Successful demonstration in Dunkirk of the CO2 capture DMX process
Operational since April 2023 on ArcelorMittal’s Dunkirk site, the industrial pilot for the capture of CO2 present in blast furnace gases has delivered promising results. The objective of this pilot is to validate the DMX capture process, developed by IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN) and marketed by Axens, to enable the decarbonization of a whole range of industrial activities, including steelworks, cement plants, glassware manufacture, refining, chemicals and petrochemicals.
The industrial pilot was built and is being operated within the framework of two projects: the European H2020 “3D*” project involving 11 European partners(1) including ArcelorMittal, Axens, IFPEN and TotalEnergies, and the DinamX* project, supported by ADEME and bringing together these same four partners(2).
3D pilot: success of the first “parametric” test phase
The DMX process demonstration pilot has been operating in stable conditions since April 2023 to capture the CO2 present in blast furnace gases emitted during steel production at ArcelorMittal’s Dunkirk site. The objectives are to show the operability of the process, validate good energy performances, confirm the stability of the solvent and demonstrate the purity of the captured CO2.
Results obtained since April 2023 are in line with expectations for the technology and confirm, even at this early stage, the efficiency and energy performance of DMX technology. A comprehensive series of operational tests has been conducted with the unit operating 24/7. CO2 capture rates exceed 90%. The pilot unit produces CO2 with a high level of purity (> 99.5%) while energy consumption remains remarkably low. Moreover, after thousands of operational hours, no solvent degradation has been observed in spite of the high concentrations of contaminants present in the gas treated.
For Vania Santos-Moreau, 3D and DinamX project manager “After 15 years of development of this innovative technology at IFPEN from proof of concept through to the laboratory, we’re proud to have demonstrated the performance of the DMX process for an industrial gas flow. It’s all thanks to intensive teamwork, conducted with our partners since the launch of the 3D project back in May 2019. And it represents an important step towards the decarbonization of industry in France and around the world.”
Towards the marketing of DMX decarbonization technology
Developed and patented by IFPEN, the DMX process, a French technology marketed by Axens, uses an amine demixing solvent to capture CO2 contained in the flue gases produced by heavy industries. Capture will be necessary in order to reduce industrial emissions. 2/2
The significant reduction in the energy required for the process and the excellent stability of the solvent make the DMX process a unique, innovative, efficient and flexible solution.
The marketing of a competitive French technology like DMX fits squarely with the CCUS strategy launched by the French government and will contribute to the country’s national industrial decarbonization objectives.
For Clément Salais, manager of the CO2 capture team at Axens, “The step we’ve taken with this demonstrator is essential to enable Axens to commit to performance guarantees, and to support our customers in their future decarbonization projects.”
(1) Coordinated by IFPEN, the “3D” project brings together other 10 partners from research and industry from 6 European countries: ArcelorMittal, Axens, TotalEnergies, Air Products, Brevik Engineering, John Cockerill, DTU, Gassco, ETHZ and Uetikon.
(2) DinamX project partners are IFPEN, Axens, TotalEnergies and ArcelorMittal. The 3D and DinamX projects are sponsored by Lhoist and Suez.
*The 3D project was supported by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (Grant Agreement No 838031).
*The DinamX project is supported by the French Investments for the Future Program (PIA) operated by ADEME.
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