Apparatus, method and system for cryogenic separation of gases using novel surfaces and geometries

Abstract

The invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a system for efficient cryogenic separation and capture of gas from a gaseous mixture. In one embodiment of the invention, the gas can be separated from the atmosphere using a cooling surface for separation of the gas from the atmosphere. In another embodiment of the invention, removal of CO2 from the atmosphere can be performed using direct air capture (DAC), using which methods, devices and systems are used to effectively cryogenically separate CO2 from air, and capture CO2 from a gaseous mixture using a surface, and release "CO2 lean air" into the atmosphere and store the captured liquefied CO2.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 413,931, filed on October 6, 2022, entitled “Device, Method, and System for Cryogenic Separation of Gases Utilizing Novel Surfaces and Geometries,” by Atwood et al., which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to methods, compositions and apparatus for the efficient cryogenic separation and capture of gases from gaseous mixtures. Background Art

[0004] The importance of addressing climate change is accelerating. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are the primary cause of global warming and climate change, with carbon dioxide being the primary contributor, coming from both point and distributed sources. The 2015 Paris Agreement emphasized the need for deep emissions cuts within a decade to limit global warming to below 1.5°C and protect a habitable climate, as outlined by the United Nations Net Zero Coalition.

[0005] Cryogenic fractionation is commonly used to separate atmospheric air into its main components, including nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other rare earth gases. These elements are essential for high-purity semiconductor device manufacturing. Alternative methods include membrane separation, pressure swing adsorption, and vacuum pressure swing adsorption, all of which require cryogenic distillation. The most viable source of the noble gases neon, krypton, and xenon is cryogenic fractionation using at least two distillation columns. Liquefaction is also a way to purify CO2 or other condensable gases. For example, in many beverage and food industry applications, it is necessary to remove oxygen from gaseous mixtures containing CO2. In addition, the storage of CO2 usually requires liquefying the CO2 and removing impurities before piping and injection.

[0006] Net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), including those required for energy services, transportation, land use, agriculture, and industrial production, are a key component in stabilizing global average temperatures. Some energy services, such as heating and cooling, both domestically and industrially, can be obtained through electricity generated from renewable sources. However, industrial processes that must utilize CO2 and release it into the atmosphere present a problem with serious consequences. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, heavy industrial manufacturers are rapidly building their operations through significant investments, and technology companies are creating novel solutions. However, global targets have not been met. Furthermore, CO2 is a feedstock for many industrial applications, and emerging technologies that generate gaseous CO2, such as direct air capture, require further processing to provide CO2 in a state (e.g., liquid) and purity (e.g., oxygen removal) for utilization. Currently, CO2 is typically transported to industrial utilization facilities by truck, which results in CO2 losses along the way and increases the carbon intensity of product delivery associated with CO2 production, logistics, and losses, leading to Scope 3 emissions in industries that use CO2 for various applications.

[0007] Therefore, in addition to post-combustion carbon capture, carbon-negative technologies can be employed to reduce net CO2 emissions. These technologies typically require complex systems of heat exchangers, condensers, gas separators, and compressors. To ensure that carbon-negative technologies do not exacerbate the problems they are designed to address, carbon capture systems must be highly efficient. Furthermore, carbon capture systems often require secondary processing to convert the generated CO2 gas into a liquid or supercritical fluid, requiring further energy for utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, a method, composition and apparatus for effectively cryogenically separating and capturing a gas from a gaseous mixture are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, the captured and separated gas is liquefied. In various embodiments of the present invention, the liquefied carbon dioxide can be derived from any source. The liquefaction of CO2 from industrial processes includes fermentation, fertilizer production and hydrogen production processes from methane, such as steam methane reforming processes. In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquefaction of the gas can be carried out using a cooled surface to separate the gas. In another embodiment of the present invention, direct air capture (DAC) can be used to remove the first gas from the atmosphere, wherein the method, apparatus and system effectively cryogenically liquefies and separates the first gas from the gaseous mixture, and uses a surface to capture the first gas from the gaseous mixture, and either releases the "lean gaseous mixture first gas" into the atmosphere, or utilizes the liquefied (solidified) first gas or stores the captured liquefied (solidified) first gas. In another optional embodiment of the present invention, the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere can be carried out using DAC, which effectively separates CO2 from the air at low temperature and captures CO2 from the gaseous mixture using a surface, and either releases the "CO2-lean air" into the atmosphere, or uses liquefied (solidified) CO2 to store the captured liquefied (solidified) CO2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The present invention will be described with respect to specific embodiments thereof. Further aspects can be understood from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1A is a phase diagram of the prior art;

[0011] Figure 1B is a prior art enthalpy (and entropy) pressure diagram for CO2;

[0012] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin having a refrigerant chamber without waves according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin having a refrigerant chamber and waves according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin having a tapered radial width according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram illustrating a fin having a refrigerant chamber without waves in fully integrated thermal contact with the filler according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of a gas condensing column (GCC) having an arrangement of ten (10) fins according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a baffle having channel elements for directing condensate to the outside of the column according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a baffle having injection inlets at multiple points in the baffle according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of three GCC modules with fins according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing a side view of three columns according to various embodiments of the present invention, wherein the gaseous effluent from the first column is injected into the second column and the gaseous effluent from the second column is injected into the third column for further purification;

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cutaway side view of a GCC module having fins according to various embodiments of the present invention, wherein the wave elements of the fins are angled downward in a radial direction to direct condensate outward or inward;

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a GCC module having fins and filler struts with downwardly sloping channel condensate toward or away from the fins according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a plurality of filling elements according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a GCC module having a partition 380, a cover 396, and a cup 398 between chambers 365 according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 9 is an artist's line drawing showing a plurality of filler elements according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the arrangement of fins 220 within a GCC device 360 ​​with filler elements 250 between the fins, a jacket 1084 with coolant chambers 1082 and coolant flow conduits 1082 according to various embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a GCC module having sixteen corrugated wave fins according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a GCC module having sixteen corrugated fins according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 12A is a schematic diagram illustrating a mixing module 361 according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12B is a schematic diagram illustrating a side view of a prior art or conventional module 364;

[0031] Figure 12C is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a mixing device 362 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing device including a conventional device 359 connected to a mixing device 361;

[0032] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a carbon dioxide liquefaction plant incorporating chamber 365 into a column to create a hybrid column according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0033] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of a carbon dioxide liquefaction plant showing the incorporation of chamber 365 into a column to create a hybrid column according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] definition

[0035] The transitional term "comprising" is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by" and is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0036] The transition phrase "consisting of excludes any elements, steps, or ingredients not specified in the claim, but does not exclude additional components or steps not relevant to the invention, such as impurities normally associated with the composition.

[0037] The transition phrase "consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. The phrase "consisting essentially of encompasses the replacement of a compound in the same group with another compound.

[0038] The term "about" refers to a range of plus or minus ten (10) percent of the stated value, in the absence of an explicit range.

[0039] Carbon dioxide and CO2 are used interchangeably herein.

[0040] "Metal" includes one or more elements consisting of lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, gallium, germanium, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, strontium, yttrium, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, silver, cadmium, indium, tin, antimony, tellurium, cesium, barium, lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, lutetium, hafnium, tantalum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, iridium, platinum, gold, mercury, thallium, lead, and bismuth.

[0041] An "alloy" is a mixture of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Alloys can retain the properties of metals but possess properties different from those of pure metals. In some cases, mixtures impart synergistic properties, such as thermal conductivity, to the components. Furthermore, alloys can reduce the overall cost of a material while maintaining important properties.

[0042] "Plastic" includes one or more of polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyphenylene ether alloyed with high impact polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, polyphenylene ether and polystyrene impregnated with pentane, a blend of polyphenylene ether and polystyrene impregnated with pentane, or polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0043] "Polymers" include materials synthesized from one or more reagents selected from the group consisting of styrene, propylene, carbonate, ethylene, acrylonitrile, butadiene, vinyl chloride, vinyl fluoride, ethylene terephthalate, terephthalate, dimethyl terephthalate, bis-β-terephthalate, naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxynaphthalene-2-carboxylic acid, monoethylene glycol (1,2-ethylene glycol), cyclohexylene-dimethanol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, glycol, polyester, cyclohexanedimethanol, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, methylamine, ethylamine, ethanolamine, dimethylamine, hexamethylenediamine (hexane-1,6-diamine), pentamethylenediamine, methylethanolamine, trimethylamine, aziridine, piperidine, N-methylpiperidine, anhydrous formaldehyde, phenol, bisphenol A, cyclohexanone, trioxane, adipic acid, sebacic acid, glycolic acid, lactide, caprolactone, aminocaproic acid, aziridine and / or blends of two or more materials synthesized by polymerization of these agents.

[0044] A "column" or gas condensing column (GCC) unit is a unit used to liquefy one or more working gases present in a gaseous mixture. A GCC unit uses a combination of temperature and pressure to achieve cryogenic distillation. The "working gas" is the gas that a GCC unit separates from a gaseous mixture.

[0045] A "refrigerant" or "coolant" is a fluid used in equipment to cool the equipment, wherein the refrigerant can undergo repeated heating and cooling cycles, wherein the refrigerant can reduce the temperature of surfaces in the equipment as it cools (and as a result, the refrigerant temperature is increased). The cooled surfaces can then serve to reduce the temperature of gases contacting the device.

