Frequently Asked Questions
We’re often asked the same questions, so we have posted them here.
How did Atlantic Hydrogen get started?
Follow this link (in PDF)to get the full story.
How does the CarbonSaver™ technology reduce emissions?
The CarbonSaver™ removes a portion of the carbon (C) from the methane (CH4) portion of natural gas. The bonds of methane molecules are broken during the process to form solid carbon (C) and gaseous hydrogen (H2). The solid carbon is removed from the gas, causing a direct reduction in carbon emissions (CO and CO2) when combusted. The remaining hydrogen enriched natural gas, when combusted, reduces the production of nitric oxides NOx when compared to combustion of pure natural gas and other hydrocarbons.
What is carbon black?
Carbon black is a form of amorphous carbon that is usually created by the incomplete combustion of heavy petroleum products. It is primarily used in the production of automobile tires, belts, hoses and as pigment and printer toner.
What happens to the carbon that is removed from the natural gas?
Atlantic Hydrogen is performing research on the analysis and market matching for the carbon that is removed from natural gas. Some possibilities are inks, dies and tire markets.
What is plasma?
Plasma is the fourth state of matter. It consists of an ionized gas in which free electrons are present and provides an electrically conductive path.
Where will the CarbonSaver™ e used?
The immediate markets for the CarbonSaver™ are at filling stations for natural gas vehicles, natural gas generation – both turbine and internal combustion engines and any place where natural gas is burned as a heat source.
How does the CarbonSaver™ technology compare with other methods of producing hydrogen?
The CarbonSaver™, unlike Steam Methane Reforming, does not release any greenhouse gases during the reforming process, SMR releases approximately 8 tons of CO2 for every ton of H2 produced. The CarbonSaverTM process is an on-demand process and can be started and stopped immediately.
What is the efficiency of the CarbonSaver™?
This is usually answered by means of a comparison to Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and Electrolysis. The CarbonSaverTM requires the equivalent of between 3-4 kW-hrs to produce a cubic meter of pure hydrogen. Electrolysis requires between 4-5 kW-hrs to produce a cubic meter of pure hydrogen and SMR requires approximately 0.2 kW-hrs to produce a cubic meter of pure hydrogen.
Why do you target 15% - 20% hydrogen by volume?
For engine and motor vehicle fuel, 20% or less hydrogen in natural gas is considered the same as natural gas. Research has shown that the greatest benefit from hydrogen enriched natural gas occurs in the 10% - 20% hydrogen range.
What voltage is the plasma?
The voltage required to produce the plasma depends on many factors; the plasma distance (gap), the type of media used (natural gas), the operating pressure, and the operating temperature. Typically the system plasma voltages range from 1kV – 20kV.
At what temperature do the reactors operate?
The actual plasma temperature is between 1500 deg. C – 2500 degrees C. The gas exiting gas temperature may reach 300 degrees C and the reactor surface temperature is generally less than 200 degrees. C.
How much power/energy does the system require to operate?
The actual energy required to produce the plasma for the CarbonSaverTM is between 600W – 800W per cubic meter of 20% hydrogen enriched natural gas. The percentage of hydrogen in the natural gas depends on the plasma power.
What type of maintenance is required and how often is it performed?
With the present system, electrode replacement is scheduled for every 6 months while operating 40 hours/week. The reactor ceramic pieces, carbon slurry and the dry-carbon filter material will require replacement on timeframes yet to be determined.
How is the CarbonSaverTM operated and controlled?
The CarbonSaverTM is operated and controlled using and industrial programmable logic controller (
What pressure does it and can it operate at?
The CarbonSaverTM demonstration system operates on a feed pressure of 15 psig, research is being performed to evaluate the technology at pressures of 150 psig and higher.
Is the CarbonSaverTM dangerous?
The CarbonSaverTM system is closely monitored and is only operated by trained and experienced personnel. All components of the CarbonSaverTM were designed with large safety factors to ensure a safe and controllable system.
What duration can the CarbonSaverTM operate for and what is its expected lifespan.
The CarbonSaverTM will be tested at durations of 72-hour continuous runs and 40-hour weeks, the expected minimum lifespan is 10 years.
What are the operating ranges for the CarbonSaverTM demonstration system?
The CarbonSaverTM demonstration system can operate with natural gas flow rates between 12 m3/hr and 50 m3/hr with hydrogen concentrations ranging from 0% to 20% hydrogen by volume.
What are the projected costs of the CarbonSaver™ systems?
CarbonSaver™ is in pre-commercial product stage and continues to be put through a number of proof of concept/demonstration stages involving volume, pressure and temperature parameters. The characteristics and handling of the carbon black also continues to go through it’s own rigorous analysis. A number of licensing business models are being explored subject to the outcomes of the research described. Contact Josh Samuel for further information.
Can the CarbonSaverTM be installed in a house or vehicle?
Not at this point. The CarbonSaverTM is currently designed for an industrial or commercial location.
Why is the CarbonSaverTM demonstration system so compact?
The CarbonSaverTM demonstration system was designed with a small footprint since many of the possible market locations for the CarbonSaverTM technology have limited space for equipment.
What is the theoretical efficiency limit to the technology?
The theoretical efficiency limit for the CarbonSaverTM plasma technology is just less than 1 kW-hr per cubic meter of pure hydrogen.
When do you expect to commercialize the CarbonSaverTM?
The next step for Atlantic Hydrogen’s CarbonSaverTM is a scaled-up demonstration of the system with commercialization to follow.