Carbon dioxide separation system

Abstract

A carbon dioxide separation system includes an adsorption device that causes an adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in a target gas, a regeneration device that causes water vapor to contact the adsorbent to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent, and a drying device that causes a drying gas to contact the adsorbent to dry the adsorbent. At least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is composed of a specific structure body. The specific structure body includes a treatment container through which the adsorbent moves downward inside by gravity. The treatment container includes a main portion that has an elongated shape in a horizontal cross section and extends in a vertical direction. The main portion has a gas passage region in a prescribed region between opposite side surfaces in a thickness direction of the treatment container. The gas passage region does not allow the adsorbent to pass through and supplies a gas supplied to the specific structure body to the inside of the treatment container. The gas that passes through the inside of the treatment container in the thickness direction of the treatment container can be discharged from the inside of the treatment container to the outside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a carbon dioxide separation system for separating carbon dioxide from target gases containing carbon dioxide, such as combustion exhaust gases. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, systems for separating carbon dioxide from a target gas using adsorbents were known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a carbon dioxide separation system comprising a processing tower consisting of a tower-shaped processing container into which adsorbent is introduced from the top and discharged from the bottom. In this system, the internal space of the tower-shaped processing container is imaginarily divided from above by multiple obstacles into a regeneration processing chamber, a drying processing chamber, and an adsorption processing chamber. These obstacles maintain the laminar flow of the adsorbent while hindering its downward movement. In the regeneration processing chamber, water vapor is brought into contact with the adsorbent after it has adsorbed carbon dioxide, releasing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. In the drying processing chamber, a drying gas is brought into contact with the adsorbent after it has come into contact with water vapor, drying the adsorbent. In the adsorption processing chamber, the target gas is brought into contact with the adsorbent, causing the adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gas.

[0003] In the aforementioned adsorption treatment chamber, a nozzle is provided at the lower part of the chamber to spray the target gas upwards, and a discharge outlet is provided at the upper part of the chamber to discharge the target gas. The target gas flows upwards within a tower-shaped treatment container filled with adsorbent. Similarly, in the drying treatment chamber, a nozzle is provided at the lower part of the chamber to spray drying gas upwards, and a discharge outlet is provided at the upper part of the chamber to discharge drying gas. The drying gas flows upwards within a tower-shaped treatment container filled with adsorbent.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6298360 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] In the structure of Patent Document 1, the flow distance of the target gas flowing from bottom to top in the tower-shaped treatment container filled with adsorbent in the adsorption treatment chamber becomes longer, thus causing problems such as increased pressure loss of the target gas and increased energy cost for supplying the target gas.

[0009] In addition, in the drying chamber, the flow distance of the drying gas flowing from bottom to top in the tower-shaped processing container filled with adsorbent is longer, which leads to a greater pressure loss of the drying gas and a greater energy cost for supplying the drying gas.

[0010] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a carbon dioxide separation system capable of reducing the pressure loss of at least one of the target gas and the drying gas.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, a carbon dioxide separation system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an adsorption device supplied with a target gas containing carbon dioxide, wherein the target gas is contacted with a particulate adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gas; a regeneration device that contacts water vapor with the adsorbent after adsorbing carbon dioxide to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent; and a drying device supplied with a drying gas, wherein the drying gas is contacted with the adsorbent after contact with the water vapor to dry the adsorbent, at least one of the adsorption device and the drying device being constituted by a specific structure having a processing container, wherein the adsorbent moves downward inside the processing container by its own weight, the processing container having a main portion having an elongated horizontal cross-section and extending in a vertical direction, the main portion having a gas passage area in a predetermined region opposite two sides along the thickness direction of the processing container, the gas passage area preventing the adsorbent from passing through and supplying the gas supplied to the specific structure into the interior of the processing container, and being capable of discharging the gas passing through the interior of the processing container along the thickness direction of the processing container from the interior of the processing container to the exterior.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The present disclosure, having the structure described above, provides a carbon dioxide separation system capable of reducing pressure loss in at least one of the target gas and the drying gas. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the schematic structure of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a first structural example of a specific structure suitable for an adsorption device and a drying device.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of the processing container of the specific construct shown.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a second structural example of a specific structure suitable for an adsorption device and a drying device.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of the processing container of the specific construct shown.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The front view of the drying and adsorption devices shown.

