The Need
Industrial processes that utilize syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) often generate tail gas streams rich in CO₂ and other byproducts. Conventional carbon capture methods, such as acid gas removal units, are highly energy-intensive and reduce overall plant efficiency. There is a critical need for a solution that enables efficient CO₂ capture while simultaneously maximizing the value of tail gases and improving syngas purity for downstream applications.

The Technology
This technology, developed by OSU engineers, is an integrated reactor system employing chemical looping with moving bed reactors. It processes tail gas streams and carbonaceous feedstocks (e.g., biomass, natural gas, coal) using oxygen carrier materials that cycle through multiple oxidation states. The system recovers energy from tail gases, generates a sequestration-ready CO₂ stream, and produces high-purity syngas (>90%) for use in downstream industrial processes. The design is modular and can be retrofitted into existing facilities.

Commercial Applications
• Steel and metals production (Direct Reduced Iron, blast furnaces)
• Hydrogen and methanol synthesis
• Clean fuels and chemicals manufacturing
• Biomass and waste-to-energy conversion

Benefits/Advantages
• Achieves high-purity CO₂ capture (>90%) and syngas generation (>90%) in a single integrated process
• Reduces energy consumption compared to conventional acid gas removal systems
• Enables carbon-neutral or carbon-negative operation depending on feedstock and configuration
• Modular design allows for easy integration into existing industrial plants, enhancing process efficiency and sustainability