An exclusive interview with R C Mehta, Founder and promoter at Hi-Gee Tech, a pioneer in providing customized Carbon Capture technology solutions
In the ever-evolving landscape of environmental sustainability and technological innovation, pioneers like Mr. R C Mehta, the Founder and Promoter of Hi-Gee Tech, shine as beacons of hope. Hi-Gee Tech has garnered acclaim as a trailblazer in the realm of Carbon Capture technology solutions, offering bespoke, homegrown solutions to mitigate carbon emissions.
As we delve into this exclusive interview with Mr. Mehta, we gain insight into his visionary journey, the genesis of Hi-Gee Tech, and the profound impact their indigenous-developed and produced solutions are making in the fight against climate change.
Can you start by telling us about the inspiration and motivation behind founding Hi-Gee Tech and your vision for the company’s role in the carbon capture technology sector?
R C Mehta: From the very outset, I’ve always been driven by the spirit of innovation and a deep love for tackling complex challenges. It was this intrinsic motivation that led me to embark on the journey of founding Hi-Gee Tech. Initially, our focus was on solving the significant challenge of capturing large quantities of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from 17 tonnes of fuel gas per hour.
However, as we delved into the technology, we quickly realized its potential to be adapted for the capture of carbon dioxide and other environmental pollutants.
The motivation behind this endeavour extends beyond technological innovation. It’s rooted in a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the world and to contribute to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
We believe that by pioneering cutting-edge solutions in the field of carbon capture, we can not only address critical environmental issues but also foster the growth of a sustainable, homegrown technology sector.
Our vision is to position Hi-Gee Tech at the forefront of the carbon capture technology sector, becoming a key player in the global effort to combat climate change while simultaneously promoting the ‘Make in India’ ethos.
Hi-Gee Tech is known for its indigenous-developed carbon capture solutions. Could you elaborate on the key features and unique selling points of your technology in comparison to other solutions on the market?
R C Mehta: One of the standout features that sets our carbon capture technology apart is its horizontal process design, which distinguishes it from the traditional vertical and membrane-based technologies currently prevalent in the market.
This innovative approach offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, it allows us to maximize space efficiency, making our systems exceptionally compact. This is a significant benefit for industries where space is at a premium.
In addition to the space advantage, our technology excels in resource efficiency. When compared to conventional column-based systems, we require only a quarter of the amine volume, reducing resource consumption substantially.
Furthermore, in case of biogas , unlike membrane technologies, our process eliminates methane gas slippage along with CO2, ensuring a cleaner and more effective capture of carbon emissions.
One of our most unique selling points is our technology’s remarkable turn-down ratio, which can be as low as 40%. This level of flexibility is unparalleled in the carbon capture sector. It empowers users to easily adjust their system’s capacity to meet changing needs, providing an adaptable and responsive solution that aligns perfectly with the dynamic demands of various industries.
Can you shed some light on the environmental benefits of carbon capture technology and how Hi-Gee Tech’s solutions contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change?
R C Mehta: Carbon capture technology plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hi-Gee Tech’s solutions are designed to make a significant environmental impact in several ways.
Firstly, we recognize that the carbon capture sector is diverse and growing, and our technology is adaptable for capturing CO2 emissions ranging from 10 tonnes per day to 500 tonnes per day. This flexibility positions us well for addressing emissions from large-scale industrial processes and biogas upgradation.
Moreover, our approach doesn’t stop at capturing CO2; we also process it to meet specific purity requirements, ensuring it becomes a usable product. We tailor our solutions to the unique needs of each deployment, achieving purity levels as high as 99.7% for various applications.
In terms of customization, how does Hi-Gee Tech tailor its carbon capture solutions to meet the specific needs of different industries or clients? Could you share some examples of these customized solutions?
R C Mehta: Customization is a core aspect of our approach because no two industrial sites or clients are the same, even within the same sector or industry. We tailor our solutions to the unique requirements of each application. Let’s explore a couple of examples:
Biogas Upgradation: Consider biogas plants as an example. The composition of biogas varies based on the specific waste materials processed at each site. To address this, we begin with a comprehensive gas analysis, which forms the basis for customizing our carbon capture and utilization (CCU) process. The input characteristics (gas composition) and the desired output specifications (purity, volume, etc.) are unique to each site, and our solutions are tailored accordingly.
Flue Gas CO2 Capture: Flue gas from industrial processes varies significantly depending on the type of fuel used, temperature, humidity, and other site-specific factors. We customize our technology to match these variations, ensuring efficient and effective carbon capture.
In essence, customization is a fundamental aspect of carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Hi-Gee Tech excels in this area by offering solutions that are highly adaptable. Our core Hi-Gee units can be customized for volume and other characteristics.
