KC8 Capture Technologies has launched pilot-scale testing of its UNOGAS system, featuring the UNO MK3 solvent process, at the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC).
Designed to capture up to 95% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the system targets major industrial sources such as natural gas and cement plants.
After assembly in Houston and thorough pre-delivery checks, the system has now been installed at the NCCC and is set for a six- to nine-month testing phase starting in August.
This testing will expose the technology to real-world flue gas conditions, accelerating its path to commercialization.
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At the core of the system is the UNO MK3 solvent – a potassium carbonate-based process enhanced with a catalyst.
It offers a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional amine solvents, operating in high-oxygen environments with lower energy use and no toxic emissions.
Benefits include up to 50% lower costs, low environmental impact, and multi-contaminant capture.
Testing will occur in a 5-10 tonne-per-day plant using flue gas from the NCCC’s natural gas system, under both exhaust gas recirculation (7% CO2) and non-recirculation (4%) scenarios.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, this second phase aims to prove the UNO MK3’s commercial readiness.
The NCCC’s real-world testing platform plays a vital role in scaling promising technologies.
“It’s always exciting and rewarding to collaborate with pioneering innovators working toward the same goal – to accelerate the development and deployment of groundbreaking carbon management technologies,” said Tony Wu, principal engineer at NCCC.
KC8 CTO Barry Hooper added: “Our mission is to bring low-cost, environmentally safe, high-performance carbon capture processes to industries worldwide.”
Managed by Southern Company, the NCCC supports global developers in advancing carbon capture solutions from research to real-world deployment.
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