[0046] When the fin is attached to the partition wall, the fin is in material contact with the partition wall so that the thermal conductivity between the fin and the partition wall is greater than 20Wm -1 K -1 And / or recirculating refrigerant passing through the dividing wall to the fins cannot leak or otherwise escape between the dividing wall and the fins.

[0047] A "contactor" is a crucible used to hold or contain an adsorbent. In one embodiment of the present invention, the crucible itself can be the adsorbent. In another embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is partially transparent to radio frequencies or microwaves. In another embodiment of the present invention, the contactor contains specific covalently bonded groups to allow absorption of specific radio frequencies or microwaves. In an embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a polymer with a low dielectric constant, an alumina-based ceramic, corundum, a titanium-based ceramic, a zeolite, fused quartz, or a ferrite to minimize absorption at the resonant cavity frequency. In one embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is made of a porous ceramic. In an embodiment of the present invention, the porous ceramic is a silicate, an aluminosilicate, diatomaceous earth, carbon, corundum, silicon carbide, or cordierite. In another embodiment of the present invention, the contactor can be cellulose acetate. In another embodiment of the present invention, the contactor can be mesoporous silica. In another embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is made of glass coated with a ferromagnet. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is made of MnFe2O. In another embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is PTFE impregnated with non-aqueous hydroxyl-containing molecules. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the contactor is PTFE derivatized with hydroxyl groups.

[0048] "Additive Manufacturing" (AM) is the automated construction of an object by adding metal to it. In an embodiment of the present invention, AM is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a model by adding metal or alloys to create the three-dimensional object. AM can be performed in a variety of processes where material is deposited, joined, or solidified under control, with material typically added to the object layer by layer. In another embodiment of the present invention, AM is used to build an object from metal and alpha (wherein the metal and alpha form a mixed alloy). In an optional embodiment of the present invention, AM is used to build an object from metal and plastic. In another optional embodiment of the present invention, AM is used to build an object from metal and polymer. In an embodiment of the present invention, AM is used to build an object from metal and ceramic. Appendix A (attached herein) discloses features and limitations of using AM to build a GCC device as contemplated in various embodiments of the present invention and is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, AM enables the design of a GCC unit to be optimized. The GCC unit design includes chambers. One chamber can be added to other chambers to build a hierarchy or architecture of the GCC unit. The design freedom allows for small-scale manufacturing (i.e., the gas condensation surface and liquefaction equipment scale matches the requirements of the gas system and the technical / scientific industrial challenges). Details of DAC are disclosed in U.S. National Phase Application No. 17787262, filed on June 17, 2022, with inventor Matthew Atwood, entitled "Direct Air Capture Apparatus, Method and System for Desorbing Solid Amine Adsorbents to Release Carbon Dioxide Using Electromagnetic Radiation," which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. By using additive manufacturing to ensure physical contact of the surfaces, the contact effect between the system components increases thermal conductivity, thereby increasing material flow, thermal conductivity and improving separation efficiency.

[0050] The use of AM results in improved heat recovery / heat integration and, therefore, increased exergy design. AM also allows for the configuration / construction / manufacturing of GCC plants with surface complexity that enables lower overall material utilization, higher heat transfer rates, and more efficient gas condensation and gas / liquid separation, not possible with other manufacturing technologies. In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant is cooled via a chiller or heat pump. In one embodiment of the present invention, process heat is recovered and used to provide process heat for another process that produces a gas, such as CO2, in the DAC. If the temperature is significantly increased, the CO2 can also be liquefied at ambient temperature. This is typically accomplished using a heat exchanger located after the compressor to return the CO2 to ambient temperature. If the pressure is significantly increased, the CO2 can also be liquefied at ambient temperature.

[0051] A "refrigerant circuit" can be a single-flow, closed-loop coolant system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant flows through the jacket of the tower, which is fluidly connected to the interior volume of the fins. In one embodiment of the present invention, one refrigerant can be used in the jacket of the tower, while a second refrigerant can be used in the fins.

[0052] In embodiments of the present invention, by performing AM on a chamber with a refrigerant volume (jacket) and fins containing the refrigerant, a comparison of different refrigerants can be effectively performed. The fin design maintains a constant T in the x and y directions and a variable temperature or heat transfer in the z axis. The fins can be of variable width to enable uniform refrigerant / heat transfer in the x, y and z axes. The vertical waves in the fins can control the refrigerant flow rate and distribution. The amplitude of the fin waves can be varied in the z axis to enable adjustment of the refrigerant temperature and separation of liquid products from the condensing gas (e.g., separation of CO2 from air). The number of fins can be varied depending on the heat exchange (cooling) needs of the different stages of the tower. The surface finish of the fins (inside and outside) can be controlled using additive manufacturing to improve the efficiency of the separation / heat exchange.

[0053] The phrase "packing material" or "packing element" means a component that provides a condensing surface on which the condensable gas can be cooled. In one embodiment of the present invention, the packing material is generated by AM. The increase in surface area to volume (SaV) results in an increase in effective condensation due to surface area (SA) and heat transfer. The non-periodic nature of the packing avoids liquid and gas flow bottlenecks during operation. The ability to vary the packing density in the z-axis allows for adjustment of the condensation rate of the liquid / gas fraction that varies in the z-axis. The high connectivity of the packing enables liquid to accumulate and flow downward under gravity. The radial inclination in the fin channels creates a path for the condensate to flow toward the edge of the chamber. The superposition of the periodic work in the packing channels condenses onto the fins to increase effective separation and reduce entrainment of gas molecules in the condensing liquid, thereby increasing the purity of the liquefied product. Periodic high twist packing surfaces such as spirals and helical local structures allow for simultaneous increase in SaV and turbulent fluid flow and a path for liquid and gas separation to achieve better falling film development. Variable packing density in x, y (radial position) and distance to the fins can guide gas and fluid flow and control heat transfer / condensation rates. When the thermal conductivity between the "filling material" and the fins is greater than 20Wm -1 K -1 When the filler material is in "physical contact" with the fins, the filler material is in "physical contact" with the fins. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the filler elements cause the overall thermal conductivity between the airflow and the fins to increase due to the significant surface area of ​​the filler elements.

[0054] A "conventional chamber" is a device for condensing gases that includes two fluid volumes that share a common surface. The "conventional chamber" does not include filler material. The first fluid volume is configured to contain a cryogenic fluid or refrigerant having an inlet and an outlet. The second fluid volume is configured to have an inlet located on the bottom, and a plurality of tubes through which at least two gases enter, and the plurality of tubes transport the gases toward the outlet. There is an airtight seal between the first and second fluid volumes, which is capable of withstanding the pressure differential between the first and second fluid volumes and between the fluid volumes and the outside atmosphere. Condensed gases collect on the walls of the tubes and are directed downwardly by gravity, while non-condensed gases will exit the second fluid volume at the outlet.

[0055] In an unexpected and dramatic effect, the time it takes for liquid carbon dioxide to accumulate from a first predetermined level (sensor) to a second predetermined level (sensor) is reduced from Figure 12B The three (3) hours for the arrangement shown is reduced to Figure 12A Forty (40) minutes for the arrangement shown (i.e., system 361 having one chamber 365 connected to a conventional chamber 364, as compared to non-AM apparatus 359 having only a conventional chamber 364). In an unexpected technical effect, the time for liquid CO2 to accumulate from a first predetermined level (sensor) to a second predetermined level (sensor) is reduced from Figure 12B The three (3) hours of the arrangement shown is reduced to Figure 12A Forty (40) minutes for the arrangement shown. In an unusual or unexpected result, the time for liquid carbon dioxide to accumulate from the first predetermined level (sensor) to the second predetermined level (sensor) is from Figure 12B The three (3) hours for the arrangement shown is reduced to Figure 12A Forty (40) minutes for the arrangement shown. In a significant effect, the time it takes for liquid carbon dioxide to accumulate from a first predetermined level (sensor) to a second predetermined level (sensor) is reduced from Figure 12B The three (3) hours of the arrangement shown is reduced to Figure 12A Forty (40) minutes for the arrangement shown. In an additional effect, the time for liquid carbon dioxide to accumulate from the first predetermined level (sensor) to the second predetermined level (sensor) is increased from Figure 12B The three (3) hours of the arrangement shown is reduced to Figure 12A Forty (40) minutes of the arrangement shown. In an unexpected and remarkable effect, with Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 12A The rate of increase in the level of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation column of the arrangement shown in FIG was increased by 92%. In an unexpected technical effect, Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown, Figure 12A The rate of increase in the level of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation column of the arrangement shown was increased by 92%. Among the significant effects, Figure 12BCompared to the arrangement shown, Figure 12A The arrangement shown increases the rate of increase in the level of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation column by 92%. In an additional effect, Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 12A The rate of increase in the level of liquid carbon dioxide in the distillation column of the arrangement shown in FIG was increased by 92%. In an unexpected and significant effect, Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 12A The arrangement shown in produces liquid CO2 with less O2. In an unexpected technical effect, Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 12A The arrangement shown in produces liquid CO2 with less O2. In an unconventional or unexpected result, Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 12A The arrangement shown in produces liquid CO2 with less O2. In a significant effect, Figure 12A Compared to the arrangement shown, Figure 12A The arrangement shown produces liquid CO2 with less O2. Figure 12B Among the unexpectedly significant effects, Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown, Figure 12A The arrangement shown produces liquid CO2 with less O2.

