ClEAn POTASSIuM fORMATE, A PROMISInG fuTuRE
Potassium formate is in high demand due to the increased need for eco-friendly products. On the other hand, production of potassium formate involves processes that are energy-intensive and reliant on fossil fuels, leading to significant GHG emissions. These processes can have a high environmental impact, including pollution from energy use and waste by-products. Finaly, raw materials for potassium formate production are subject to market volatility, geopolitical issues, and resource depletion, posing risks to supply chain stability.
This is why at Electro Carbon we believe that adopting new sustainable production methods for potassium formate offers numerous benefits, from reducing GHG emissions and environmental impact to securing the supply chain and enhancing cost efficiency. These methods align with global sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, providing companies with a competitive advantage and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
THE DE-ICING INDUSTRY
Potassium Formate for De-Icing: A Sustainable Solution for Airports, Critical Infrastructure, and More…
CURRENT MARKET SITUATION
De-icing is critical for maintaining safe airport operations and protecting infrastructure like bridges, tunnels, roads, and ports during winter.
Traditionally, de-icing agents for airports and critical infrastructures have relied on Urea, now banned, and other solutions derived from fossil fuels, de which contribute to environmental pollution and carbon emissions.
For road de-icing, road salts (sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) have been used since the 1940s because they are cheap and effective. Today, 5 million tonnes are used in Canada and over 20 million tonnes in the US each year. However, salting roads with millions of tonnes of salt every year has well-documented negative impacts on the environment (wildlife, plants, and waterways) and leads to the premature deterioration of our infrastructure. Freshwater salinization and rising chloride levels are now major concerns for aquatic and surrounding life ecosystems.
As industries strive for sustainability, there’s a growing demand for local supply and eco-friendly alternatives.
BEnEfITS Of ElECTRO CARBOn POTASSIuM fORMATE fOR DE-ICInG
Non-corrosive
and Chloride-free
It does not accelerate the degradation of fragile and important infrastructure (bridges, ports, sidewalks, roads, buildings).
Biodegradable
Potassium formate is biodegradable, which means it breaks down more easily in the environment, reducing the risk of accumulation and long-term soil and water pollution like road salts.
Locally Produced
Provide supply chain security and lower transportation cost GHG emissions. Thanks to its unique and innovative process.
Performance at Low Temperatures
Effective down to -55 degrees Celsius, allowing for reduced spreading volumes.
Reduced GHG Emissions
64% reduction in GHG emissions through our production method using captured CO₂ and clean electricity compared to conventional production methods using fossil fuels.
Certified AMS-1435
Because of these characteristics, Potassium formate-based products are certified AMS-1435 and used globally by airports for de-icing runway
TOWARDS
A CLEAN FUTURE
The market is ripe for innovative solutions that address operational needs, supply chain security, and environmental responsibilities.
Electro Carbon’s potassium formate represents a significant step towards sustainable de-icing practices. By embracing this technology, industries can enhance safety, reduce environmental impact, and move closer to a carbon-neutral future.
THE FERTILIZER INDUSTRY
Electro Carbonʼs potassium formate for sustainable agriculture.
CURRENT MARKET SITUATION
The global agricultural sector is under increasing pressure to improve productivity while minimizing environmental impact. The rising global population has led to an unprecedented demand for agricultural products. This surge has driven the conversion of grasslands into farmlands, the implementation of high-energy agricultural production systems, and the increased use of both chemical and organic inputs. Consequently, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have also risen significantly.
The overuse of synthetic fertilizers has led to nutrient imbalances in the soil, harming its health and productivity. Continuous use of certain fertilizers, particularly those high in nitrogen, have lowered the pH of the soil, leading to acidification, which affects crop yields and soil biodiversity.
Potassium is the powerhouse behind many essential plant processes. It influences fruit size, leaf thickness, and stem strength, acting as a catalyst in the plant sap to transport carbohydrates from leaves to fruits. This is crucial for sugar-producing crops.
Potassium also plays a key role in enzyme activation, stomatal activity (water use), photosynthesis, and the transport of sugars, water, and nutrients. It supports protein and starch synthesis, boosting crop yields and quality. By promoting root growth, improving drought resistance, and activating enzyme systems, potassium ensures plants are healthier and more productive.
Potassium fertilizers currently used in the market are generally potassium sulfate (K2SO4), potassium nitrate (KN03), potassium chloride (KCl), rich in chloride, contributing to long-term soil salinity and degradation.
Potassium Formate (HCOOK) represent an interesting alternative to provide essential potassium to plants.
The European Union recently approved potassium formate as a fertilizer, paving the way for its widespread use in sustainable agriculture.
