EnCana Cenovus Phases I & II

Phase I

Completed at the end of April, 2009, this phase saw a preliminary study of the carbon coming from the CarbonSaver Alpha unit.

Characterization and analyses were performed across three laboratories that specialize in carbon black and nano-carbons testing. Besides the Applied Nanotechnology Lab at UNB, ASTM testing was performed at Continental Carbon Co. in Houston, TX and collaborator Columbian Chemicals Co. in Atlanta, GA.

The results were consistent across the three laboratories. There was some uniformity among the samples for bulk properties of surface area and structure. Surface area was in the N-200 series range (tread type carbon, 120 m2/g). Structure was very high but fragile and easily broken down with mechanical energy. The uniformity is less than desired for direct commercial application, but acceptable as a raw material for the carbon black process.

Review of particle morphology reveals a blend of semi-graphitized and amorphous forms of carbon leading to a d-spacing between carbon black and graphite, but nearer graphite. The same is true for crystallite size.  These structures are inherently different than commercial furnace grade carbon blacks. This indicates that the validity of ASTM testing as a carbon black may be limited in providing characterization of the distribution of nano-morphologies. For instance, the presence of graphitic veils is a particularly unique by-product not seen in commercial carbon black reactors.

In its current form, this quality of carbon product will have value as a raw material for a carbon black process and must be introduced where extensive heat treatment and oxidation is available to remove the volatiles . To have direct value as a retail product carbon,CarbonSaver unit additional process development work is needed in the area of extractables and uniformity.

In addition, lab tests were run at pressures up to 150 psi. These tests proved that plasma could be struck and held at elevated pressures. This will lead to further product development in Phase II of the demonstration project in preparation for the construction and deployment of the CarbonSaver demonstration unit.

Phase II

The objective of Phase II, which started May 1, 2009, is to complete the design work for a CarbonSaver plant that will produce hydrogen-enriched natural gas (HENG) for use at an EnCana compressor station. The demonstration will also produce carbon, which will be removed and packaged for resale. In this phase, AHI will prepare for the field testing and validation of the CarbonSaver, which should lead to improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

To assist in this phase of the Demonstration Project, AHI has enlisted the service of two respected and experienced firms.

REM Technology Inc. (RTI)'s REMVue® is a packaged control system with application software and application-specific engine/compressor modifications, sensors and end devices that delivers customer-expected results with respect to optimization, fuel efficiency, emission reduction and reliability. EnCana uses this real-time technology now. In order to safely and reliably demonstrate the CarbonSaver technology, Atlantic Hydrogen will work with RTI to design and build a new power supply and control system that integrates the REMVue® technology with the current CarbonSaver power and control system.

Stantec provides professional consulting services in planning, engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics for infrastructure and facilities projects. Representatives from the Fredericton office of Stantec will assist the AHI tem in the preliminary engineering design phase of the demonstration project by providing technical input during the preparation of the required engineering drawing and supporting documentation.

The engineering expertise and industry experience of RTI and Stantec augment AHI's team efforts to achieve the safety, reliability and performance goals of the CarbonSaver Demonstration Project. This project will also allow these key relationships to mature into long-term, potentially strategic affiliations as AHI prepares the CarbonSaver to enter the market.

Phase II was completed at the end of March, 2010