[0056] The gaps in the baffles allow for channeling of fluids and injection of gases at different locations. In one embodiment of the invention, a geometry may be included in the tower gap baffles that enables the condensed fluid to channel in directions such as toward the wall of the condenser or toward the middle of the condenser.

[0057] "Carbon capture" is a physical and / or chemical process involving the combination of fluids and gases under certain temperatures and pressures. A key component of carbon capture for air capture is the "trapping" of the carbon with a structured mechanical filter. In post-combustion capture, liquid amines are used instead of structured filters. Air is drawn into the system through the first (i.e., direct air contact) stage. Direct air contact filter efficiency can be optimized by filter structures that allow maximum contact between the incoming air and the filter surface. Carbon capture efficiency is a function of yield versus energy input. In one embodiment of the present invention, AM can be used to produce filter designs that do not cause high levels of turbulence and mixing. In embodiments of the present invention, AM can also be used to produce filters with high surface areas for maximum air contact. By increasing the surface area of ​​the filter, yield can also be increased without a significant increase in energy input.

[0058] "Chiller" and / or "still" include a refining tower, which may include a still with integrated cooling. In one embodiment of the present invention, the carbon-rich product leaving the filtration stage may be considered "dirty" and requires further refining before it can be used. In one embodiment of the present invention, this dirty carbon post-processing may be accomplished using a chiller and / or still. In one embodiment of the present invention, the chiller and / or still is outside of a separate system. However, a chiller and / or still placed separately or outside of a separate system generally produces more carbon. The most valuable and promising carbon capture systems have some degree of integrated dirty carbon product post-processing using a chiller and still such that the output of the carbon capture system consists of a clean, usable carbon product. The by-product of liquefaction is typically a mixture of air and CO2, where the CO2 may be as high as forty (40%) percent of the total liquefied CO2, which is discharged from the top of the tower. Typically, water is removed before the CO2 is liquefied because liquefying CO2 with water forms clathrates.

[0059] An "adsorbent" is a material that is capable of forming a physical or chemical bond with CO2 molecules present in the air. The CO2 molecules in the feed to be treated are absorbed or adsorbed by the adsorbent. In one embodiment of the present invention, the feed is atmospheric air. In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is a polyamine adsorbent. In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is a plastic impregnated with an amine. In one embodiment of the present invention, the adsorbent is selected from the group consisting of linear PEI, branched PEI, linear PEI functionalized cellulose acetate silica, branched PEI functionalized cellulose acetate silica, PAA poly(allylamine), and PPI poly(propyleneimine).

[0060] The "aspect ratio" of a processing chamber is the ratio of its width to its height, eg, x:z, with x units of width and z units of height.

[0061] For directional clarity, when using a GCC device, the term "above," when used in relation to the positioning of, for example, a first inlet and a first outlet, means that liquid will flow under the action of gravity from, for example, the first refrigerant inlet to the first refrigerant outlet, or from the second refrigerant inlet to the second refrigerant outlet, and so on. When used in relation to the positioning of, for example, a first chamber and a second chamber, the term "above" means that liquid will flow under the action of gravity from, for example, the first chamber to the second chamber, or from the second chamber to the third chamber, and so on. This clarification does not require gravity liquid flow from, for example, the first refrigerant inlet to the first refrigerant outlet; that is, the liquid flow from, for example, the first refrigerant inlet to the first refrigerant outlet can be under pressure. Furthermore, this clarification does not require liquid flow from, for example, the first chamber to the second chamber; that is, gas in the first chamber can flow to the second chamber via the first working outlet and the second working port, or gas can condense in the first chamber and flow to the second chamber via the first working outlet and the second working port.

[0062] The term "corrugation", "corrugation wave" or "corrugation shear wave" means Figure 2B A series of approximately parallel crests and troughs are shown, where the amplitude of the wave is the distance from the center point of the shear wave to the crest or trough. This range means approximately plus or minus ten (10) degrees.

[0063] The phrase "surface roughness" or "roughness" refers to the surface finish or texture and is determined by the variation (δ) in the normal vector from an ideal surface (δ = 0). If δ is large, the surface is rough; if δ is small, the surface is smooth. Profile roughness parameters are given by ISO 4287:1997, where grade N1 corresponds to 0.025 microns and N12 corresponds to 50 microns.

[0064] exist Figure 2B The "Hollow Periodic Fin Radial Array" is shown in FIG. The hollow periodic fin radial array achieves efficient cooling due to its geometry and provides space for structured packing of condensate. In Appendix A, Figure 7 Transient analysis of the cooling performance of helical and hollow periodic fin radial arrays is presented. The hollow periodic fin radial array meets the desired requirements of very low or no cooling gradients in the XY plane, as well as significant cooling, thereby providing a cooling effect. Several key aspects of the periodic fin array design include "constant cooling volume," "hollow core," and "periodic fins." The same total cooling volume is achieved for any transverse cross-section taken above and below the Z axis. This ensures uniform planar cooling capacity regardless of the cooling capacity of the GCC device. This is not an intentional design feature, but rather a manufacturability and functional tradeoff that provides acceptable behavior. Theoretically, it is desirable for the cooling fins to converge at the center without dimension (i.e., infinitely thin). In embodiments of the present invention, the fins have a finite thickness at the center or may not extend all the way to the center. This compromise is acceptable because the radiative cooling effect of the axial faces of the fins directs cooling toward the center and provides uniform and constant cooling in the axial core. Non-periodic (i.e., flat without waves) hollow fins provide a very direct path to the ground due to gravity. This is unfavorable because increasing the residence time for lingering and mixing within the fins provides significant cooling. Periodic fins also provide radiative cooling in many vectors, spreading the volumetric cooling potential for any unit of cooling surface area over a larger space. When many periodic fins are combined in a radial array, the volumetric cooling potential bands overlap. Periodic fins also provide a more tortuous open area for the condensation grid. In this case, gas passing through the inter-fin lattice spends more time in pockets, promoting condensate formation.

[0065] "Deployed" means attached, secured, adhered, inserted, or otherwise associated. A reservoir is a container for holding one or more of a liquid, gas, or solid sample.

[0066] The term "spacer" refers to a module in a GCC device that is devoid of any channel elements 392. The phrase "spacer / baffle" refers to a module in a GCC device that is not itself the primary location of active condensation.

[0067] The phrase "lean gas" or "lean gaseous mixture stream" means a gas in which the abundance of a particular chemical species has been reduced. For example, a carbon dioxide-lean gas is a gas in which carbon dioxide molecules have been removed.

[0068] In the following description, various aspects of the present invention will be described. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced using only some or all aspects of the present invention. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and configurations have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known features have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

[0069] DAC involves separating a first gas from a gaseous mixture. For example, DAC can involve separating CO2 from air. If the CO2 is sequestered geologically or converted into materials such as concrete, fuels, polymers, and carbon fiber, DAC is considered an attractive and scalable carbon reduction strategy. DAC has the potential to achieve net negative emissions on a multi-GT / y scale by 2050. However, the technology, costs, and process steps involved in DAC may limit its application to large-scale implementations, which are less suitable for markets that require CO2 to be compressed, liquefied, stored, and transported to commercial customers. DAC also enables sequestration—the ability to store CO2 for constructive purposes—transforming it from a threat to an opportunity. On-site CO2 production and storage from DAC to existing CO2-using industries such as agricultural products, building materials, fuels, plastics, and chemicals can reduce CO2 costs for customers and provide a more sustainable supply while meeting emission reduction targets / requirements. However, DAC alone generally does not produce industrially usable CO2 products. Typically, CO2 needs to be compressed and / or liquefied to remove contaminants before it can be utilized.

[0070] In an embodiment of the present invention, the GCC separates CO2 molecules from air under specific pressure and temperature conditions by liquefying and collecting the CO2 molecules and releasing the gaseous CO2-depleted air. By doing so, the process avoids the capital and energy costs associated with CO2 desorption and by producing liquid CO2, the product is used for storage and / or transportation of the produced CO2.

[0071] CO2 is useful to industry, and DAC enables the utilization of a lower-cost and more sustainable supply of CO2 for existing and future markets. In addition, CO2 supplied by DAC can replace existing CO2 sources used by industry, which ultimately increase the atmospheric CO2 load. DAC can meet industrial emission reduction requirements.

[0072] The primary considerations when designing a GCC system are: i) the energy cost of bringing CO2 into contact with the GCC unit at the appropriate pressure and temperature conditions, and ii) the capital and maintenance costs of the system. This is also a significant energy cost when producing liquid CO2, and there is a need to reduce the energy cost of CO2 liquefaction. In embodiments of the present invention, AM can reduce the cost of liquefying CO2 through higher efficiency and lower capital cost equipment. Furthermore, it enables more efficient heat recovery by integrating the heat pumps required to generate the required cooling load. This heat can be recovered from DAC or other industrial processes and used to provide heat input.

