The so-called 3D Project, using a DMX technology demonstration plant for CO2 capture installed at ArcelorMittal’s Dunkirk plant, is operating stably and to expected efficiency and energy performance levels, says engineering company Axens, which commercialised DMX.
The pilot line capturing the CO2 in blast furnace gases has been the object of round-the-clock tests. The unit is producing CO2 with a high level of purity exceeding 90%, with low energy consumption and no solvent degradation despite the high concentrations of contaminants in the gas treated, Axens says.
The technology, patented by research company IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), has taken 15 years of development, Kallanish notes. The steelmaker and Axens launched the 3D project in 2019. Coordinated by IFPEN, the French DMX technology is the result of a research project including ArcelorMittal, Axens, TotalEnergies, Air Products, Brevik Engineering, John Cockerill, DTU, Gassco, ETHZ and Uetikon.
It uses an amine demixing solvent to capture CO2 contained in the flue gases produced by heavy industries. Capture will be necessary in order to reduce industrial emissions. “The significant reduction in the energy required for the process and the excellent stability of the solvent make the DMX process a unique, innovative, efficient and flexible solution,” Axens says.
The DMX technology is seen accelerating French industry decarbonisation using a carbon capture utilisation storage strategy.
Natalia Capra France
