Tech breakthrough delivers value from CSG waste brine

Parkway Corporate has announced a technology breakthrough for the coal seam gas industry, with what it believes is the first production of mineral acid from industrial brine in Australia. The processing technology it has developed, based on 'salt splitting', has successfully produced hydrochloric acid (HCl) from CSG-derived waste brine. Parkway said the production of mineral acids and caustic soda via its technology presented significant opportunities in the mining, downstream mineral processing and refining industries. It pointed to the Queensland acid supply study released in July, which outlined a significant forecast shortfall in the supply of acid in the state, particularly sulphuric acid. 'Whilst Parkway’s salt splitting technology is also suitable for the production of sulphuric acid (provided sulphate ions are present in the feed brine), the Queensland Government acid supply study identified hydrochloric acid as a potential substitute for sulphuric acid, in certain critical minerals applications,' the company said. Parkway is evaluating the application of its electrochemical processes to a broader range of waste brines, several of which contain large concentrations of sulphate (SO4) ions, which will result in the production of sulphuric acid (H2SO4) instead of hydrochloric acid (HCl), whilst still producing significant quantities of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). However, it is most immediately focused on large-scale applications in the CSG industry, particularly in Queensland. The company last year released a masterplan to convert all of the waste brine and salts produced by Queensland’s coal seam gas industry into saleable industrial products under its Queensland Brine Solutions arm. In addition to the many sustainability-related advantages, the technology-based approach proposed is expected to create in excess of $15 billion in value for the CSG industry in Queensland, according to Parkway. The company is evaluating several strategically located project sites in Queensland, including sites near upstream and downstream CSG operations, as well as locations close to key markets for the products anticipated to be produced. Parkway managing director and chief executive officer Bahay Ozcakmak said the results from the group's latest electrochemical-related R&D activities represented a major technological breakthrough, with significant implications for industrial brine treatment. "In parallel to our ongoing technology development activities, we are also making excellent progress in both our technology delivery-related capabilities, as well as in relation to our broader go-to-market priorities," he said. "We are currently in discussions with several parties which we expect to be pivotal to the long-term success of our technology business, including in relation to our masterplan-related objectives." Below: This infographic illustrates how the group's latest advances enhance the Queensland Brine Solutions masterplan for CSG brine processing.

Tech breakthrough delivers value from CSG waste brine

Industry Queensland

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