[0073] In an embodiment of the present invention, a GCC unit takes as input warm / hot steam filled with carbon product (CO2) and produces a refined, concentrated carbon product (CO2). In another embodiment of the present invention, a GCC unit takes as input carbon product (CO2) heated by exposure to microwaves or other energy sources and produces a refined, concentrated carbon product (CO2). In one embodiment of the present invention, a GCC unit takes CO2 produced by another industrial process and produces a refined, concentrated carbon product (CO2). In one embodiment of the present invention, the input gas can be cooled to produce a condensate, and the GCC unit is used to provide sufficient surface area for the condensate to collect and produce a precipitate. In addition, it is desirable to have an integral component that requires little or no assembly. The process chamber provides an airtight structure to accommodate the components of the chemical process or reaction. There may be thermal, pressure, flow and instrumentation requirements that apply to a single integral process unit.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, the "processing chamber" may be a pill-shaped cylinder. The dimensions and aspect ratio of the cylindrical processing chamber are defined in Equation 1.

[0075] SaV>2xD Equation 1,

[0076] Where SaV is the aspect ratio and D is the diameter of the cylindrical processing chamber.

[0077] In an embodiment of the present invention, a collection "cup" or "bowl" with a port may be located on the bottom of the GCC device.

[0078] In an embodiment of the present invention, a "cap" or "dome" with ports may be located on top of the GCC unit to allow non-condensed gases to escape.

[0079] The injection port can be located in the bottom of the tower, at the top of the tower or in the middle part of the tower to guide the direction of the condensing gas. The channel formation enables more efficient condensation and reduces the entry of impurities from non-condensable gas into the condensing gas liquid.

[0080] Temperature sensors can be used to control process equipment such as the temperature or flow of a refrigerant and / or the temperature of a process gas. Alternatively, pressure sensors can be used to control the refrigerant flow rate of a process equipment and / or the pressure of a process gas.

[0081] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant system includes a heat pump. In an embodiment of the present invention, the heat generated by the heat pump can be recovered. In an embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust gas can be reinjected back into the GCC unit (or another GCC unit or DAC unit) for further separation.

[0082] The chamber may be jacketed with a refrigerant / insulation / vacuum jacket. In one embodiment of the present invention, the GCC unit may consist of a chamber jacketed with a refrigerant.

[0083] The actively cooled portion of the process chamber has a relatively high diameter to height ratio. Due to the high aspect ratio for specific efficiency targets, the refrigeration modules can be designed into AM over almost the entire height of the AM printer and then combined into a stack. For current commercially available 3D printers, the dimensions are approximately 400mm. However, this may become larger and wider in the future, enabling larger embodiments. However, for smaller scale non-industrial, more commercial systems, it is possible to have a monolithic, complete chamber with one construction. Additionally, the chambers can be modular, where more than one chamber can be combined in series. For industrial high output stacks, using a modular approach offers the advantage of allowing the parameters of the modules to be changed. For example, different modules can have different packing and cooling densities per module (if required). The process modules are then connected with simple spacer flanges, which also allows for instrumentation and introduction ports 390 at various heights.

[0084] In an embodiment of the present invention, a cooler can provide temperature control to quickly cool the hot gas. The cooler can also be part of a heat pump, and the heat from the heat pump can be used for additional processes in the overall system design, such as some or all of the heat required for the DAC.

[0085] In embodiments of the present invention, structured packing can provide a high surface area that can be thermally coupled to a cooling mechanism as super structured packing (SSP). In one embodiment of the present invention, SSP can provide increased surface area for condensate formation. The SA, or open space dimension, in the packing density can be given by Equation 1. The SA to open space dimension in the packing density is described in Appendix A.

[0086] The binary separation process between air (which consists of 70% nitrogen) and CO2 can be approximated by the phase diagrams of different CO2-N2 gas mixtures. Figure 1A , where 110 shows the solid phase boundary, 114 shows the liquid phase boundary, 116 shows the supercritical fluid phase boundary, 112 shows the gas phase boundary, 118 shows the critical point, and 119 shows the triple point where gas, liquid, and solid phases can coexist. Figure 1B It is the Ph diagram of CO2, in which 120 shows that the critical point pressure at 31°C is 72.8MPa.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polyamine adsorbent can be a linear polyethyleneimine (PEI), a branched PEI, an aziridine, a diethylenetriamine, a triethylenetetramine, a diethyltriaminoorganosilane, and an aminopropylorganosilane. In another embodiment of the present invention, the polyamine adsorbent can be a linear PEI functionalized cellulose acetate silica adsorbent, a branched PEI functionalized cellulose acetate silica adsorbent material, a linear PEI incorporated into a metal organic framework, a branched PEI incorporated into a metal organic framework, and an amine incorporated into a metal organic framework. In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the polyamine adsorbent can be a mesoporous material selected from M41S, FSM-16, and SBA-15 modified with amino groups, such as polyethylene MCM-41, or 3-trimethoxysilylpropyldiethylenetriamine SBA-15. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, alternative higher adsorption capacity adsorbents and alternative contactor materials can be used with the MWSD. For example, certain amine-silica adsorbent materials known to degrade to some extent in the presence of steam may be used in the present invention wherein the desorption is conducted under substantially anhydrous conditions.

[0088] exist Figure 2A 、 2B In various embodiments of the present invention shown in FIG. 2C , the fins 220 , 230 , and 240 comprising the refrigerant chambers may be rectangular (ie, flat) 230 , periodic (ie, corrugated) 220 (eg, Figure 5 and 11 toward the center of chamber 365) and tapered 240 (thickness decreases to a point toward the center of chamber 365 (shown in FIG. 11) 240). FIG. 11a is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a GCC module having sixteen corrugated wave fins. Figure 11B is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a GCC module having sixteen corrugated sheets. In one embodiment of the present invention, the packing element and / or the plurality of packing elements 250 (e.g. Figure 7 、 9 and 10) can be connected to a fin and / or multiple fins, such as Figure 2DThe plurality of filler elements or filler elements are formed into a structured strut grid with a disturbed periodic node arrangement. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A As shown, fin 230 and / or a plurality of fins 370 are present in chamber 365. In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of fins 370 are present in a chamber 365 configured as shown. Figure 4A In one embodiment of the present invention, the chambers 365 may be adjacent to one or more conventional chambers 364 (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, spacers 379 (without any channel elements 392) may be located between the chambers 365, such as Figure 4B In one embodiment of the present invention, a spacer 379 may be located between chamber 365 and conventional chamber 364 (not shown).

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of channel elements 392 are present in the spacer / spacer 380, which may be formed in a manner such as Figure 3B In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of channel elements 392 are present in a spacer / partition 380 which may be between the chambers 365 and the conventional chambers 364 (not shown). In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of channel elements 392 are present in a spacer / partition 380 which may be between the conventional chambers 364 (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of introduction ports 390 are present in a spacer / partition 380 which may be located between the chambers 365, as shown. Figure 3C In one embodiment of the invention, the working port / outlet 482 may be deployed to the spacer / baffle 380 (not shown). In another embodiment of the invention, the working port / outlet 482 may be deployed to the cap 396 (not shown). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the working port / outlet 482 may be deployed to the cup 398 (not shown). In one embodiment of the invention, the cap 396 may be connected to the spacer / baffle 380, wherein one or more of the introduction ports 390 are located in a manner such that Figure 8 In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of a plurality of spacers / baffles 380, a plurality of chambers 365, a cover 396, and a cup 398 having outlets 395 and 399, respectively, may be present in the GCC unit 360, wherein the spacers / baffles 380 may be located between the chambers 365, as shown. Figure 8As shown. In one embodiment of the present invention, a cap 396 may be connected to a spacer having one or more inlet ports 390 located between one or more chambers 365 comprising a GCC unit 360 (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of a plurality of spacers, a plurality of chambers 365, a cap 396, and a cup 398 having outlets 395 and 399, respectively, may be present in the GCC unit 360, wherein the spacer may be located between the chambers 365 (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, outlets 395 and 399 may be used to remove cryogenically separated gases. In various embodiments, the spacer / partition 380 may include one or more channel elements 392. In various embodiments, the spacer / partition 380 may include one or more inlet ports 390. In various embodiments, the spacer 380 may include one or more inlet ports 390. In one embodiment of the present invention, a GCC unit having two or more chambers 365 may include a spacer / partition 380. In another embodiment of the present invention, a GCC unit having two or more chambers 365 may include a spacer.

[0090] Various embodiments of the present invention include hybrid condensing devices 361 , 362 . Figure 12A is a schematic diagram showing the mixing module 361. Figure 12B is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a conventional device 359. Table 1 shows the side view of a conventional device 359 in a specific embodiment. Figure 12B Compared to the arrangement shown in Figure 12A 1 . Table 1 also compares the amount of liquid carbon dioxide in the tower, the rate of production of liquid CO2 (where 0.226 kg = 1 inch = 25.4 mm), and the amount of O2 in the liquid CO2 produced. In Table 1, conditions such as tower pressure and coolant temperature were kept as close as possible when comparing the two arrangements. Note that the compressor frequently stops, with Figure 12B to avoid overpressurizing the column. Figure 12A Without being bound by any particular theory or explanation, this may be due to the fact that the compressor is able to run continuously. Figure 12A More rapid condensation in the tower arrangement shown. Figure 12A The arrangement shown in Figure 12B The arrangement shown in the figure has a similar exhaust rate, but it is found that Figure 12A The yield ratio in the arrangement shown in Figure 12B The arrangement shown in is much higher (specifically, 92% higher). Figure 12Cis a schematic diagram showing a side view of a mixing device 362 comprising a conventional device 359 connected to a mixing device 361. In one embodiment of the present invention, a mixing condensing device 361 can be created by attaching a cover 396 having one or more chambers 365 to one or more conventional chambers 364 connected to a cup 398, as shown. Figure 12A In another embodiment of the present invention, the mixing condensing device 362 may include a conventional condensing device 359 in fluid communication 482 with the mixing condensing device 361, wherein the conventional condensing device 359 includes a cover 396, a plurality of conventional chambers 364, and a cup 398, wherein the mixing condensing device 361 includes a cover 396, one or more chambers 365, one or more conventional chambers 364, and a cup 398, as shown. Figure 12C In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid condensing device 362 may include a conventional condensing device 359 in fluid communication 482 with the GCC 360, wherein the conventional condensing device 359 includes a cover 396, a plurality of conventional chambers 364, and a cup 398, and wherein the GCC 360 includes a cover 396, one or more chambers 365, and a cup 398 (not shown).

