Baffle telescopic deformation split-phase tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent and use method of baffle telescopic deformation split-phase tank
The phase separation tank with its retractable baffle design solves the problem of unstable phase separation, achieves stable phase separation effect and equipment versatility, and reduces equipment modification and experimental time.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511283320.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing phase separation tanks are unable to adapt to changes in the formulation of different two-phase absorbents due to the fixed baffles, resulting in unstable phase separation and affecting carbon capture efficiency.
The phase separation tank, designed with retractable baffles, can adapt to changes in absorbent formulation and maintain the stability of phase separation performance through flexible adjustment of the retractable baffles.
It improves phase separation stability and equipment versatility, reduces equipment modification time and cost, and increases experimental efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN120837992A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to a baffle-type expandable deformable phase separation tank for capturing two-phase absorbents for carbon capture and its method of use. Background Technology
[0002] Against the backdrop of global energy structure transformation, the massive use of fossil fuels remains the mainstay of current energy consumption, leading to increasingly prominent carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As a major component of greenhouse gases, CO2 plays a dominant role in global warming. To effectively address climate change, the international community generally regards CO2 capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology as one of the key technological pathways to achieve carbon emission reduction targets. CCUS technology encompasses multiple stages, including capturing CO2 from industrial emission sources, transporting it to storage sites for long-term storage, and utilizing the captured CO2 for industrial production or geological applications. Within the CCUS technology system, post-combustion capture technology has attracted significant attention due to its compatibility with existing energy infrastructure. In post-combustion capture, chemical absorption has become one of the most widely used capture methods due to its mature technology and high absorption efficiency. Two-phase absorbents, as a novel type of chemical absorbent, are gradually becoming a research and application hotspot because they can achieve rapid phase separation after absorbing CO2, thereby improving absorption efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
[0003] Currently, in actual operation, the phase change of the two-phase absorbent causes the state of the phase separation tank to affect the capture effect. The current phase separation tank is a fixed baffle tank, which makes the upper phase liquid level almost fixed under stable conditions. It cannot adapt well to the changes of different two-phase absorbent formulations, resulting in unstable phase separation effect and placing high demands on system operation. To address this, we propose a phase separation tank with a retractable and deformable baffle for carbon capture of two-phase absorbents. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a retractable and deformable baffle-based phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbents and its usage method, improving phase separation stability: By employing a retractable baffle design, the instability of phase separation caused by changes in absorbent formulation or operating conditions during operation of existing phase-separating tanks can be effectively solved. Especially during system operation, when changes in the gas-liquid ratio of the absorber tower cause changes in residence time, the retractable baffle can be flexibly adjusted, thereby maintaining the stability of the phase separation effect. Enhanced equipment versatility: The baffles of traditional phase-separating tanks are fixed and cannot adapt to changes in different two-phase absorbent formulations. The retractable baffle of this invention can be adjusted according to different absorbent formulations, enabling the phase-separating tank to adapt to various absorbents, reducing the equipment modification time and cost required when changing absorbent formulations in experimental platforms, and improving the versatility and flexibility of the equipment.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a baffle-extendable deformable phase separation tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent, including an outer shell for accommodating the two-phase absorbent; A liquid inlet is located on the upper part of the outer shell, used to introduce the absorbent into the interior of the outer shell; A semi-circular baffle is fixedly installed inside the outer shell, with channels between it and the top and bottom of the outer shell, for buffering and initial calming of the incoming absorbent. A telescopic baffle, located inside the outer casing and downstream of the semi-circular baffle, is used to adjust the upper phase liquid level after phase separation.
[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell is hollow and made of stainless steel.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper part of the outer shell away from the liquid inlet is provided with an upper phase outlet for discharging the upper phase after phase separation.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lower part of the outer shell away from the liquid inlet is provided with a lower phase outlet for discharging the lower phase after phase separation.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the semi-circular baffle has an arc-shaped structure with its concave surface facing the liquid inlet, which is used to guide the absorbent to flow downward and reduce turbulence.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a channel is provided between the upper and lower ends of the telescopic baffle and the inner wall of the outer shell, and the telescopic baffle extends and retracts to achieve vertical height change.
