Lotte Chemical and Lotte Construction Collaborate on High-Purity Nitrogen Production Technology Development

Utilization of Gas Separation Membranes for Carbon Capture

Lotte Chemical signed a business agreement with Lotte Construction on the 27th at Lotte Construction Technology Research Institute to develop high-purity nitrogen production technology using gas separation membranes for carbon capture. Representatives from both companies are taking a commemorative photo.

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Hyung-gil] Lotte Chemical is developing high-purity nitrogen production technology using gas separation membrane carbon dioxide capture and utilization (CCU) facilities.

On the 2nd, Lotte Chemical announced that on the 27th of last month, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lotte Construction at the Lotte Construction Technology Research Institute to develop high-purity nitrogen production technology utilizing gas separation membranes for carbon capture.

The two companies will promote the development of high-purity nitrogen production processes, installation and operation of demonstration facilities, green certification, and commercialization application reviews.

CCU refers to technology that collects gases generated from petrochemical processes and separates and utilizes carbon dioxide. Exhaust gas contains carbon dioxide but also about 70% nitrogen. Lotte Chemical plans to collect the nitrogen contained in the gas and purify it for utilization.

Nitrogen is used in petrochemical process operations and maintenance work, production of steel and iron products, welding of automobiles and electronic devices, food packaging, and various other fields. Lotte Chemical plans to use the nitrogen secured through high-purity production technology in its factories or sell it externally.

In March last year, Lotte Chemical installed the country’s first gas separation membrane CCU pilot facility at its Yeosu Plant 1, completed performance verification through nine months of demonstration operation. Based on the data collected and analyzed and operational technology during the demonstration process, it is promoting the world’s first commercial membrane carbon capture at the Daesan Plant.

Hwang Min-jae, head of the Basic Materials Research Institute at Lotte Chemical, said, "CCU application will continue to increase to achieve carbon neutrality goals," adding, "We will continue research and development to expand Lotte Chemical’s gas separation membrane CCU technology."