[0091] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a carbon dioxide liquefaction plant 500. A carbon dioxide feed vessel 510 directs the carbon dioxide to a scrubber 520, then to a heat exchanger 530, and finally to a regeneration column 550. In one embodiment of the present invention, the regeneration column 550 is a GCC unit that is combined with chamber 365 to create a hybrid regeneration column 590. A reboiler 560 is used to purify the carbon dioxide in the regeneration column 590. The effluent 595 from the regeneration column 590 is collected in a liquid storage tank 580.

[0092] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative carbon dioxide liquefaction plant 600. A carbon dioxide source 610 and / or a carbon dioxide gas storage balloon 600 is fed into a scrubber 620, then into a compressor 625, and from there into a first separator 635 via an intercooler 630. The flow from the first separator 635 is directed back into the compressor 625, then into a second separator 650 via an aftercooler 640. In one embodiment of the present invention, the second separator 650 comprises a GCC unit combined with chamber 365 to produce a mixing separator 690. The carbon dioxide effluent 695 from the mixing separator 690 is transferred to a dryer 645 and then to a reboiler 660. The reboiler 660 further liquefies the carbon dioxide using a refrigeration compressor 670, a condenser 675, and a liquefier 665. The liquid from the reboiler is ultimately supplied to a carbon dioxide liquid storage tank 680.

[0093] Other embodiments

[0094] Embodiments contemplated herein include the following embodiments P1-P53 and Q1-Q49.

[0095] Embodiment P1. A GCC apparatus having a height H for cryogenically separating a first gas from a gaseous mixture, comprising: a first chamber comprising a diameter (D), a first volume, and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates the first volume from V2, wherein the first volume is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein V2 comprises a first working port and a first working outlet, a plurality of fins comprising a width (W) located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the first dividing wall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins comprises a first channel, a first channel inlet, and a first channel outlet, wherein the first channel connects the first channel inlet to the first channel outlet, wherein the first channel inlet and the first channel outlet traverse the first dividing wall such that the first a channel in contact with the first volume of liquid, wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to be connected to the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet to allow a low-temperature refrigerant to enter the first volume at a first temperature (T1), wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to flow from the first volume into the first channel inlet and out of the first channel through the first channel outlet, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant is in contact with at least the first volume of liquid, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant is in contact with at least the first channel liquid, and a plurality of packing elements are produced using additive manufacturing (AM), wherein the plurality of packing elements are located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in contact with one or more fin materials of the plurality of fins, wherein a first gas exits the first working outlet, and wherein a first lean gas mixture gas exits the first working port.

[0096] Embodiment P2. The GCC unit according to embodiment P1, wherein the GCC unit is made of an alloy.

[0097] Embodiment P3. The GCC apparatus of embodiment P1, wherein the plurality of filler elements are in contact with the plurality of fin materials, wherein the thermal conductivity between the plurality of filler elements and the plurality of fins is between about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 between the upper limits.

[0098] Embodiment P4. The GCC apparatus of embodiment P1, wherein the first refrigerant inlet is located above the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the low temperature refrigerant enters the first volume at T1 through the first refrigerant inlet.

[0099] Embodiment P5. The GCC device of Embodiment P1, wherein the plurality of fins are grown using AM such that the at least one of the plurality of fins is in contact with the first partition wall material.

[0100] Embodiment P6. The GCC device of embodiment P5, wherein the plurality of fins are in contact with the first partition wall material, wherein the thermal conductivity between the at least one of the plurality of fins and the first partition wall is about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 between the upper limits.

[0101] Embodiment P7. The GCC device according to embodiment P1 further includes one or more channels in one or more of the plurality of fins, wherein at least one of the one or more channels guides gas condensing on the surface of one or more of the plurality of fins in a direction from the first working port to the first working outlet.

[0102] Embodiment P8. The GCC device of embodiment P1, wherein the plurality of fins is between a lower limit of about 5 and about 1×10 2 between the upper limits.

[0103] Embodiment P9. A GCC device according to embodiment P1, wherein W is about D×10 -2 The lower limit is about D×10 -1 between the upper limits.

[0104] Embodiment P10. A GCC device according to embodiment P1, wherein W increases from the center toward the partition wall, wherein W increases from about D×10 2 The lower limit is about D×10 1 The upper limit increases.

[0105] Embodiment P11. The GCC device of Embodiment P1, wherein the plurality of fins are corrugated.

[0106] Embodiment P12. A GCC device according to embodiment P11, wherein W is from about D×10 -2 The lower limit is about D×10 -1 Increase between the upper limit.

[0107] Embodiment P13. The GCC device of embodiment P11, wherein the amplitude of the ripple wave is about D×10 -3 The lower limit is about D×10-2 between the upper limits.

[0108] Embodiment P14. The GCC device of Embodiment P11, wherein the roughness of the plurality of fins is between about a lower limit of Grade N1 and about an upper limit of Grade N12.

[0109] Embodiment P15. The GCC apparatus of Embodiment P1 further comprising a second chamber comprising a third volume and a fourth volume (V4), wherein the second chamber has a diameter D, wherein a second partition wall at least partially separates the third volume from V4.

[0110] Embodiment P16. The GCC device of embodiment P15, wherein the second chamber is disposed to the first chamber, wherein the first chamber is above the second chamber.

[0111] Embodiment P17. A GCC device according to embodiment P16, wherein the third volume is in fluid contact with the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet, wherein V4 includes a second working port and a second working outlet, wherein the GCC device is suitable for connection to the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet to recirculate the low-temperature refrigerant, and wherein the first working outlet is in gas-tight contact with the second working port.

[0112] Embodiment P18. A GCC device according to embodiment P17, wherein V4 / V2 is about 8×10 -1 The first lower limit and about 9×10 -1 between the first upper limit.

[0113] Embodiment P19. A GCC device according to embodiment P18, wherein the first refrigerant inlet is located above the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the second refrigerant inlet is located above the second refrigerant outlet, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant enters the first volume through the first refrigerant inlet at a first temperature T1, and wherein the low-temperature refrigerant enters the third volume through the second refrigerant inlet at a second temperature (T2).

[0114] Embodiment P20. A GCC device according to embodiment P19, wherein T1=T2, wherein V4 / V2 is about 8×10 -1 The first lower limit and about 9×10 -1 between the first upper limit.

[0115] Embodiment P21. A GCC device according to embodiment P20, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0116] Embodiment P22. A GCC device according to embodiment P20, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0117] Embodiment P23. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment P19, wherein T1 = T2, and wherein V2 = V4.

[0118] Embodiment P24. A GCC device according to embodiment P23, wherein H is between about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the upper limits.

[0119] Embodiment P25. A GCC device according to embodiment P23, wherein H is between a lower limit of about 3×D and a lower limit of about 2×10 1 ×D between the upper limits.

[0120] Embodiment P26. A GCC apparatus according to embodiment P19, wherein T1 is greater than T2, wherein the ratio of V4 to V2 is about 8×10 1 The first lower limit is approximately 9×10 1 between the first upper limit.

[0121] Embodiment P27. A GCC device according to embodiment P26, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0122] Embodiment P28. A GCC device according to embodiment P26, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0123] Embodiment P29. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment P19, wherein T1 is greater than T2, and wherein V2 is equal to V4.

[0124] Embodiment P30. A GCC device according to embodiment 29, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0125] Embodiment P31. A GCC device according to embodiment 29, wherein H is between the second lower limit of about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0126] Embodiment P32. A GCC device according to embodiment P19, wherein T2>T1, wherein V4 / V2 is about 8×10 -1 The first lower limit is approximately 9×10-1 between the first upper limit.

[0127] Embodiment P33. A GCC device according to embodiment P32, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0128] Embodiment P34. A GCC device according to embodiment P32, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0129] Embodiment P35. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment P19, wherein T2>T1, and wherein V2=V4.

[0130] Embodiment P36. A GCC device according to embodiment P29, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0131] Embodiment P37. A GCC device according to embodiment P35, wherein H is between a second lower limit of about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0132] Embodiment P38. The GCC device of Embodiment P19 further comprising a cap disposed in gas-sealable contact with the first working port.

[0133] Embodiment P39. The GCC apparatus of Embodiment P19 further comprising a cup disposed in gas-sealable contact with the second working outlet.