[0011] The present invention also provides a technical solution, a method for using a baffle-type expandable deformable phase separation tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent, the specific steps of which are as follows: S1. Check whether all components of the phase separation tank are intact, confirm that there is no blockage at the inlet, upper phase outlet and lower phase outlet, check whether the lifting mechanism of the telescopic baffle is flexible and ensure that it can be freely adjusted in the vertical direction. According to the experimental or process requirements, preset the initial height of the telescopic baffle to adapt to the phase separation characteristics of the target absorbent formulation. S2. The two-phase absorbent to be treated is introduced into the phase separation tank through the inlet. After entering, the absorbent first contacts the semi-circular baffle to achieve preliminary calming and buffering, reducing turbulence disturbance. Under the action of gravity, the absorbent continues to flow downward and enters the main phase separation region. S3. During the process of the absorbent being placed still or flowing slowly in the tank, it gradually separates into an upper phase (light phase) and a lower phase (heavy phase). Based on real-time observation or liquid level monitoring results, the height of the telescopic baffle is adjusted to control the liquid level of the upper phase and ensure the stability of the separation interface. If the absorbent formula is changed, the height of the telescopic baffle should be readjusted to adapt to the new phase separation characteristics. S4. After the phase separation is stable, open the upper phase outlet to discharge the upper phase liquid to the subsequent processing unit, and open the lower phase outlet to discharge the lower phase liquid, thus completing the two-phase separation process of the absorbent. If continuous operation is required, feeding and discharging can be carried out simultaneously to maintain the dynamic balance of the system. S5. After the experiment or operation is completed, close the inlet and outlet valves, rinse the inside of the tank with clean water or other cleaning solution to prevent residual absorbent from affecting the next use, and reset the telescopic baffle to the initial position to prepare for the next use.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects that this invention can achieve are: 1. Improved Phase Separation Stability: By adopting a retractable baffle design, the phase separation instability problem caused by changes in absorbent formulation or operating conditions during the operation of existing phase separation tanks can be effectively solved. Especially when the residence time changes due to changes in the gas-liquid ratio of the absorber during system operation, the retractable baffle can be flexibly adjusted to maintain the stability of the phase separation effect.
[0013] 2. Enhanced Equipment Versatility: Traditional phase separation tanks have fixed baffles, which cannot adapt to changes in different two-phase absorbent formulations. The telescopic baffles of this invention can be adjusted according to different absorbent formulations, enabling the phase separation tank to adapt to a variety of absorbents. This reduces the equipment modification time and cost required when changing absorbent formulations on experimental platforms, and improves the versatility and flexibility of the equipment.
[0014] 3. Reduced experimental time: Since the phase separation tank can be quickly adjusted according to different absorbent formulations, researchers do not need to make large-scale modifications or redesigns to the equipment when changing the absorbent formulation, which greatly shortens the experimental preparation and debugging time and improves experimental efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the entire invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention from a second perspective; Figure 3 This is a frontal cross-sectional view of the present invention.
[0016] The components are: 1. Outer shell; 2. Liquid inlet; 3. Semi-circular baffle; 4. Telescopic baffle; 5. Upper phase outlet; 6. Lower phase outlet. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To make the technical means, creative features, and achieved objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention is further described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of this invention and not all of them. Other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments described herein without creative effort are all within the protection scope of this invention. Unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods in the following embodiments are conventional methods, and the materials and reagents used in the following embodiments are commercially available unless otherwise specified.
[0018] Example: like Figure 1 - Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment proposes a retractable and deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbents, including an outer shell 1 for accommodating the two-phase absorbent; an inlet 2 located on the upper part of the outer shell 1 for introducing the absorbent into the outer shell 1; a semi-circular baffle 3 fixedly installed inside the outer shell 1, with channels between it and the top and bottom of the outer shell 1 for buffering and initial sedation of the incoming absorbent; and a telescopic baffle 4 located inside the outer shell 1 downstream of the semi-circular baffle 3 for adjusting the upper phase liquid level after phase separation. By adopting the design of the telescopic baffle 4, the problem of phase instability caused by changes in absorbent formulation or operating conditions during the operation of existing phase-separating tanks can be effectively solved. Especially when the residence time changes due to changes in the gas-liquid ratio of the absorber tower during system operation, the telescopic baffle 4 can be flexibly adjusted to maintain the stability of the phase separation effect. Enhanced equipment versatility: The baffles of traditional phase-separating tanks are fixed and cannot adapt to changes in different two-phase absorbent formulations. The telescopic baffle 4 of the present invention can be adjusted according to different absorbent formulations, so that the phase separation tank can adapt to a variety of absorbents, reducing the equipment modification time and cost required when changing the absorbent formulation of the experimental platform, and improving the versatility and flexibility of the equipment.
