TerraFixing’s Application of the Mecmesin OmniTest 25 for Direct Air Carbon Capture

TerraFixing is a start-up in direct air carbon capture (DAC) technology and uses the OmniTest 25 in Presto Stantest to test the mechanical stability of its zeolite monoliths, which constitute a core medium for capturing CO₂ in ambient air. To ensure quality and reliability while scaling its climate-focused solutions, TerraFixing tests critical properties such as cold crushing strength in accordance with ASTM standards. The in-house testing workflow, managed through Presto Stantest’s VectorPro software, enhances efficiency and supports the company’s mission to drive global net-zero initiatives.

The focus of the evaluation of the structural integrity of these proprietary zeolite monoliths is a key element in the development of a smooth and successful DAC system. As a company that believes in following industry-standard testing, TerraFixing can be confident in the consistency of its materials in performance, durability, and reproducibility, and the OmniTest 25 offers ASTM- and ISO-compliant testing that is reliable.

TerraFixing’s Approach to DAC

TerraFixing has engineered DAC systems capable of capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere under low-temperature conditions, with designs that can be scaled to both reduce current emissions and mitigate historic CO₂ accumulation.

Zeolite Monoliths in DAC

The central component of TerraFixing technology is zeolite monoliths, which are microporous aluminosilicate frameworks with remarkably high surface areas and effectively absorb CO₂. These monoliths are created using a mixture of zeolite crystals with a hard-wearing binder, which offers high adsorption behavior and long mechanical stability.

Monolith Design

Monoliths are sealed in such a way as to capture as much CO₂ as the monoliths can hold with maximum structural integrity. This guarantees that they are able to resist repeated operational cycles and mechanical strains and thus are fit to be deployed in DAC systems on a long-term basis without sacrificing their efficiency and durability

Role of the Mecmesin OmniTest 25

TerraFixing uses the OmniTest 25 universal test machine as part of its quality test to ensure its materials are durable and functioning.

Testing Objectives: The OmniTest 25 will test important mechanical properties of the zeolite monoliths, such as cold crushing strength and modulus of rupture, which simulates the forces that the zeolite monoliths experience in a real DAC environment.

Standards Compliance: The entire testing is carried out on the basis of ASTM C133-97, which means that each monolith is tested in terms of high standards of strength and long durability.

Why OmniTest 25:

• Load Capacity: Standards Compliance: The entire testing is carried out on the basis of ASTM C133-97, which means that each monolith is tested in terms of high standards of strength and long durability.
• Measurement Preciseness: The accurately measured force allows the characterization of material properties accurately and consistently.
• Powerful Software: The built-in software makes test setup, test execution, and analysis very efficient, with real-time monitoring, automated data collection, and customizable reporting.
• In-House Testing Benefits: Tests performed in-house minimize the development times, strengthen the quality control system, and expedite the creation of material formulations.

Testing Process

• Test Setup: Zeolite monoliths are carefully mounted in the OmniTest 25 to prepare for mechanical evaluation.
• Data Acquisition: The system captures the force required to crush the monoliths, and the software captures and processes the data in real time.
• Evaluation: Full reports present the material performance and allow optimization of formulations and confirm the consistency of the processes.
• Quality Control: Batch testing is done on each batch of about 20 monoliths to ensure that it is in line with the ASTM standards.

Implementation and Benefits

Integrating the OmniTest 25 into its quality workflow provides TerraFixing with accurate data on how monoliths respond to mechanical stress. This guarantees reliable performance, long-term durability, and scalability of the materials, reinforcing the company’s mission to drive effective CO₂ reduction on a global scale.

Test Standards:

• ASTM C133-97 – Standard Test Methods for Cold Crushing Strength and Modulus of Rupture of Refractories