DOPS Recycling Technologies: from waste to syngas
“We all agree that the world needs technologies like ours. The technology we have developed is better than the ways in which residual waste is currently being dealt with, i.e. by means of incineration or landfill. That is the key reason why we want to turn this into a success." Wiebe Pronker, co-founder of DOPS Recycling Technologies is referring to ‘Direct Carbon Immobilisation (DCI™).’ It is a technology he devised whereby residual waste is converted into a synthetic gas. It can replace natural gas for many applications.

Getting more value out of waste
Right now, waste materials are mainly incinerated, landfilled or composted whereby CO2 and sometimes methane are released and the materials become worthless. Wiebe explains that DCI™ helps reduce this. And not only that. The clean syngas created can then be used for new plastics or replace fossil fuels. Wiebe explains how the process works: "We heat the waste without oxygen to a high temperature. To around one thousand degrees. This causes the biomass to break down into gaseous components. In particular into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. That gas can be reused. The remaining solid residue which contains a great deal of carbon, metals and minerals can also be reused."

Smart elements documented in the patent
The innovation of the DCI™ process lies in two smart elements. "We heat the waste through the wall of the reactor. So through the refractory material in which the shaft is located. On top of that we release the gas created on the hot side of the reactor so that it can be used directly to heat the reactor," Wiebe explains.
Wiebe has had these aspects of the technology laid down in a patent. He explains: "I had initially filed the patent myself. When DOPS started to take on a more and more serious form, I realised that patenting requires expertise. It is not something you can simply do on your own. EP&C helped us with a renewed application. They improved the formulation of some of the claims. This gave us extra time for the country selection. EP&C is applying for a patent in several countries for us and is making sure the whole process is done properly and within the deadlines.
Patent fits in our business model
For DOPS, the patent is not so much to prevent counterfeiting. "Ultimately, we want as many parties as possible to be able to use the reactor. A patent is a business model for us which allows us to issue construction licences to companies that want their own facility. As a technology supplier, we offer support to companies to help ensure that their facilities work optimally and in return we receive a small part of the profit they make with our technology," Wiebe says.
Even more benefits
The patent has further benefits for DOPS. Wiebe: "With a patent, we are able to really demonstrate how are our technology works. It's not possible to do so if everything needs to be kept secret. And, of course, a patent is important when it comes to attracting investors. That is a major advantage for us, as a company in the startup phase."
Big ambitions
Wiebe and his colleagues have big ambitions beyond the startup phase. DOPS currently has a laboratory reactor with which they do trial processing. The next step is a demo setup. Wiebe says the following about the plans: "We eventually hope to provide the whole world with a DCI™ facility. In 2025, we want to have a mobile unit operational to then take a commercial demo version into use in 2026. Ultimately, our ambition is to have our own reactor by 2028 so that we can process biomass and waste plastics ourselves. We also want to build reactors in many more countries. I am really looking forward to that. It is very nice to start a company from scratch, especially if it develops a technology that takes the world a step further."
Corporate social responsibility
EP&C is all about innovation and innovation is all about the future. However, without a critical look at the present, a healthy future is not guaranteed. Wherever possible, we embrace sustainable initiatives. This could be the technology behind Rival Foods' meat substitutes, but also an electric car that charges itself by means of solar power such as the one by Lightyear, or the conversion kit for bicycles by social firm Tworby. DOPS Recycling Technologies' development fits this bill by cleanly turning residual waste back into valuable raw materials..
The better we look after people and the environment now, the longer we can continue to do what we love: work with forward-thinking entrepreneurs.
Patented by

Mandy van Overeem
I joined EP&C in 2021 after earning my master’s in chemical engineering from Delft University of Technology. My interest in patents began during my studies, exploring how to protect university...
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