What sets us apart is our ability to manufacture and skid-mount the entire setup at our facility. This approach facilitates a more efficient and seamless deployment, almost like a plug-and-play system, which further enhances our ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients and industries.”
Developing and producing indigenous technology is a significant achievement. What challenges and opportunities did you encounter in the development process, and what has been the overall impact on your business?
R C Mehta: In the journey of developing and producing indigenous technology, we encountered a range of challenges. However, we firmly adhere to our motto, which is thriving on challenges. These challenges included the need for import substitution for raw materials used in packed bed manufacturing, as well as the development of indigenous raw materials and establishing competent vendors for their supply.
Additionally, building a proficient technical team for manufacturing rotating packed bed systems was a critical undertaking. We faced financial constraints with limited support for technology development. Nonetheless, our unwavering determination led us to overcome these obstacles.
Carbon capture technology often faces scalability and cost challenges. How does Hi-Gee Tech address these issues and make carbon capture solutions more accessible and cost-effective for a wider range of clients?
R C Mehta: Hi-Gee Tech has developed a comprehensive approach to address the scalability and cost challenges associated with carbon capture technology, making our solutions more accessible and cost-effective for a wider range of clients. Here’s an overview:
Technology Advancements: Our technology, based on a rotating packed bed (RPB) system, represents a significant departure from traditional methods. This innovation enables us to offer highly scalable solutions. With this design, a compact setup can efficiently capture carbon emissions at a scale of up to 500 tonnes per day.
Efficiency and Longevity: Hi-Gee Tech’s approach includes two essential components – the Absorber and Desorber. The primary consumable in our system is power, as our design and components are meticulously engineered for robust and long-lasting operation, ensuring a service life of at least a decade. This longevity minimizes replacement and maintenance costs, contributing to overall cost-effectiveness.
Turn-Down Ratio: Our technology boasts an exceptional turn-down ratio, allowing for capacity adjustments as low as 40%. This flexibility is critical for optimizing operating costs. Clients can easily adapt to fluctuations in demand, reducing operational expenses when necessary.
Lower Consumables Requirement: Our solutions significantly reduce the volume of amine required in comparison to traditional column-based systems, which can be expensive to maintain. Moreover, we eliminate the need for consumables like membranes in case of biogas , that can drive up operational costs.
Easy to install: What sets us apart is our ability to manufacture and skid-mount the entire setup at our facility. This approach facilitates a more efficient and seamless deployment, almost like a plug-and-play system, which does not require and elobrate civil work.
The combination of these factors makes Hi-Gee Tech’s carbon capture solutions more economical and shortens the return on investment (ROI) period for clients. By offering scalable, efficient, and long-lasting technology that optimizes resource usage, we make carbon capture more accessible and cost-effective for a wider range of clients, ultimately advancing sustainability and environmental goals.”
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators looking to make a positive impact in the clean energy and environmental technology sector, based on your experience with Hi-Gee Tech?
R C Mehta: “My guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators committed to environmental improvement includes:
Acknowledge the Long Development Journey: Understand that environmental progress is a journey that often takes time. Be prepared for the fact that results may not materialize immediately. Instead, view every challenge as an opportunity for learning and continual improvement.
Seek Expert Advice as Needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts in the field when faced with complex issues. Their insights and guidance can prove invaluable in navigating the intricacies of environmental technology and innovation.
Maintain a Persistent Approach to Funding: Securing financial resources is an ongoing process. Consistently follow up on funding opportunities, whether through investments, grants, or partnerships. A continuous approach to funding is essential to sustain your environmental initiatives.
Showcase Your Developments: To establish credibility and garner support, actively demonstrate your innovations to leading industry players in your respective field. Real-world demonstrations can help build trust and foster collaborations that drive your environmental solutions forward.”My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators on improving the environmental is
What is your success tips for young and aspiring entrepreneurs
Enthusiasm for Innovation: Embrace a passion for creating new developments.
Commitment to hard work: Be dedicated to put in extra hard work.
Persistence in Pursuit of Goals: Cultivate patience as you strive to achieve your desired results.
Overcome Drawbacks with Determination: Understand that setbacks are inevitable, but maintain your unwavering commitment to the development process.
Mr. R C Mehta’s visionary leadership and Hi-Gee Tech’s commitment to crafting indigenous Carbon Capture technology solutions have opened new avenues in the quest for a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
The interview provides a glimpse into the innovative and impactful work being done by Hi-Gee Tech and highlights the immense potential of such homegrown solutions in tackling the global climate crisis.
As we conclude this enlightening conversation with Mr. Mehta, it is evident that his passion, dedication, and the ingenuity of Hi-Gee Tech’s team continue to shape a greener and more sustainable world, one carbon capture at a time.