AZoCleantech speaks to Mark Roper at Hiden Isochema about the role of gravimetric sorption analyzers in carbon capture.
Could you give us an overview of the IGA ECOsorp and explain what sets it apart from other gravimetric sorption analyzers on the market?
The IGA ECOsorp is a new product specifically targeted at carbon capture applications. It is a benchtop gravimetric sorption analyzer designed using the same high-stability chassis and microbalance as our IGAsorp series vapor sorption analyzers.
Measurements are gravimetric; the sample mass is continually monitored as the gas composition, humidity level, and temperature are controlled. Isothermal methods are programmed to vary the CO2 partial pressure, humidity, and temperature as required and study the response of the sample material to the changing conditions. Full sorption kinetics are recorded and analyzed, in addition to determining the equilibrium sorption uptake.
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What are some of the most innovative features of the IGA ECOsorp, and how do these features enhance the accuracy and reliability of sorption measurements?
In comparison to other commercially available products, the IGA ECOsorp offers a number of innovative and unique features:
- Widest controllable CO2 partial pressure range of any dynamic sorption analyzer: When four gas inlets are selected, the CO2 partial pressure can be programmed at any value from 100 ppm (0.01 %) to 100 %. Frequently, such low concentrations require pre-mixed gas cylinders, but the IGA ECOsorp allows use of standard pure gas supplies, with complete control of the partial pressure as part of the programmed measurement.
- Unique barometric compensation technology for accurate CO2 flow regulation: Dynamic flow sorption analyzers primarily regulate gas concentration, rather than gas partial pressure. The IGA ECOsorp incorporates a barometric pressure sensor, which allows the CO2 concentration to be converted to partial pressure, using the measured barometric pressure. Additionally, the IGA ECOsorp offers unique barometric compensation technology, with the programmed CO2 partial pressure automatically regulated using feedback from the barometric sensor.
Which industries or research areas do you see benefiting the most from the IGA ECOsorp, and how does it cater to the specific needs of these sectors?
There are three broad groups of customers, as follows.
- R&D departments of commercial organizations developing materials for carbon capture and storage (CCS), in particular, direct air capture (DAC) and post-combustion capture (PCC) applications.
- Sorbent manufacturers with a requirement to characterize their products under controlled humidity and CO2 partial pressure conditions, including cyclic and stability studies.
- Academic sites wishing to characterize novel materials for diverse applications, including DAC and PCC, especially research groups with a need for a flexible, reliable sorption analyzer.
We are already seeing significant interest from commercial and academic researchers evaluating candidate sorbents for DAC processes who are attracted by the IGA ECOsorp’s ability to make measurements under precisely controlled conditions, which are relevant to DAC.
How does the IGA ECOsorp improve the user experience compared to previous models? Are there any new functionalities that make it easier for researchers to operate and interpret data?
Two of the most significant features from the user perspective relate to the level of automation. Measurements can be programmed across the full range of CO2, humidity, and temperature values, with extended cyclic studies commonly used to demonstrate the stability of potential carbon capture materials. The IGA ECOsorp includes a unique reservoir refill device to keep the water vapor generator topped up, allowing prolonged unattended operation.
Additionally, sample loading is quick and straightforward, and the software is both user-friendly and flexible. There are a range of advanced analysis features within the software including isotherm modelling, and both thermodynamic and kinetic analysis routines.
What has been the initial response from your customers and beta testers regarding the IGA ECOsorp? Are there any particular aspects they’ve highlighted as especially valuable?
We’ve received some very positive and extremely valuable feedback so far. The ease of use has been highlighted, as well as the instrument stability across a wide range of conditions. Other customers really like the option for additional gas inlets, or an integrated Hiden mass spectrometer to be added as future upgrades. In common with many of our products, customers like the versatility - the IGA ECOsorp can also be used as a conventional water sorption analyzer, like our IGAsorp DVS analyzer.
Looking ahead, how do you see the IGA ECOsorp evolving? Are there any plans for further enhancements or additional features in future iterations of this product?
At this stage, we feel that the IGA ECOsorp addresses the needs of researchers working in the areas I mentioned fairly comprehensively, but we are always keen to hear from customers with suggestions for enhancements. Many of our recent product developments – both hardware and software – have been the direct result of suggestions from customers. Sometimes a relatively minor change can make a big difference to a customer’s experience, and if we can help, we will!
About the Speaker
Dr Mark Roper is Sales and Marketing Director for Hiden Isochema, and is based at the company headquarters in the UK. Mark obtained a MSci(Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, and went on to study for a PhD in Physical Chemistry at the same institution. He gained his PhD in 2004, with a thesis on the structure and bonding of self-assembled adsorbed monolayers of thiolates on gold substrates.
Mark then joined Hiden Isochema as a Systems Engineer, before becoming an Application Specialist in 2007, focused on gravimetric gas and vapour sorption instrumentation for characterising the chemical and physical properties of materials.
In 2009, he was promoted to his current position, since when Hiden Isochema have led the introduction of several new product ranges, including the next generation microbalance technology featured in the XEMIS series of gravimetric sorption analysers, and the ABR series of automated breakthrough systems.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Hiden Isochema.
For more information on this source, please visit Hiden Isochema.
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