Abstract of the Offer
UK-based deep-tech startup UAP offers an innovative plasma-based atmospheric gas separation technology. Suitable for life support, in-situ resource utilisation, and CO₂ capture in space missions, it delivers high-purity gases, energy efficiency, and modular scalability. UAP seeks partnerships and validation through ESA networks.
Description
UAP has developed an innovative Atmospheric Processor (AP) featuring proprietary Electromagnetic Plasma Separation (EMPS) technology. This technology performs simultaneous atmospheric gas ionisation and electromagnetic separation to isolate specific gases from an incoming air stream.
The EMPS process begins by ionising incoming air using a plasma chamber powered by microwave or radio-frequency (RF) energy, producing charged gas particles (ions). These ionised gases are then guided through a precisely controlled electromagnetic field. Here, the gases are separated into distinct gas streams according to their mass-to-charge ratios.
The core functions UAP’s AP perform include the selective extraction of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and noble gases like argon, neon, krypton, and xenon and the simultaneous production of purified air.
Due to its unique design, the EMPS technology operates effectively at moderate conditions (near-atmospheric pressures and moderate temperatures around 300°C), making it less energy-intensive than traditional cryogenic or chemical separation techniques.
This modular, scalable technology is relevant for applications within the space sector, including life support systems, In-Situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) for planetary missions, environmental control systems, and closed-loop atmosphere regeneration in spacecraft and habitats.
Advantages and Innovations
UAP’s Electromagnetic Plasma Separation (EMPS) technology integrates plasma-based ionisation with electromagnetic separation, significantly reducing energy requirements relative to existing atmospheric gas processing methods. Unlike cryogenic air separation (operating at ~200 kWh/tonne air) or chemical-based direct air capture (typically around 600–1000 kWh/tonne CO₂), EMPS targets an energy consumption of approximately 63 kWh/tonne air after heat recovery at commercial scale. This energy efficiency arises from moderate operational conditions (near-atmospheric pressure, ~300°C), selective ionisation, and integrated heat recovery (targeting ≥75% efficiency).
Additionally, the AP system’s modular, vertically aligned design allows for a reduced physical footprint, flexible deployment, and scalable integration into existing industrial and aerospace applications. The simultaneous production of multiple high-purity gas streams (≥99.999% purity at commercial scale) and clean air exhaust further distinguishes EMPS from conventional separation methods. These aspects offer significant economic, environmental, and operational advantages, enabling deployment in contexts where traditional separation techniques may be impractical, energy-intensive, or cost-prohibitive.