[0019] The outer shell 1 is hollow and made of stainless steel to reduce the frequency of equipment replacement due to corrosion and lower maintenance costs. The inner wall of the outer shell 1 can be polished to reduce the interference of surface tension on phase separation. An upper phase outlet 5 is provided at the upper part of the outer shell 1 away from the liquid inlet 2 to discharge the upper phase after phase separation. The upper phase outlet 5 is a tangential outlet or an overflow weir structure to avoid disturbing the phase separation interface. The outlet position is higher than the lowest position of the telescopic baffle 4 to ensure that only the clarified upper phase is discharged. It can be connected to a flow meter or regulating valve to achieve quantitative discharge, avoid the entrainment of lower phase droplets in the upper phase, improve the purity of subsequent processes, reduce liquid discharge disturbance, and maintain a clear phase separation interface. A lower phase outlet 6 is provided at the lower part of the outer shell 1 away from the liquid inlet 2 to discharge the lower phase after phase separation. The outlet is equipped with a manual or automatic valve for timed discharge or level-triggered discharge. It can be connected to a pump to force the lower phase to the next process. This avoids cross-contamination caused by lower phase residue and is used to recover lean liquid or salt phase for recycling back to the absorption tower. The semi-circular baffle 3 has an arc-shaped structure with its concave surface facing the liquid inlet 2. It guides the absorbent downwards and reduces turbulence. The semi-circular baffle 3 is made of 304 stainless steel by stamping, with rounded edges to prevent liquid from adhering. The concave angle is 120°~150°, which can evenly distribute the liquid entering the baffle. The back of the baffle can be reinforced to prevent long-term impact deformation, significantly reduce liquid inlet impact, avoid emulsification or phase miscibility, and allow the absorbent to enter the phase separation zone smoothly, improving the stratification efficiency. The telescopic baffle 4 has channels between its upper and lower ends and the inner wall of the outer shell 1. The telescopic baffle 4 extends and retracts to achieve vertical height changes. The telescopic baffle 4 consists of a double-layer sleeve structure. The inner cylinder is raised and lowered electrically or manually, while the outer cylinder is fixed and guided. The edge of the baffle is equipped with a sealing strip (such as polytetrafluoroethylene) to prevent liquid from flowing around. The lifting mechanism can be connected to a lead screw and a stepper motor, and can be linked with a liquid level sensor to achieve automatic feedback adjustment. It can quickly match the phase separation characteristics of different absorbents. In the formulation screening experiment, there is no need to change the equipment; only the baffle needs to be adjusted.
[0020] A method for using a baffle-type expandable deformable phase separation tank for capturing two-phase absorbents for carbon capture, the specific steps of which are as follows: S1. Check whether all components of the phase separation tank are intact, confirm that there is no blockage at the inlet 2, upper phase outlet 5, and lower phase outlet 6, check whether the lifting mechanism of the telescopic baffle 4 is flexible, and ensure that it can be freely adjusted in the vertical direction. According to the experimental or process requirements, preset the initial height of the telescopic baffle 4 to adapt to the phase separation characteristics of the target absorbent formulation. S2. The two-phase absorbent to be treated is introduced into the phase separation tank through the inlet 2. After entering, the absorbent first contacts the semi-circular baffle 3 to achieve preliminary calming and buffering, reducing turbulence disturbance. Under the action of gravity, the absorbent continues to flow downward and enters the main phase separation region. S3. During the process of the absorbent being placed still or flowing slowly in the tank, it gradually separates into an upper phase (light phase) and a lower phase (heavy phase). According to real-time observation or liquid level monitoring results, the height of the telescopic baffle 4 is adjusted to control the liquid level of the upper phase and ensure the stability of the separation interface. If the absorbent formula is changed, the height of the telescopic baffle 4 should be readjusted to adapt to the new phase separation characteristics. S4. After the phase separation is stable, open the upper phase outlet 5 to discharge the upper phase liquid to the subsequent processing unit, and open the lower phase outlet 6 to discharge the lower phase liquid, thus completing the two-phase separation process of the absorbent. If continuous operation is required, feeding and discharging can be carried out simultaneously to maintain the dynamic balance of the system. S5. After the experiment or operation is completed, close the inlet and outlet valves, rinse the inside of the tank with clean water or other cleaning solution to prevent residual absorbent from affecting the next use, and reset the telescopic baffle 4 to the initial position to prepare for the next use.