[0134] Embodiment P40. The GCC apparatus of embodiment P19 further comprising a partition disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0135] Embodiment P41. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment P40, wherein the separator is deployed in gas-sealable contact with the first chamber, wherein the separator is deployed in gas-sealable contact with the second chamber.

[0136] Embodiment P42. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment P40, wherein the partition comprises one or more channels.

[0137] Embodiment P43. A GCC unit according to Embodiment P42, wherein the one or more channels are adapted to transport condensed liquid away from a central point of the GCC unit.

[0138] Embodiment P44. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment P40, wherein the partition comprises one or more introduction ports.

[0139] Embodiment P45. The GCC unit of Embodiment P40, wherein the one or more introduction ports are adapted to direct the first lean gaseous mixture gas into the GCC unit.

[0140] Embodiment P46. The GCC device according to embodiment P38 further includes a valve in the cap and the GCC device according to claim 44, wherein the first lean gaseous mixture gas leaving the valve from the GCC device according to embodiment P38 is directed to the one or more introduction ports of the GCC device according to claim 44.

[0141] Embodiment P47. A GCC device according to Embodiment P46, wherein the partition is located between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0142] Embodiment P48. A GCC apparatus for cryogenically separating a first gas from a gaseous mixture, comprising: a first chamber having a diameter (D), a first volume, and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates the first volume from V2, wherein the first volume is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein V2 includes a first working port and a first working outlet, wherein the first chamber is produced using additive manufacturing (AM); a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the first dividing wall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins includes a first channel, a first channel inlet, and a first channel outlet, wherein the first channel connects the first channel inlet to the first channel outlet, wherein the first channel inlet and the first channel outlet traverse the first dividing wall such that the first channel is in fluid contact with the first volume, wherein the plurality of fins is produced using AM, a refrigerant supply source, wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to be connected to a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet to allow a low-temperature refrigerant to enter the first volume at a first temperature (T1), wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to flow from the first volume into the first channel inlet and exit the first channel through the first channel outlet, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant is in contact with at least the first volume of liquid, wherein the low-temperature refrigerant is in contact with at least the first channel liquid, a plurality of packing elements located in V2, wherein at least one packing element of the plurality of packing elements is in contact with one or more fin materials of the plurality of fins, wherein the plurality of packing elements are produced using AM, wherein a first gas exits the first working outlet, wherein a first lean gas mixture gas exits the first working port, a cap disposed in gas-tight contact with the first working port, a cup disposed in gas-tight contact with the second working outlet, and one or more introduction ports.

[0143] Embodiment P49. The GCC apparatus of embodiment P48, wherein the plurality of filler elements are in contact with the plurality of fin materials, wherein the thermal conductivity between the plurality of filler elements and the plurality of fins is between about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 between the upper limits.

[0144] Embodiment P50. The GCC device of Embodiment P48, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in contact with the first partition wall material.

[0145] Embodiment P51. The GCC device of embodiment P50, wherein the plurality of fins are in contact with the first partition wall material, wherein the thermal conductivity between the at least one fin of the plurality of fins and the first partition wall is about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 between the upper limits.

[0146] Embodiment P52. A GCC device according to embodiment P48, further comprising a second chamber, the second chamber comprising a third volume and a fourth volume (V4), wherein the diameter of the second chamber is equal to D.

[0147] Embodiment P53. A GCC device according to embodiment P50, wherein the second chamber is deployed to the first chamber.

[0148] Embodiment P54. The GCC apparatus of Embodiment P53, wherein a second dividing wall at least partially separates the third volume from V4.

[0149] Embodiment P55. A GCC device according to embodiment P54, wherein the third volume is in fluid contact with the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet, wherein V4 includes a second working port and a second working outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is suitable for connecting to the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet to recirculate the low-temperature refrigerant, wherein the first working outlet is in gas-tight contact with the second refrigerant inlet, and wherein V2 is equal to V4.

[0150] Embodiment P56. A GCC device according to embodiment P55, wherein H is between the lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 ×D between the upper limits.

[0151] Embodiment P57. A GCC device according to embodiment P55, wherein H is between about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the upper limits.

[0152] Embodiment P58. The GCC device of embodiment P48, wherein the third volume is in fluid contact with a second refrigerant inlet and a second refrigerant outlet, wherein V4 includes a second working port and a second working outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to connect to the second refrigerant inlet and the second refrigerant outlet to recirculate the low-temperature refrigerant, wherein the first working outlet is in gas-tight contact with the second refrigerant inlet, wherein the second chamber is positioned below the first chamber, wherein V4 / V2 is approximately 8×10 1The first lower limit and about 9×10 -1 between the first upper limit.

[0153] Embodiment P59. A GCC device according to embodiment P58, wherein H is between the second lower limit of about 2×D and about 1×10 1 The second upper limit of ×D.

[0154] Embodiment P60. A GCC device according to embodiment P58, wherein H is between the second lower limit of about 3×D and about 2×10 1 ×D between the second upper limit.

[0155] Embodiment P61. A method for cryogenically separating a first gas from a gaseous mixture, comprising introducing a working gas into a first GCC unit, wherein the first GCC unit is as disclosed in c Embodiment P17, and directing the effluent of a second working outlet of the first GCC unit to a second GCC unit.

[0156] Embodiment P62. A method of manufacturing a GCC device, comprising using additive manufacturing (AM) to produce at least a first dividing wall, a second dividing wall, a plurality of fins, and a plurality of filler elements of the GCC device described in Embodiment P38, wherein at least the first dividing wall, the second dividing wall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of filler elements comprise the alloy described in Embodiment P2 manufactured using AM.

[0157] Embodiment P63. A GCC apparatus for cryogenically separating a first gas from a gaseous mixture, comprising: a first chamber comprising a diameter (D), a first volume, and a second volume, wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates the first volume from the second volume, wherein the first chamber is sized to have a surface area to volume ratio (SaV), wherein the first volume is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the second volume comprises a first working port and a first working outlet; a refrigerant supply source; wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to be connected to the first refrigerant inlet and the first refrigerant outlet to allow a recirculated supply of cryogenic refrigerant, wherein the cryogenic refrigerant from the refrigerant supply source is recirculated to the refrigerant outlet; a plurality of fins generated using additive manufacturing (AM), wherein the plurality of fins are located in a second volume, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in contact with a first dividing wall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in contact with the first volume of liquid; a plurality of packing elements located in the second volume, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in contact with one or more of the plurality of fins, wherein a first gas exits the first working outlet, wherein a first gas-lean mixture gas exits the first working port; a cover in gas-tight contact with the first working port, a cup in gas-tight contact with the first working outlet and one or more introduction ports.

[0158] Embodiment Q1. A GCC device for liquefying a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising: (a) a first chamber comprising an introduction port, a working port, a working outlet, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working port, the working outlet and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2, (b) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins comprises a channel, a channel inlet and a channel outlet, wherein a first partition extends toward the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in contact with the plurality of fins. one or more of the fins being in physical contact with one or both of the outer side walls, and (c) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through the first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner side wall, wherein the refrigerant exits through the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply refrigerant from V1 through the channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel into V1 through the channel outlet, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the outer side wall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant flowing through V1 reduces the first temperature of the outer side wall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condenses on one or more of the outer side wall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at a bottom of the GCC device, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a gaseous mixture lean flow to a working outlet.

[0159] Embodiment Q2. A GCC device according to Embodiment Q1, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

[0160] Embodiment Q3. A GCC device according to embodiment Q1, wherein the plurality of packing elements are generated using AM.

[0161] Embodiment Q4. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment Q3, wherein a plurality of packing elements are located throughout V2.

[0162] Embodiment Q5. The GCC apparatus of Embodiment Q4, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of packing elements.

[0163] Embodiment Q6. The GCC apparatus of embodiment Q5, wherein the thermal conductivity between one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of filler elements is about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 Within this range, it means approximately plus or minus ten percent.

[0164] Embodiment Q7. A GCC device according to embodiment Q1, wherein the channel directs a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules in a direction from the working port toward the working outlet.

[0165] Embodiment Q8. The GCC device of embodiment Q1, wherein the plurality of fins is between a lower limit of about 5 and a lower limit of about 2×10 1 Approximately within this range means plus or minus one significant figure.

[0166] Embodiment Q9. The GCC device of embodiment Q1, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins are generated with corrugated waves.

[0167] Embodiment Q10. The GCC device of embodiment Q1, wherein the roughness of one or more fins of the plurality of fins is between approximately a lower limit of grade N1 and an upper limit of approximately grade N12. Approximately within this range means plus or minus ten percent.

[0168] Embodiment Q11. A method for liquefying a gas stream containing a plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules using a GCC apparatus, comprising introducing the gas stream into the GCC apparatus, wherein the GCC apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber comprising a working outlet, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working outlet and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2, (b) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins comprises a channel, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet a first refrigerant inlet connected to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewalls, and (c) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through a first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewalls, wherein the refrigerant exits through a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply refrigerant from V1 through a channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel into V1 through the channel outlet, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the outer sidewalls are at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewalls, and directing the gas flow to V2 to condense one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules on one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewalls; and directing the lean gaseous mixture gas flow to a working outlet and collecting the one or more liquefied carbon dioxide molecules in the GCC device.

[0169] Embodiment Q12. A method according to embodiment Q11, wherein the lean gaseous mixture gas includes one or more gaseous impurities.

