Sustainable Transformation and Recovery of Energy and Ammonia using Membrane Crystallisation (STREAM-C)
Lead Research Organisation:
CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science
Abstract
This proposal seeks to demonstrate reactive membrane crystallisation as a disruptive technology for biogas upgrading, to accelerate the transition to net-zero by stimulating rapid growth in biomethane production. The industrial scale validation proposed for this 'triple carbon' innovation, which is founded on science arising from the PI's ERC starting grant, will de-risk investment by the water sector, unlocking the significant contribution that this transformational solution can make to the EU's decarbonisation strategy for heat.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Ewan McAdam (Principal Investigator) |
| Description | The focus is on the scale-up of membrane crystallisation for use in gas-liquid applications. In this study, we look at the role of pressure, reaction and mixing to determine how best to control the independent stages of nucleation and crystal growth |
| Exploitation Route | We intend to pursue funding to work with three identified industrial partners to scale up the research focussing on configuration, reproducibility and treatment quality |
| Sectors | Chemicals Energy Environment Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
| Description | Industry partners are evaluating how this technology could be adopted within an expansion of their methane production capacity, prior to investment. Critically one facet of the work (thermal ammonia recovery) has proven to be highly successful in engaging with industry, and we seek to further secure our IP position on this while liaising with a major global engineering company to drive the technology forwards - currently pursuing a licensing agreement for this company to work with us in scaling-up. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Chemicals,Environment |
| Description | Working with industrial end-users |
| Organisation | Severn Trent Water |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | We have been working with three water utilities to progress the research and development beyond the scope of the grant through dissemination and discussion (Northumbrian Water, Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water) |
| Collaborator Contribution | Providing practical context and insight |
| Impact | Seeking to find leveraged funding to support onward R&D activity - ongoing |
| Start Year | 2023 |
| Description | Conference to discuss membrane crystallisation |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | COnference to discuss outputs of research activity |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |