Modern FAQs
Our team and partners leading new technology initiatives answer the most frequently asked questions about the MH500 and Modern Asphalt products here.
In the asphalt material, what is the carbon bonding to?
The nano-scale carbon particles are forming bonds with hydrophobic nonpolar groups of molecules within the asphalt. Asphalt is not a single material, but a multitude of hydrocarbons. These are dominated by highly hydrophobic species that easily form strong bonds with our carbon, which is naturally extremely hydrophobic.
How much variance can asphalt binder tolerate in carbon characteristics?
As long as the carbon is capable of passing a 200 sieve, approximately 75 microns, but particles do not go down to say the size of N330 carbon black (10x smaller than ours). Asphalt binder is highly tolerant to variance in carbon characteristics. Our testing indicates that binders are not sensitive to our carbon processing parameters beyond the 200 sieve.
What are the key attributes in carbon that you’re looking for in a successful asphalt binder?
Small enough particles (passing 200 sieve) and hydrophobicity.
How much energy does it take to process the carbon?
Right now, that’s changing all the time and trending downward. For asphalt, we’re driving the processing intensity lower and using larger equipment, so energy per kg is decreasing. We’ll have an estimate soon for what it will be like in pilot operation.
What happens to the PAHs?
We are heat treating the carbon to remove them and filtering them out. In parallel, part of our work with MARC at U. Wisconsin is to study the impact of adding the PAHs into the asphalt binder along with the carbon.
Are you working with asphalt producers in multiple states?
Yes, but we haven’t wanted to spread ourselves too thin and overextend our carbon supply and bandwidth. So, our focus has been to find ideal first movers and work closely with them. Road Recyclers fits that profile perfectly and that’s why we’re so excited to work with them.
How much CO2 does a single MH500 system avoid per year?
500kg of hydrogen will avoid ~1100 tons of CO2 per year if directly replacing natural gas combustion.
How much carbon is produced with a MH500?
Each MH500 produces around 2000kg of solid carbon per day.
What type of gas can the MH500 reactor use?
Pipeline specification natural gas or renewable natural gas are acceptable feedstocks.