Purifying natural hydrogen through the development of a dynamic pressure separation system

Purifying natural hydrogen through the development of a dynamic pressure separation systemEnd of DYN-HYD Scientific Challenge research project

The “Selective Dynamic Hydrogen Storage” scientific challenge project, led by Pierre Mocho and Laurent Perrier of the Complex Fluids and Reservoirs Laboratory (LFCR) in Anglet, was designed to contribute to the energy transition by purifying natural hydrogen through the development of a dynamic pressure separation system.

While hydrogen is now recognized for its tremendous energy potential, generating no CO₂ when burned, its availability in pure form remains problematic. In natural deposits, which are porous environments, it is mixed with methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), and therefore requires a purification process before it can be used.

An original technology: selective adsorption under pressure in porous media

Researchers at the LFCR in Anglet have chosen to focus on adsorption, a process that selectively traps gas molecules (such as CO₂ and CH₄) on the surface of a solid material, the adsorbent, such as activated carbon. Unlike traditional approaches, this method does not seek to capture hydrogen but to “filter” other gases in order to isolate it.

The originality of the process lies in its ability to operate under pressure, a constraint that has rarely been studied until now. This complicates physical modeling but significantly improves adsorption performance. This challenge required the development of a novel experimental device, incorporating calibration systems, flow meters, and pressure controllers.

Noteworthy scientific results

The initial experiments yielded very encouraging results, which were published in a prestigious scientific journal (the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering). Two other publications are currently in preparation, demonstrating the project's potential for commercialization.

Work is set to continue as part of the implementation of a joint laboratory with TotalEnergies and researchers from the LFCR in Anglet: Laurent Perrier, Christelle Miqueu, Frédéric Plantier, and Pierre Mocho. A new thesis is also being considered to incorporate a key factor that has been little explored to date: the impact of water vapor on dynamic adsorption phenomena.

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The Energy and Environment Solutions (E2S) I-SITE is a research consortium bringing together UPPA, INRAE, Inria, and CNRS, which has obtained funding from the Investments for the Future Program thanks to the I-SITE (“Sciences, Innovation, Territories, Economy Initiative”) label of academic excellence.

Between 2017 and 2024, I-SITE has funded a number of collaborative research projects, including “scientific challenges” designed to identify innovative topics and overcome technological barriers.

This project has also received funding from the ISIFoR Carnot Institute.