System and method for sequestering emissions from engines

Abstract

A system is provided for sequestering carbon dioxide emitted in exhaust gas from an engine. The exhaust gas may be cooled using heat exchange techniques, for example reverse flow heat exchangers. Carbon dioxide may be separated from the exhaust gases, for example using fractional distillation, heat exchangers, and turbo chargers. The separated carbon dioxide may be stored, for example using injection deep into the earth for enhancing natural gas and oil extraction. Alternatively, the separated carbon dioxide may be cooled to solid carbon dioxide and stored, for example, in an LNG tank for use as ballast onboard a ship or for use in industry.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. patent application No. 61 / 293,609 titled “Zero-Emissions Engines,” filed Jan. 8, 2010. The disclosures of the above U.S. patent application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to emission control systems. The present disclosure more specifically relates to sequestering emissions from an engine during operation.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] The major components of engine exhaust are nitrogen, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. For example, 100 grams (g) of exhaust gas may include approximately 73 g of nitrogen gas, 12 g of water vapor, 14 g of carbon gas dioxide, and 1 g of trace pollutants. Water vapor can be condensed from exhaust gas according to standard techniques and safely returned to the environment. Trace pollutants can be removed using emissions control sy...

Images