Direct Carbon Immobilization (DCI™): Circular processing of complex waste streams with minimal carbon emissions

DOPS Recycling Technologies developed an innovative thermochemical conversion technology, DCI™, which converts complex waste streams into valuable raw materials such as syngas and solid carbon, without significant carbon emissions. The Fieldlab Industrial Electrification (FLIE) supported DOPS in validating and scaling up this technology to industrially relevant scale.

Project objective

The aim is to recover primary raw materials from waste and residue streams, while minimising greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the project contributes to the energy transition, carbon transition and resource transition.

More than 90% of waste is converted into new raw materials.

Technology successfully tested on complex waste streams, such as milk cartons and plastics.

Groundwork laid for automation and scale-up to TRL 6 with industrial scrubber.

Approach

In collaboration with FLIE, TU Delft and Gouda Refractories, DOPS built a laboratory-scale reactor (LSR) at InVesta's Fieldlab in Alkmaar. This reactor heats waste streams to 1000°C without oxygen supply, breaking down hydrocarbons into syngas (CO and H₂) and leaving a clean, solid residue. As of March 2023, several TRL 5 tests have been carried out to validate the technology.

Results

  • More than 90% of waste that would otherwise be incinerated or landfilled is converted into new raw materials.
  • The technology has been successfully tested on complex waste streams, such as milk cartons and various plastic materials.
  • A solid foundation has been laid for further automation and scale-up to TRL 6, including the integration of an industrial scrubber.
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Dops

Partners

  • DOPS Recycling Technologies
  • Fieldlab Industrial Electrification (FLIE)
  • TU Delft
  • Gouda Refractories
  • InVesta
  • InnovationQuarter (Energy & Climate innovation programme)
  • North Holland Innovation Fund

More information

For more details on this project, visit the full news article on our website: Direct Carbon Immobilization: recovering primary raw materials with less carbon emissions

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