[0021] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0022] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely preferred examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A baffle-type extendable deformable phase-separating tank for capturing two-phase absorbents for carbon capture, characterized in that, Includes a shell (1) for containing a two-phase absorbent; The liquid inlet (2) is located on the upper part of the outer shell (1) and is used to introduce the absorbent into the interior of the outer shell (1); A semi-circular baffle (3) is fixedly installed inside the outer shell (1), with channels between it and the top and bottom of the outer shell (1) for buffering and initial calming of the incoming absorbent. The telescopic baffle (4) is located inside the outer shell (1) and downstream of the semi-circular baffle (3) to adjust the upper phase liquid level after phase separation.
2. The baffle-type expandable deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer shell (1) is hollow inside and made of stainless steel.
3. The baffle-type expandable deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper part of the outer shell (1) away from the liquid inlet (2) is provided with an upper phase outlet (5) for discharging the upper phase after phase separation.
4. The baffle-type expandable deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower part of the outer shell (1) away from the liquid inlet (2) is provided with a lower phase outlet (6) for discharging the lower phase after phase separation.
5. The baffle-type expandable deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The semi-circular baffle (3) has an arc-shaped structure with its concave surface facing the liquid inlet (2), which is used to guide the absorbent to flow downward and reduce turbulence.
6. The baffle-type expandable deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic baffle (4) has a channel between its upper and lower ends and the inner wall of the outer shell (1). The telescopic baffle (4) extends and retracts to achieve vertical height changes.
7. A method of using a baffle-type expandable deformable phase separation tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbents, characterized in that: The baffle-operated deformable phase-separating tank for carbon capture two-phase absorbent as described in any one of claims 1-6 S1. Check whether each component of the phase separation tank is intact, confirm that the inlet (2), upper phase outlet (5), and lower phase outlet (6) are not blocked, check whether the lifting mechanism of the telescopic baffle (4) is flexible, and ensure that it can be freely adjusted in the vertical direction. According to the experimental or process requirements, preset the initial height of the telescopic baffle (4) to adapt to the phase separation characteristics of the target absorbent formulation. S2. The two-phase absorbent to be treated is introduced into the phase separation tank through the inlet (2). After entering, the absorbent first contacts the semi-circular baffle (3) to achieve preliminary calming and buffering, reducing turbulent disturbance. Under the action of gravity, the absorbent continues to flow downward and enters the main phase separation area. S3. During the process of the absorbent being placed in the tank or flowing slowly, it gradually separates into an upper phase (light phase) and a lower phase (heavy phase). According to the real-time observation or liquid level monitoring results, the height of the telescopic baffle (4) is adjusted to control the liquid level of the upper phase and ensure the stability of the separation interface. If the absorbent formula is changed, the height of the telescopic baffle (4) should be readjusted to adapt to the new phase separation characteristics. S4. After the phase separation is stable, open the upper phase outlet (5) to discharge the upper phase liquid to the subsequent processing unit, open the lower phase outlet (6) to discharge the lower phase liquid, and complete the two-phase separation process of the absorbent. If continuous operation is required, feeding and discharging can be carried out simultaneously to maintain the dynamic balance of the system. S5. After the experiment or operation is completed, close the inlet and outlet valves, rinse the inside of the tank with clean water or other cleaning solution to prevent residual absorbent from affecting the next use, and reset the telescopic baffle (4) to the initial position to prepare for the next use.