[0170] Embodiment Q13. A method according to Embodiment Q12, wherein the one or more gaseous impurities exit the GCC unit.

[0171] Embodiment Q14. A method for liquefying a gas stream containing a plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules using a GCC apparatus, comprising introducing the gas stream into the GCC apparatus, wherein the GCC apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber comprising an introduction port, a working outlet, a working port, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working outlet and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2, (b) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins comprises a channel, a channel inlet and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet connected to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall, and (c) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through a first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply refrigerant from V1 through a channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel through the channel outlet and enters V1, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall, and directs a gaseous flow into V2 through an inlet port, condenses one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules on one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall, directs a lean gaseous mixture gaseous flow to the working outlet, and collects the one or more liquefied carbon dioxide molecules exiting the GCC unit through the working outlet.

[0172] Embodiment Q15. A method according to embodiment Q14, wherein the lean gaseous mixture gas includes one or more gaseous impurities.

[0173] Embodiment Q16. The method of Embodiment Q15, wherein the one or more gaseous impurities exit the GCC unit through the working port.

[0174] Embodiment Q17. A hybrid GCC device for liquefying a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising: (a) a first chamber comprising a first introduction port, a first working port, a first working outlet, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner side wall and an outer side wall, wherein the inner side wall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer side wall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the first introduction port, the first working port, the first working outlet and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2, (b) a second chamber comprising a second introduction port, a second working port, a second working outlet, wherein the second chamber is a distillation column, wherein the second chamber does not include a packing element, wherein the first chamber is adapted to be fluidically connected to the second chamber, wherein the second working port is adapted to be fluidically connected to the first introduction port, (c) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer side wall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins comprises a channel, a channel inlet and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the a channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewalls, and (d) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through the first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply refrigerant from V1 through the channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel into V1 through the channel outlet, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condense on one or more of the outer sidewall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of packing elements, wherein the liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at a bottom of the GCC device, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of lean gaseous mixture to the first working outlet.

[0175] Embodiment Q18. A hybrid GCC device according to Embodiment Q17, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

[0176] Embodiment Q19. A hybrid GCC device according to embodiment QI7, wherein the plurality of packing elements are generated using AM.

[0177] Embodiment Q20. A hybrid GCC device according to Embodiment Q19, wherein the plurality of packing elements are located throughout V2.

[0178] Embodiment Q21. A hybrid GCC device according to Embodiment Q20, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of packing elements.

[0179] Embodiment Q22. The hybrid GCC device of embodiment Q21, wherein the thermal conductivity between one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of filler elements is within a range of about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 This range represents approximately plus or minus ten percent.

[0180] Embodiment Q23. A GCC device according to embodiment Q17, wherein the channel directs the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules in a direction from the first working port toward the first working outlet.

[0181] Embodiment Q24. A GCC device according to embodiment Q17, wherein the plurality of fins is between about 5 and about 2×10 1 Approximately within this range means plus or minus one significant figure.

[0182] Embodiment Q25. A hybrid GCC device according to embodiment Q17, wherein one or more fins of the plurality of fins are produced with corrugated waves.

[0183] Embodiment Q26. The hybrid GCC device of embodiment Q17, wherein the roughness of one or more fins of the plurality of fins is between approximately grade N1 on the lower limit and approximately grade N12 on the upper limit. Approximately within this range means plus or minus ten percent.

[0184] Embodiment Q27. A GCC system for liquefying a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising (a) a first chamber comprising a first inlet port, a first working port, a first working outlet, a first plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1) and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises a first inner side wall and a first outer side wall, wherein the first inner side wall is in contact with V1, wherein the first outer side wall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet fluid, wherein the first inlet port, the first working port, the first working outlet and the first plurality of packing elements are located in V2, (b) a second inlet port, a second working port, a second working outlet, a second plurality of packing elements (c) a first plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the first plurality of fins is in physical contact with the first outer wall, and wherein at least one of the first plurality of fins is in physical contact with the first outer wall. (c) a second plurality of fins located in V4, wherein at least one of the second plurality of fins is in physical contact with the second outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the second plurality of fins comprises a second channel, a second channel inlet, and a first channel outlet, wherein the first channel connects the first channel inlet to the first channel outlet, wherein a first dividing wall extends to the first channel, wherein the first channel connects V1 to the first channel inlet, wherein the first channel connects the first channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the first plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or both of one or more first fins of the first plurality of fins and the first outer sidewall, and (d) a second plurality of fins located in V4, wherein at least one of the second plurality of fins is in physical contact with the second outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the second plurality of fins comprises a second channel, a second channel inlet, and a second channel outlet, wherein the second channel connects the second channel inlet to the a second channel outlet, wherein the second channel connects the second channel inlet to the second channel outlet, wherein the second dividing wall extends to the second channel, wherein the second channel connects the second channel inlet to the second channel inlet, wherein the second channel connects the second channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the second plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more second fins of the second plurality of fins and one or both of the second outer sidewall, and (d) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through the first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the first inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply refrigerant from V1 through the first channel inlet,wherein refrigerant exits the first passage through the first passage outlet and enters V1, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the first outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the first outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condense on one or more of the first outer sidewall, the plurality of first fins, and the plurality of first packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at the first working port, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a gaseous mixture-lean flow to the first working outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to supply the refrigerant into V3 through the second passage inlet, wherein the refrigerant physically contacts the second inner sidewall and exits through the second passage outlet, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the second outer sidewall is at a second temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the second temperature of the second outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V4, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condense on one or more of the second outer sidewall, the plurality of second fins, and the plurality of second packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at the second working port, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a gaseous mixture-lean flow to exit at the second working outlet.

[0185] Embodiment Q28. A GCC device according to Embodiment Q27, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

[0186] Embodiment Q29. A GCC device according to embodiment Q27, wherein the first plurality of packing elements are generated using AM.

[0187] Embodiment Q30. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment Q29, wherein the first plurality of packing elements are located throughout V2.

[0188] Embodiment Q31. A GCC apparatus according to Embodiment Q30, wherein one or more of the first plurality of fins are in physical contact with one or both of the first outer sidewall and the first plurality of packing elements.

[0189] Embodiment Q32. The GCC apparatus of embodiment Q31, wherein the thermal conductivity between one or more of the first plurality of fins and one or both of the first outer sidewall and the first plurality of filler elements is within a range of about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 This range represents approximately plus or minus ten percent.

[0190] Embodiment Q33. A GCC device according to embodiment Q27, wherein the first channel directs the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules in a direction from the first working port toward the first working outlet.

[0191] Embodiment Q34. A GCC device according to embodiment Q27, wherein the first plurality of fins is between about 5 and about 2×10 1 Approximately within this range means plus or minus one significant figure.

[0192] Embodiment Q35. A GCC device according to embodiment Q27, wherein one or more fins of the first plurality of fins are produced with corrugated waves.

[0193] Embodiment Q36. The GCC device of embodiment Q27, wherein the roughness of one or more fins of the first plurality of fins is between approximately grade N1 on the lower limit and approximately grade N12 on the upper limit. Approximately within this range means plus or minus ten percent.

[0194] Embodiment Q37. A GCC device for liquefying a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising (a) a first chamber comprising an introduction port, a working port, a working outlet, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working port and the working outlet are located in V2, (b) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins comprises a channel, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet to V1, wherein the channel connects the channel inlet to the channel outlet, a channel connecting a channel inlet to a channel outlet, and (c) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through a first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply device is further adapted to supply refrigerant from V1 through the channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel into V1 through the channel outlet, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condenses on one or more of the outer sidewall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at a bottom of the GCC device, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a lean gaseous mixture flow to the working outlet.

[0195] Embodiment Q38. A GCC device according to Embodiment Q37, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

[0196] Embodiment Q39. A GCC device according to embodiment Q37, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins are in physical contact with the outer sidewall.

[0197] Embodiment Q40. The GCC device of embodiment Q37, wherein the thermal conductivity between the one or more fins of the plurality of fins and the outer sidewall is about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm - 1 K -1 This range represents approximately plus or minus ten percent.

[0198] Embodiment Q41. A GCC device according to embodiment Q37, wherein the channel directs a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules in a direction from the working port toward the working outlet.

[0199] Embodiment Q42. The GCC device of embodiment Q37, wherein the plurality of fins is between a lower limit of about 5 and a lower limit of about 2×10 1 Approximately within this range means plus or minus one significant figure.

[0200] Embodiment Q43. A GCC device according to embodiment Q37, wherein one or more fins of the plurality of fins are produced with corrugated waves.

[0201] Embodiment Q44. The GCC device of embodiment Q37, wherein the roughness of one or more of the plurality of fins is between approximately grade N1 on the lower limit and approximately grade N12 on the upper limit. Approximately within this range means plus or minus ten percent.

[0202] Embodiment Q45. A GCC apparatus for liquefying a stream of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising: (a) a first chamber comprising an introduction port, a working port, a working outlet, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working port, the working outlet, and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, and (b) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through a first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through a first refrigerant outlet, wherein in the absence of refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall, wherein the GCC unit is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condense on one or more of the outer sidewall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at a bottom of the GCC unit, wherein the GCC unit is adapted to direct a flow of lean gaseous mixture to a working outlet.

