Emerald Endeavors, though still in its development phase, has big plans to help companies increase energy efficiency and reduce pollution in industrial processes.
The company’s EmeraldStarter™ Solutions program is built on a licensed UF technology, a solid-state gas sensor that will allow industrial facility operators to collect real-time information on the chemical processes at the heart of their plants. Currently, the sensor measures the levels of pollutant gases – like nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide – and monitors reaction temperatures to ensure maximum efficiency.
Due to the solid nature of the sensor, it works in harsh environments like that of the inside of a turbine combustion system, providing a continuous stream of information that was previously inaccessible. With real-time evaluations, plant operators can make adjustment to fuel and equipment to reduce pollution and increase the efficiency of facility processes.
Jerome Foster, Emerald Endeavors CEO, said the sensor measures the presence of up to seven gases on each chip, which can be designed for specific industries per client request.
In addition to the sensor, the system integrates with facility software to provide predictive controls for industrial processes to ensure maximum energy and pollution-reduction efficiency. By allowing the system to predict chemical changes in the facility’s processes, EmeraldStarter™ can help extend the life of a facility, minimize pollution and save money through more efficient processes.
Foster said EmeraldStarter™ is currently being tested by a number of international companies, including a gas turbine manufacturer, a cement producer and a major utility company. Since the use of the gas sensor is broad and production costs are low, he believes there are applications for the Department of Defense and Homeland Security as well.
Although the product is already being tested, Foster hopes the Cade Prize help further market penetration and will allow the company to further develop and enhance the sensor for potential clients to detect and measure additional gases.
To find out more about the Cade Prize, visit CadeMuseum.org and keep an eye on the blog for more on the Cade Prize Sweet 16.
