- Zeotech to carry out controlled field trials of methane control zeolites at Griffith University
- Controlled trials determined to most efficient way to optimise configurations, increase data collection frequency
- Trials will also accelerate patent and carbon credit methodology development
Special Report: Zeotech and its partners will carry out controlled infield validation trials of its methane control zeoteCH4 zeolites, a potential solution to methane emissions from landfills.
The decision to undertake controlled field trials at Griffith rather than at a Cleanaway landfill site was made as it was determined to be the most efficient pathway to scale the technology by optimising configurations, increasing data collection frequency, and evaluating the maximum methane oxidation potential of zeoteCH₄.
Zeolites – also known as molecular sieves – are manufactured porous mineral frameworks composed mainly of aluminium, silicon, and oxygen that can trap, exchange, or release ions and molecules.
This enables the wonder material to find applications in diverse industrial and environmental contexts.
Zeotech (ASX:ZEO) is exploring the potential of its zeoteCH₄ zeolites to address the challenge of reducing methane emissions from landfills, a significant contributor to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Trials carried out by Griffith in November last year into the use of zeolites in a layer capping landfills to control emissions proved successful with batch experiments displaying early methane oxidation efficiency of up to 70-80%.Further testing on new configurations that are more closely aligned to the intended infield design had shown oxidation rates exceeding 90%,
A key component of the technology methane oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) were found to actively colonise and co-exist with the company’s products, contributing to the overall effectiveness of ZEO’s zeoteCH₄ product as a practical methane abatement technology.
Controlled trials
ZEO will now proceed with controlled field trials at Griffith using materials sourced from a Cleanaway landfill as the most efficient pathway to scale the technology.
Controlled trials will enhance patent development for potential novel steps associated with methanotroph inoculation and propagation, and zeoteCH₄ product configurations.
The use of simulated field configurations will also seek to advance the commercial readiness of the technology by enabling additional data collection that could support potential carbon credit methodology development.
“We are confident that the controlled field trials will enable improved data collection, alongside the ability to better evaluate the maximum methane oxidation potential of the Company’s products that could reflect a range of landfill profiles,” chief executive officer Scott Burkhart said.
“Whilst this is an adjustment from original plan, it offers greater flexibility to optimise the configurations and support the development of potential patent applications associated with the technology.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Zeotech, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.