Method for reducing flue gas carbon dioxide emissions

Abstract

Plants, devices, and methods are presented which economically and effectively reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from flue gases by converting heat derived from one or more sources of flue gas to drive a heat engine, which generates power, energy, and/or work that is utilized by a CO₂ capture unit coupled to the stream of flue gas. CO₂ captured from the flue gas stream may be sequestered and/or utilized for commercial purposes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The field of the invention is capture of CO2 from plant emissions or waste gases. In particular this invention relates to the capture of CO2 from flue gases, especially those produced in chemical or petrochemical plants, power plants, and refineries.BACKGROUND[0002]Flue gases are waste gases typically produced as exhaust from turbines, furnaces, boilers, ovens, steam generators, and similar installations, and are often produced in large quantities by power plants and chemical, petrochemical, and refinery installations. As a combustion product, the composition of flue gas is dependent on the fuel source, however, it will usually comprise nitrogen and unconsumed oxygen from the combustion air, carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), trace components like argon, and water vapor. It may further contain volatile organic carbon compounds, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Release of many of these compounds (CO2 in particular) to the atmosphere has become ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods in which one may economically and effectively reduce CO2 emissions from flue ga

Problems solved by technology

A significant barrier to removal of CO2 from flue gases is the expense associated with the removal process.

These costs can be very substantial, both in terms of equipment and operations costs and in reduction of plant efficiency.

It is estimated that CO2 capture from emissions generated by a coal-fired power plant increase overnight power generation costs by abou

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