Lead inventor: Paul Kempler
Co-inventors: Paul Kempler
Licensing contact: Christine Gramer
1. Technology Overview
The invention introduces an innovative electrochemical process for the continuous co-production of iron and chlorine gas, known as the "Chlor-Iron process." This technology leverages a low-temperature reactor powered by renewable electricity to produce iron metal and chlorine gas from iron ore and concentrated seawater. The process is highly efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional iron production methods. Currently in the development stage, this technology holds significant potential for cross-industry applications in steel manufacturing, chemical production, and renewable energy.
2. Key Features and Benefits
- Cost-effective production: Utilizes low-cost and abundant raw materials, reducing overall production costs.
- High efficiency: Achieves high current densities and low voltages, enhancing process efficiency.
- Scalability: Modular design allows for easy scaling to industrial levels.
- Environmental benefits: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional methods.
- Co-production of byproducts: Produces valuable byproducts such as chlorine gas, adding economic value.
3. Applications and Market Focus
- Steel manufacturing: Enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of steel production.
- Chemical industry: Providing a cost-effective source of chlorine gas.
- Renewable energy: Supporting sustainable materials for renewable energy projects.
- Environmental solutions: Offering a low-carbon alternative for industrial processes.
- Research and development: Enabling further innovation in electrochemical processes and materials science.
4. Commercial Advantages
- Strategic benefits: Offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for iron and chlorine gas production.
- Implementation advantages: Simplifies the production process and reduces environmental impact.
- Market positioning: Positions the technology as a key enabler in the green technology sector.
- Competitive edge: Provides a unique and efficient method for producing iron and valuable byproducts.
5. Partnership Opportunities
- Licensing partners: Ideal for companies in steel manufacturing, chemical production, and renewable energy.
- Cross-sector benefits: Offers advantages to multiple industries, including steel, chemicals, and green technology.
- Market opportunities: Addresses diverse market needs, from sustainable steel production to chemical manufacturing.
- Collaborative development: Potential for joint ventures with research institutions and industrial partners to further enhance the technology.
Patent filing: US20230392272A1