FASCarbon’s Disruptive Innovation Creates Positive Outcomes for Multiple Markets
Written by Matthew McKean, CEO and co-founder of Frontieras North America (LinkedIn)
Frontieras North America is a pioneer in the energy sector. Applying technology innovation to coal processing, Frontieras produces and captures multiple streams of net-new energy solutions that are repurposed onsite to run its FASForm plants or are distributed into the commodities energy sector. The introduction of FASForm and its production of FASCarbon is poised to disrupt industrial markets (e.g. steel and cement), as well as address the broader energy crisis with the delivery of abundant, available and affordable gas and liquid energy.
FASForm extracts high value liquids and gases from solids while producing a purified solid carbon product known as FASCarbon™. FASCarbon is superior to current metallurgical coke used in the production of steel and unprocessed petroleum coke (Petcoke) that is used in the production of cement. Because the volatiles are already removed from the FASCarbon during the FASForm process, it is ideal for industrial uses where the carbon is used to heat. Additionally, FASCarbon has no inherent moisture, this helps increase the heating value which requires less to generate heat and thus lowers CO2 emissions.
While FASCarbon is a net-new energy product, Frontieras FASForm produces several other high value gas and intermediate liquid fuels, including methane, naphtha, kerosene (which finishes to jet fuel) and diesel. The production of these products helps to address the current energy crisis and provides energy security for multiple sectors. FASForm also captures and repurposes key coal constituents– methane, hydrogen, sulfur and ammonia. The extraction of these products in the FASForm process provides Frontieras with additional revenue streams, aligns with Frontieras’ zero-waste policy, and creates a self-sustained organization that is committed to repurposing every element within coal.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is often overlooked as a commercial power source. To separate hydrogen from other elements requires more energy to produce than hydrogen provides when it’s converted to useful energy. Additionally, hydrogen’s small form factor does not allow it to be transported efficiently. During FASForm’s Solid Carbon Fractionation™ process, Frontieras will liberate more than approximately 20 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of hydrogen from its processing of 7,500 tons of coal per day. Frontieras plans to capture and re-use the hydrogen to power the FASForm plant. This volume of captured hydrogen is equivalent to a typical industrial hydrogen plant. Leveraging hydrogen streamlines Frontieras’ overall process, reduces emissions, and creates quantifiable value to Frontieras and the markets that benefit from Frontieras’ offerings.
Ammonia and Sulfur: Frontieras FASForm’s process reduces the amount of sulfur in coal and syphons off ammonia gas. Today, approximately 80% of the ammonia produced globally is used in agriculture as fertilizer. Frontieras’ FASForm plant is expected to produce commercial volumes. Frontieras’ first plant in West Virginia will subsequently incorporate a commercial fertilizer plant. Frontieras will be able to efficiently repurpose the captured ammonia to combine it with hydrogen sulfide also contained, into the production of fertilizer. Frontieras’ vision allows it to create value for shareholders with the creation of a new revenue stream and apply the captured ammonia and sulfur into meaningful use that will help the broader agriculture industry
Methane: Frontieras FASForm process extracts and captures methane, a natural gas from the processing of coal. Methane’s industrial applications are significant as methane produces more heat and light energy by mass than other hydrocarbon. With plans to co-op the construction of a fertilizer plant adjacent to the first FASForm plant, Frontieras can repurpose the methane into the production of fertilizer or use it as electricity to power the FASForm plant. This supports Frontieras’ no waste vision to maximize the value of FASForm.
Hydrogen, methane, sulfur and ammonia, byproducts of Frontieras’ FASForm, are innovatively utilized to create highly valuable products that generate value for Frontieras and its shareholders. FASForm illustrates how Frontieras captures and repurposes those energy elements so no waste is emitted into the air, water, and soil. Frontieras FASForm Plant’s zero waste approach repurposes the captured volatiles, lowers the carbon footprint, and reduces CO2 emissions. In addition to the environmental benefits, this allows the production of FASCarbon to return a profit, help comply to changing regulatory demands and create a more efficient energy source in FASCarbon.
Frontieras illustrates how technology, science, and business work together to create efficiencies in a mature market. As we look forward, we need to acknowledge the important role that coal plays in every aspect of our lives. Instead of creating policies to eliminate the use of coal, today’s governments need to evolve their thinking about how innovation, technology and collaboration allow us to harness the ubiquitous supply of coal here in the U.S. and in other coal rich countries. This collaboration will be benefit all of us and create energy security.
To learn more about Frontieras North America and its patented energy solution or to invest in the company, please visit www.Frontieras.com.