Sapphire Technologies

Sapphire Technologies, founded in 2020 and formerly known as Sapphire Clean Technologies, operates within the clean technology and energy production sectors. The company is a subsidiary of Calnetix Technologies. It was established by a team of clean technology specialists who identified an opportunity to recover energy lost during gas pressure reduction processes in the oil and gas industry. Freddie Sarhan, the CEO, brings extensive experience in sales management, business development, and global operations from the aviation and energy industries, driven by a passion for creating technological solutions to environmental challenges. The company's mission is to reduce the global carbon footprint while generating financial returns for its clients.

The core business of Sapphire Technologies is manufacturing energy recovery systems for industrial applications involving hydrogen and natural gas. These systems capture energy that is typically wasted when gas pressure is reduced, converting it into clean electricity without disrupting industrial operations. The electricity generated can be used on-site or sold back to the grid. This process helps clients enhance efficiency, boost productivity, lower carbon emissions, and reduce electricity costs. The company serves a global market, with key partnerships and projects in the United States and Japan, and plans to expand into South America and the Middle East. Its client base includes major energy infrastructure companies like Tallgrass, CNX Resources, Marathon Petroleum, Chevron, and Equinor.

The company's flagship product is the FreeSpin® In-line Turboexpander (FIT). This system integrates a high-speed turboexpander with a synchronous permanent-magnet generator. A key feature is the use of non-contact active magnetic bearings, which levitate the dynamic components, minimizing energy consumption and eliminating the need for maintenance associated with traditional bearings. The hermetically sealed, flow-through design uses the process gas itself to cool the generator's components. The system is designed for hazardous environments and can handle high-pressure differentials and cryogenic temperatures, particularly in hydrogen applications. Each unit can generate up to 2.6 GWh of clean energy annually, offsetting 2,000 tons of CO2e emissions. The company has secured significant venture capital, including a $10M Series A in 2021 and a $10M Series B in 2023, to accelerate commercialization and increase production.

Keywords: energy recovery, turboexpander, waste heat to power, natural gas pressure reduction, clean electricity, decarbonization, hydrogen applications, FreeSpin In-line Turboexpander, industrial energy efficiency, pressure letdown, carbon emissions reduction, clean technology, sustainable energy, active magnetic bearings, process gas expansion, distributed power generation, oil and gas decarbonization, midstream energy, wellhead applications, venture capital-backed