Carbon Capture for
Clinker Production
Executive Summary
Tree Associates Limited has developed a novel carbon capture technology optimised for clinker production, significantly reducing energy costs and environmental impact compared to traditional amine-based processes. Our technology achieves energy consumption as low as 0.74 kW per kilogram of CO₂ captured, with a capture efficiency of approximately 95%, delivering liquid CO₂ at a purity of 99.81%. These results offer clear, practical advantages over amine processes, making carbon capture economically and environmentally attractive.
Clinker production is a critical component of cement manufacturing and a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions. On average, producing one tonne of clinker emits approximately 0.717 tonnes of CO₂. These emissions are primarily due to the chemical process in the kiln that converts limestone (calcium carbonate) into clinker, releasing CO₂ in the process.
Producers face increasing environmental regulations, carbon taxes, and sustainability pressures targeting these reaction-based emissions. Traditional carbon capture methods, notably amine-based technologies, have significant limitations including high energy consumption (1.2-1.4 kW/kg CO₂), water dependency, sensitivity to contaminants such as NOx and SOx, and the requirement for on-site steam generation. Additionally, amine processes deliver gaseous CO₂, requiring further energy-intensive liquefaction for sequestration.
Our Innovative Solution
Our proprietary carbon capture technology leverages advanced thermodynamic principles, innovative materials science, and proprietary expander technology to significantly improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Unlike amine-based systems, our method requires no water and is unaffected by the presence of NOx and SOx.
The CO₂ is captured directly as a high-purity liquid, ready for immediate use or sequestration, eliminating additional energy costs associated with liquefying gaseous CO₂ from amine capture processes.
The Challenge
Methodology & Digital Twin Modelling
We built a comprehensive digital twin model of our carbon capture process, integrating actual emissions data from clinker kilns to accurately simulate real-world performance. This digital twin allowed precise optimisation of energy usage and demonstrated robust performance under realistic operational conditions.
Results & Comparative Analysis
Our modelling demonstrated the following results:
Energy Efficiency: 0.74 kW/kg CO₂ captured delivered in liquid form, significantly better than amine processes (1.2-1.4 kW/kg CO₂ delivered in gas form).
Capture Efficiency: Approximately 95% CO₂ capture rate.
CO₂ Purity: Delivered directly as liquid CO₂ at 99.81% purity, ready for transportation, sequestration, reuse, or onward processing.
Additional comparative advantages include:
Direct liquid CO₂ production reduces overall energy costs compared to amine methods.
No requirement for water.
Unaffected by NOx and SOx contaminants.
Practical Implications & Benefits for Clinker Producers
Adopting our carbon capture technology provides substantial environmental and economic benefits:
Significantly lower operational and environmental costs compared to purchasing carbon credits.
Liquid CO₂ is measurable, additional, and verifiable in terms of captured quantity.
Economically viable compliance with strict regulatory requirements, including international legislation such as the EU's CBAM.
Eliminated water dependency, enhancing environmental resilience.
Operational flexibility with emissions containing NOx and SOx.
Immediate usability of high-purity liquid CO₂ for sequestration or commercial applications.
Future Steps & Invitation to Collaborate
Our carbon capture technology is source-agnostic, and we continue exploring broader industrial decarbonisation applications. Specifically, we are investigating potential uses in electricity production (coal-fired power stations), aluminium production, and blue hydrogen production. We seek collaborative partners to expand our work in these sectors.
Currently, we are planning a pilot carbon capture plant for testing at a clinker kiln. Further information will be shared as this project progresses.
Where Next?
We are passionate about the positive environmental impact our carbon capture technology can have in hard-to-abate industries. The promising thermodynamic analyses and modelling results, highlighting significantly reduced energy requirements compared to competing technologies, reinforce our commitment.
We will continue innovating, addressing industry challenges, and working collaboratively with industry partners.
Due to high demand, we are prioritising early collaborators. We invite interested clinker kiln owners to join our waiting list, ensuring timely, meaningful discussions and early access to our collaborative pilot projects. We warmly encourage forward-thinking clinker kiln owners to connect with us below to explore mutually beneficial opportunities. Joining our priority list ensures you are among the first to benefit from this innovative partnership journey towards sustainable clinker production.