[0203] Embodiment Q46. A GCC device according to Embodiment Q45, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

[0204] Embodiment Q47. A GCC device according to embodiment Q45, wherein the plurality of packing elements are generated using AM.

[0205] Embodiment Q48. A GCC device according to Embodiment Q45, wherein the plurality of packing elements are located throughout V2.

[0206] Embodiment Q49. A GCC device according to embodiment Q45, wherein the thermal conductivity between the outer sidewall and the plurality of filler elements is about 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 The lower limit is about 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 This range represents approximately plus or minus ten percent.

[0207] Although the systems, methods and devices have been described by way of example, it is not the intention of the applicant to limit or in any way restrict the scope of the appended claims to such details. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for the purpose of describing the systems, methods and devices provided herein. Additional advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, the representative systems and methods or devices shown and described. Therefore, deviations may be made to these details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept. Therefore, this application is intended to cover changes, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, the foregoing description is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. On the contrary, the scope of the invention is determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0208] Table 1. Figure 12A The distillation column configuration 361 shown and Figure 12B A comparison between the distillation column configurations 359 is shown.

[0209]

Claims

1. A GCC (gas condensation column) device for liquefying a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising: (a) a first chamber comprising an introduction port, a working port, a working outlet, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working port, the working outlet, and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2; (b) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins includes a channel, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall; as well as (c) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through the first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply the refrigerant from V1 through the channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel through the channel outlet and enters V1, wherein in the absence of the refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant flowing through V1 reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of a plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condenses on one or more of the outer sidewall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at a bottom of the GCC device, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a gaseous mixture lean flow to the working outlet. 2 . The GCC device according to claim 1 , wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

3. The GCC apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of filler elements are produced using additive manufacturing.

4. The GCC apparatus of claim 3, wherein the plurality of packing elements are located throughout V2.

5. The GCC apparatus of claim 4, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins are in physical contact with one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of packing elements.

6. The GCC apparatus of claim 5, wherein a thermal conductivity between one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of filler elements is between: About 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 the lower limit of About 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 upper limit.

7. The GCC device of claim 1, wherein the channel directs the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules in a direction from the working port toward the working outlet.

8. The GCC device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fins are between: a lower limit of approximately 5; and About 2×10 1 upper limit. 9 . The GCC device of claim 1 , wherein one or more of the plurality of fins are generated with corrugated waves.

10. The GCC device of claim 1 , wherein a roughness of one or more of the plurality of fins is between: Approximately the lower limit of level N1; and Approximately the upper limit of level N12.

11. A method for liquefying a gas stream containing a plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules using a GCC (gas condensation column) apparatus, comprising: The gas stream is introduced into the GCC unit, wherein the GCC unit comprises: (a) a first chamber comprising an introduction port, a working outlet, a working port, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the working outlet and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2; (b) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins includes a channel, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall; and (c) a refrigerant supply adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through the first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply is further adapted to supply the refrigerant from V1 through the channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel into V1 through the channel outlet, wherein in the absence of the refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall; and directing the airflow into V2 through the inlet port; one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condensing on one or both of one or more fins of the plurality of fins and the outer sidewall; directing a flow of lean gaseous mixture to the working outlet; and One or more liquefied carbon dioxide molecules exiting the GCC unit through the working outlet are collected.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the lean gaseous mixture gas comprises one or more gaseous impurities.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the one or more gaseous impurities exit the GCC device through the working port.

14. A hybrid GCC (gas condensation column) device for liquefying a stream of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising: (a) a first chamber comprising a first introduction port, a first working port, a first working outlet, a plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall, wherein the inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the first introduction port, the first working port, the first working outlet, and the plurality of packing elements are located in V2; (b) a second chamber comprising a second introduction port, a second working port, and a second working outlet, wherein the second chamber is a distillation column, wherein the second chamber does not include packing elements, wherein the first chamber is adapted to be fluidly connected to the second chamber, wherein the second working port is adapted to be fluidly connected to the first introduction port; (c) a plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins is in physical contact with the outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the plurality of fins includes a channel, a channel inlet, and a channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the channel, wherein the channel connects V1 to the channel inlet, wherein the channel connects the channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall; as well as (d) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through a first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply the refrigerant from V1 through the channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant exits the channel through the channel outlet and enters V1, wherein in the absence of the refrigerant, the outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of a plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condenses on one or more of the outer sidewall, the plurality of fins, and the plurality of packing elements, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules collect at a bottom of the GCC device, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a lean gaseous mixture flow to the first working outlet.

15. The hybrid GCC device of claim 14, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

16. The hybrid GCC device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of filler elements are produced using additive manufacturing.

17. The hybrid GCC device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of packing elements are located throughout V2.

18. The hybrid GCC apparatus of claim 17, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins are in physical contact with one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of packing elements.

19. The hybrid GCC device of claim 18, wherein a thermal conductivity between one or more of the plurality of fins and one or both of the outer sidewall and the plurality of filler elements is between the following ranges: About 1×10 1 Wm -1 K -1 the lower limit of About 5×10 2 Wm -1 K -1 upper limit.

20. The hybrid GCC device of claim 14, wherein the passage directs the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules in a direction from the first working port toward the first working outlet.

21. The hybrid GCC device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of fins are between: a lower limit of approximately 5; and About 2×10 1 upper limit.

22. The hybrid GCC device of claim 14, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins are generated with corrugated waves.

23. The hybrid GCC device of claim 14, wherein one or more of the plurality of fins has a roughness between: Approximately the lower limit of level N1; and Approximately the upper limit of level N12.

24. A GCC (gas condensation column) system for liquefying a stream of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules, comprising: (a) a first chamber comprising a first introduction port, a first working port, a first working outlet, a first plurality of packing elements, a first volume (V1), and a second volume (V2), wherein a first dividing wall at least partially separates V1 from V2, wherein the first dividing wall comprises a first inner sidewall and a first outer sidewall, wherein the first inner sidewall is in contact with V1, wherein the first outer sidewall is in contact with V2, wherein V1 is in fluid contact with a first refrigerant inlet and a first refrigerant outlet, wherein the first introduction port, the first working port, the first working outlet, and the first plurality of packing elements are located in V2; (b) a second chamber comprising a second introduction port, a second working port, a second working outlet, a second plurality of packing elements, a third volume (V3), and a fourth volume (V4), wherein a second dividing wall at least partially separates V3 from V4, wherein the second dividing wall comprises a second inner sidewall and a second outer sidewall, wherein the second inner sidewall is in contact with V3, wherein the second outer sidewall is in contact with V4, wherein V3 is in fluid contact with a second refrigerant inlet and a second refrigerant outlet, wherein the second introduction port, the second working port, the second working outlet, and the second plurality of packing elements are located in V4, wherein the first chamber is adapted to be fluidly connected to the second chamber, and wherein the first working outlet is adapted to be fluidly connected to the second introduction port; (c) a first plurality of fins located in V2, wherein at least one of the first plurality of fins is in physical contact with the first outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the first plurality of fins comprises a first channel, a first channel inlet, and a first channel outlet, wherein the first channel connects the first channel inlet to the first channel outlet, wherein the first dividing wall extends to the first channel, wherein the first channel connects V1 to the first channel inlet, wherein the first channel connects the first channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the first plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more first fins of the first plurality of fins and the first outer sidewall; (c) a second plurality of fins located in V4, wherein at least one of the second plurality of fins is in physical contact with the second outer sidewall, wherein at least one of the second plurality of fins includes a second channel, a second channel inlet, and a second channel outlet, wherein the second channel connects the second channel inlet to the second channel outlet, wherein the second channel connects the second channel inlet to the second channel outlet, wherein the second dividing wall extends to the second channel, wherein the second channel connects V1 to the second channel inlet, wherein the second channel connects the second channel outlet to V1, wherein at least one of the second plurality of packing elements is in physical contact with one or more second fins of the second plurality of fins and the second outer sidewall; as well as (d) a refrigerant supply source adapted to supply refrigerant into V1 through a first refrigerant inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the first inner sidewall, wherein the refrigerant exits through the first refrigerant outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is further adapted to supply the refrigerant from V1 through the first passage inlet, wherein the refrigerant exiting through the first passage outlet is a first passage into V1, wherein in the absence of the refrigerant, the first outer sidewall is at a first temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the first outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct the flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V2, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condense on one or more of the first outer sidewall, the first plurality of fins, and the first plurality of packing elements, wherein the liquefied carbon dioxide Carbon molecules are collected at the first working port, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a lean gaseous mixture flow to the first working outlet, wherein the refrigerant supply source is adapted to supply the refrigerant into V3 through the second channel inlet, wherein the refrigerant is in physical contact with the second inner sidewall and exits through the second channel outlet, wherein in the absence of the refrigerant, the second outer sidewall is at a second temperature, wherein the refrigerant reduces the second temperature of the second outer sidewall, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a flow of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules into V4, wherein one or more of the plurality of gaseous carbon dioxide molecules condense on the second outer sidewall, wherein liquefied carbon dioxide molecules are collected at the second working port, wherein the GCC device is adapted to direct a lean gaseous mixture flow to exit at the second working outlet.

25. The GCC device of claim 24, wherein the GCC device is made of an alloy.

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