Optiperm™ carbon is a breakthrough carbon capture technology that economically unlocks point source carbon capture, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and enables low carbon intensity processes
Philadelphia, Pa., December 1, 2022 – Compact Membrane Systems, Inc. (CMS), a pioneer in separation solutions for low carbon intensity processes, and Braskem (B3: BRKM3, BRKM5, and BRKM6; NYSE: BAK; LATIBEX: XBRK), the largest polyolefins producer in the Americas and a leading producer of biopolymers in the world, are pleased to announce their joint development agreement to pilot CMS Optiperm™ carbon membrane technology for carbon capture on post-combustion flue gas.
The pilot project
Designed to capture at least 1 ton per day of carbon dioxide (>350 tons per year), this will be the first commercial demonstration of CMS’ carbon capture technology. The unit will operate using a process boiler flue gas feed stream at a Braskem location. The process will validate economic viability and capture >90% of the CO2 from the feed using commercial-scale membranes. CMS has demonstrated the viability of the membrane technology at the lab scale. The demonstration will focus on validating the full low-cost, low-energy, easy-to-operate customer solution: operating window, system design, and control scheme. The pilot is scheduled to be deployed in 2024 after the selection of an engineering firm.
Why carbon capture
Many leading industries have committed to aggressive emission reduction by 2035. Braskem has committed to reducing emissions by 2030 and neutralizing emissions by 2050. While the industry is motivated to deploy technology, the majority of hard-to-electrify sources are not served by incumbent technology. Carbon capture technology reduces emissions of existing processes by at least 90% by filtering and concentrating CO2 at the source for later utilization or sequestration. To bridge the gap between the present and the future, point source capture must be deployed on all existing infrastructure to protect our planet while continuing to create the chemical and material building blocks that power today’s world.
Optiperm™ carbon: Carbon Capture at Scale
Optiperm™ carbon harnesses the power of facilitated transport to economically unlock carbon capture for hard-to-abate industrial point sources. Optiperm™ carbon membranes can operate at low pressure, at elevated temperatures, and in the presence of poisons, resulting in low cost-per-ton of CO2 captured. The membrane technology is modular and scalable, enabling economic capture for applications like blue hydrogen, steel, and cement. The membrane can be used as a stand-alone unit or in conjunction with existing technology to increase the capacity of installed systems.
“We are thrilled to continue working with Braskem,” notes CMS chief executive officer Erica Nemser. “The olefins project has really paved the way for our carbon capture technology. Braskem continues to be a leader in recognizing and deploying novel technology and is an exceptional partner. This is a big step forward for Optiperm™ carbon and for the clean energy transition.”
Enabling a carbon neutral future
Braskem is a global leader in polyolefins and is committed to harnessing technology that allows it to continue to supply the world while pursuing its Sustainable Development strategy. The world of chemicals production is evolving and deploying novel technology allows Braskem to lead the way for the energy revolution. Utilizing emerging technology like point source carbon capture technology allows Braskem to directly reduce the carbon emission intensity of its products and meet near-term decarbonization targets. Large-scale implementation combined with permanent CO2 storage can unlock a carbon-neutral footprint for existing technologies.
“Braskem has prioritized sustainable development since its inception in 2002. By 2030, we seek to reduce scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 15%; and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Innovation partnerships like this one with CMS are how we will reach these goals. We are excited to continue this journey with CMS to capture carbon emissions from our processes and make our facilities even more sustainable,” said Gus Hutras Global Process Technology Director, Braskem.
ABOUT COMPACT MEMBRANE SYSTEMS, INC. (CMS)
Compact Membrane Systems (CMS) enables the clean energy transition and improves the efficiency of chemical processing through membrane solutions. Located in Newport, Delaware, CMS provides durable and effective separation solutions in the toughest environments. CMS membranes can be used independently or in conjunction with existing infrastructure to recover and remonetize streams that would otherwise be undervalued or wasted. CMS technology delivers new sources of revenue and lowers costs for process industries including petrochemicals, biogas, refining, specialty chemical, and pharmaceuticals.
CMS combines innovative research with practical industry know-how to deliver modular units with lower energy usage and smaller footprints than existing separation technologies. From polymer development to product engineering, to system design, CMS has the capabilities and partnerships to deliver projects of any size. For more information or to learn more, visit www.compactmembrane.com.
CMS on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/CompactMembraneSystems
https://www.linkedin.com/company/compact-membrane-systems-inc/
https://twitter.com/compactmembrane
For press information, please contact:
Christine Parrish – (412) 708 0672 – cparrish@compactmembrane.com
ABOUT BRASKEM
With a global vision of the future oriented towards people and sustainability, Braskem is committed to people and the planet. The petrochemical company’s almost 8,000 team members dedicate themselves every day to improve people’s lives through sustainable chemicals and plastics solutions. Braskem has an innovative DNA and a comprehensive portfolio of plastic resins and chemical products for diverse segments, such as food packaging, construction, manufacturing, automotive, agribusiness, healthcare, and hygiene, among others. With 40 industrial units in Brazil, the United States, Mexico, and Germany, Braskem exports its products to clients in more than 70 countries.
Braskem America is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A. headquartered in Philadelphia. The company is the leading producer of polypropylene in the United States, with five production plants located in Texas, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, an Innovation and Technology Center in Pittsburgh, and operations in Boston focused on leveraging groundbreaking developments in biotechnology and advanced materials. For more information, visit www.braskem.com/usa.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains projections and other forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) regarding future events. These statements reflect Braskem’s current beliefs and expectations with respect to Braskem’s business, the economy, and other future conditions and are based on assumptions, are subject to risk and uncertainties and are subject to change at any time. Actual events or results may differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained herein include, without limitation: (i) the continuation of restrictions related to the COVID -19 Pandemic or the continuing effects of the Pandemic; (ii) the contraction or lack of growth in the market segments in which Braskem competes and in which its products are sold (iii) unexpected delays in commissioning, (iv) increased competition from imports or in the export markets, (v) inability to anticipate future market trends and the future needs of Braskem’s customers, (vi) the impact of natural disasters on Braskem’s facility and its suppliers and (vii) other factors detailed in documents Braskem files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Braskem on social media:
www.facebook.com/BraskemGlobal
www.linkedin.com/company/braskem
For press information, please contact:
Braskem North America
Stacy Torpey – (215) 841 3194 – stacy.torpey@braskem.com
