Welsh carbon nanotube maker Trimtabs has appointed Engsolve to build and install its first production train. It is a minimum viable product (MVP) system in Trimtabs’ facility in Bridgend.
The system can make carbon nanotubes (CNTs) from hydrocarbons such as waste plastic.
It is the company’s first step in commercialising its production system. It said Engsolve, also of Bridgend, was selected for its expertise in developing pilot-scale operations into industrial-scale processes.
Trimtabs said a single MVP unit typically uses 15kW of electricity to heat and catalytically convert feedstock into CNTs, enough for use in hundreds of batteries. The most immediate opportunity is in the battery industry due to the conductivity of CNTs, it added.
The installation of the new unit will move the technology readiness level (TRL) through the qualified gate system from TRL 6 to TRL 9, it said.
Prof. Alvin Orbaek White, CEO of Trimtabs, said appointing Engsolve to build its production system is a major strategic advancement in its technological capabilities.
It plans to build and license modular micro-factory units which can be used to make CNTs.
Photo: Trimtabs CEO, Alvin Orbaek White