BEnEfITS Of ElECTRO CARBOn POTASSIuM fORMATE fOR SuSTAInABlE AGRICulTuRE
Ecological Production
Our potassium formate is synthesized from CO₂ and renewable energy, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
Improved Soil Health
Potassium formate is chloride-free and provides essential nutrients that enrich the soil, improve its health, increase agricultural yields to provide food security. HCOOK is also an alkaline fertilizer, that can help compensating the acidification of the soil.
Supply Chain Security
With our local production model, we ensure a continuous and reliable supply to our customers.
Versatility
Suitable for a variety of crops, potassium formate can be used in diverse agricultural contexts, including greenhouse production and vertical farming.
Increased Efficiency
Easily absorbed by plants, it ensures more efficient nutrient uptake, reducing the need for frequent applications, which lowers costs and environmental impact. Because of its high solubility, HCOOK can be used at high concentration (up to 75wt%) in solution.
TOWARDS HEAlTHIER
SOIl
Conventional fertilizers pose significant environmental and soil sustainability challenges.
Electro Carbon’s potassium formate presents a novel solution with several advantages, particularly in reducing soil salinization and greenhouse gas emissions.
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID INDUSTRY
Potassium formate is a heat transfer fluid that provides superior heat transfer characteristics.
CURRENT MARKET SITUATION
The heat transfer fluids market is witnessing steady growth due to the increased demand in various industries such as HVAC, chemical processing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, and renewable energy. These fluids are essential for efficient thermal management in processes involving heating, cooling, and energy transfer.
Historically, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol have been commonly used in heat transfer systems in the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) industry.
There are three types of fluids: mineral salt brines, alcohols and glycols, and non-aqueous fluids such as mineral and synthetic oils.
Glycols are mainly derived from fossil fuels, generating high GHG emissions, but they can also cause other problems. Ethylene glycol is very toxic. Propylene glycol is good for the environment, but can be harmful in a closed loop that is supposed to last 20 years. PG can degrade into products such as formic acid, and corrode pipes.
The heat transfer fluid market is vital to many industries, but traditional fluids pose significant environmental challenges.
BEnEfITS Of ElECTRO CARBOn POTASSIuM fORMATE AS A HEAT TRAnSfER fluID
Higher thermal efficiency
that provides superior heat transfer characteristics.
Non-dangerous and non-flammable
to glycol/water mixtures, calcium chloride solutions, hydrocarbon-based fluids, and silicone-based fluids.
Biodegradable
No negative impact on natural environments and waterways.
Locally produced
Offering a more secure supply.
Less corrosive
Uses "safe chemistries" for a high level of corrosion inhibition.
Favorable viscosity
that reduces energy costs and allows for the design of new circuits with smaller dimensions.
Effective at low temperatures
Down to -55 degrees Celsius.
TOWARDS A CIRCulAR ECOnOMY
By using captured CO₂, this method turns waste into a valuable resource, promoting a circular economy and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources.
The production process and final use of potassium formate-based fluids result in lower environmental pollution, protecting soil and water quality in drilling areas.
DRIllInG FluIDS InDuSTRY
Electro Carbonʼs potassium formate contributes to safer and more reliable drilling operations.
CURRENT MARKET OVERVIEW
The drilling fluids market is a crucial component of the oil and gas industry, as these fluids are essential for drilling operations. The market is driven by the demand for oil and gas, technological advancements in drilling techniques, and the need for efficient and environmentally friendly drilling fluids. Despite the push towards renewable energy, our current infrastructure and economy still heavily rely on oil and gas for energy production, transportation, and numerous industrial processes.
While the ultimate goal is to transition to greener energy sources, the current reality necessitates continued oil and gas extraction.
Electro Carbon’s potassium formate represent a sustainable alternative to conventional HCOOK during this transition.
ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRO CARBON POTASSIUM FORMATE fOR DRIllInG
Energy Efficiency
The use of renewable energy in the production process enhances overall energy efficiency and sustainabil
Biodegradability
Potassium formate is biodegradable and less toxic than many traditional drilling fluids. This reduces the risk of long-term environmental contamination and simplifies disposal processes.
Locally produced
With our local production model, we ensure a continuous and reliable supply to our customers.
Thermal stability
These fluids maintain excellent thermal stability, helping to keep the well stable and prevent issues such as shale swelling.
Reduced GHG Emissions
64% reduction in GHG emissions through our production method using captured CO₂ and clean electricity compared to conventional production methods using fossil fuels.
Regulatory compliance
Can meet certain environmental regulations and aligns with corporate sustainability goals.
TOWARDS lOCAl AnD COnTInuOuS PRODuCTIOn
Locally produced potassium formate offers significant advantages in reducing supply chain risks. It ensures more stable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly operations during unstable geopolitical periods.
Electro Carbon’s potassium formate, synthesized locally from CO₂ and renewable energy, provides a comprehensive solution to the environmental challenges posed by traditional drilling fluids. It combines the benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower toxicity, improved performance, and supply security, making it a more sustainable choice.