larger than 10 MW, as exemplified by TCM, is a prerequisite for securing commercial scale support from the DOE’s Carbon Capture Demonstration Projects Program, which has $2.5 billion in funding to help accelerate the demonstration and deployment of carbon management technologies.”

“How do you perceive the interest in the industry in the USA and potentially in other parts of the world for the solutions ION can offer for full-scale CO₂ capture?”

“ION receives numerous inquiries each week, indicating a substantial level of interest in our technology. Notably, there are ongoing public projects that are progressing at full capacity, including those with Calpine (Sutter Decarbonization Project and Delta Energy Center) and Tampa Electric (Polk Power Station).

These capture plants have been meticulously designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions, with each capable of capturing over 1 million metric tons per annum (mtpa). The largest of these projects boasts an impressive capacity of 3.7 mtpa, underscoring the significant scale and impact of our initiatives.”

TCM has served as a testing ground for a wide range of technologies, both mature and emerging, since its inception in 2012, and its owners have decided to continue this mission.

“From your perspective, what significance does the ongoing operation of TCM hold for the CCS industry in the years ahead?”

“The continued operation of TCM is of immense significance for the CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) industry moving forward. Facilities like TCM play a pivotal role in expediting the development of new technologies, such as ours. As far as I am aware, TCM is unrivaled in its capabilities, and I can confidently say that without TCM, ION would not have had the opportunity to evolve into the mature technology that we are today.

By providing a robust platform for testing and validation, TCM not only accelerates the development of CCS technologies but also ensures their reliability and effectiveness in real-world applications. This, in turn, paves the way for the widespread adoption of CCS solutions, ultimately contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the advancement of sustainable practices within the industry.”

“Thank you for taking the time for the conversation, and good luck with your further endeavors!”