Oil and gas company ExxonMobil has published key takeaways from its pilot direct air capture (DAC) project in Baytown, Texas.
After years of researching DAC technology, in February 2024 the company launched a hands-on trial, aiming to test out its proprietary DAC process developed by a group of ExxonMobil scientists, engineers, researchers, and operators.
In a recent publication, lead process researcher Jun Shi shared a summary of the insights the team was able to gain in the 8 months of operations at the pilot.
Direct air capture technology relies on machines that capture and filter air, removing the CO2 molecules from it and allowing for the captured carbon to be stored permanently.
ExxonMobil set out to test their own unique DAC method, aiming to identify ways in which the system can be optimized and refined to a state that will allow large-scale application.
Tested in different atmospheric conditions, including near-freezing temperatures, heavy storms, and the Texas summer heat, the DAC method developed by ExxonMobil met the expectations of its developers and proved the efficacy of the active capture material utilized in this process.
As the pilot has been running continuously for 8 months, the ExxonMobil team had the chance to evaluate the effect of factors like temperature, humidity, and even pollen on the overall performance of the machines, deeming them important for proper functioning.
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The publication states that while testing the different segments of the DAC system, including the active material in the filters, the mechanical and engineering design of the platform, as well as the operating procedures and strategies, the team was already able to recognize optimization opportunities.
Developed at a fast pace, this pilot managed to reach completion in less than a year from the concept development phase. Keeping in line with this momentum, the team behind the pilot is now focused on further operation advancements through active material improvements and process development.
This pilot is part of ExxonMobil’s mission to not only accelerate their own decarbonization strategy but to also bring the costs of DAC technology down to a level that will allow widespread commercial deployment.
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