The Oxiperator for Ventilation Air Methane (VAM)

Methane is a greenhouse gas up to 86 times more potent than CO2. (VAM) from coal mines is a major source. We are developing the "Oxiperator" for oxidizing VAM, a significant step in achieving low-cost methane destruction. The Oxiperator is a patented all-metal porous heat exchanger for oxidizing VAM. Much smaller than a Regenerative Thermal Oxidizer (RTO), much less costly to build, install, operate, and maintain. RTOs for VAM have been adopted at only 7 coal sites globally. They have difficulty oxidizing weak methane emissions below 0.5%. RTOs must also reverse flow every few minutes. Oxiperators run continuously, with no flow reversal. Oxiperators will handle VAM concentrations as weak as 0.3% all the way up to 100% methane. Additive Manufacture (3-D printing) optimizes performance and materials. Each Oxiperator will process VAM air at 20,000 to 40,000 cfm, delivered and operated out of a 40-foot shipping container for rapid installation, quick replacement, and relocation. For methane concentrations 1.5% or higher, the Oxiperator can be coupled to a gas turbine to generate power. This paper discusses the Oxiperator design, presents the lab-scale/field-scale experimental results and future plans.