[0022] Figure 8 It means Figure 6 A side view of an example of the elongated processing container used in the drying and adsorption apparatus shown.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a side view showing another example of a longitudinally elongated container.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a front view of a third structural example representing a specific construct of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a front view of a fourth structural example representing a specific construct of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the fifth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 15 It means Figure 4 A side view of another example of the processing container of a specific construct shown.

[0030] Figure 16 It means Figure 6 A side view of another example of the elongated processing vessel used in the drying and adsorption apparatuses shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in all the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are sometimes omitted. Additionally, for ease of understanding, the drawings schematically represent the various constituent elements, and shapes and size ratios are sometimes not precisely shown.

[0032] (First Implementation)

[0033] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the schematic structure of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The carbon dioxide separation system 1 shown is a series of systems that selectively separate carbon dioxide from a target gas containing carbon dioxide using an adsorbent and regenerate the adsorbent used in the separation. The target gas is, for example, combustion exhaust gas from a thermal power plant. The adsorbent can be, for example, a granular solid absorbent material containing amines in a porous body. As the porous body, silica gel, activated alumina, metal oxides, etc., can be used.

[0034] The carbon dioxide separation system 1 includes an adsorption unit 2, a regeneration unit 3, a drying unit 4, an adsorbent conveying unit 5, and fans 6 and 7. The adsorbent circulates within the adsorption unit 2, regeneration unit 3, and drying unit 4 via the adsorbent conveying unit 5. During the operation of the carbon dioxide separation system 1, adsorbent is always present in the adsorption unit 2, regeneration unit 3, and drying unit 4. The adsorbent conveying unit 5 can be, for example, a bucket conveyor or an air conveying device.

[0035] The adsorption device 2 is a device that receives target gases such as combustion exhaust gas and allows the adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gases by bringing them into contact with the adsorbent. The target gases are supplied to the adsorption device 2 by the fan 7 through the target gas supply path 21. The target gases (i.e., the treated target gases) in the adsorption device 2, where carbon dioxide has been removed by the adsorbent, are discharged through the target gas discharge path 22.

[0036] Water vapor (i.e., removal water vapor) for removing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent is supplied to the regeneration unit 3 via water vapor supply line 31. The regeneration unit 3 is a device that releases carbon dioxide from the adsorbent by contacting the adsorbent, which has adsorbed carbon dioxide and is transported from the adsorption unit 2 by the adsorbent transport device 5, with the removal water vapor.

[0037] Within the regeneration unit 3, the adsorbent comes into contact with the released water vapor, causing the water vapor in the released water vapor to condense on the adsorbent, thereby releasing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. Furthermore, the amount of water vapor in the released water vapor is such that almost all of it condenses on the adsorbent. The carbon dioxide released from the adsorbent is discharged through the carbon dioxide recovery path 32. For example, carbon dioxide drawn by a vacuum pump and discharged through the carbon dioxide recovery path 32 is stored in a carbon dioxide container. The adsorbent with condensate adhering to it in the regeneration unit 3 is supplied to the drying unit 4.

[0038] The drying device 4 is a device that dries the adsorbent by supplying a drying gas and contacting the adsorbent, which has been dehydrated of water vapor, with the drying gas. The drying gas is supplied to the drying device 4 by a fan 6 through a drying gas supply path 41. The used drying gas (i.e., the processed drying gas) is discharged to the outside through a drying gas discharge path 42. Furthermore, it is preferable that the drying gas supplied to the drying device 4 is an external gas, which, for example, has its humidity adjusted by removing moisture through a condenser and its temperature adjusted by heating through a heater. The adsorbent dried by the drying device 4 is then supplied to the adsorption device 2.

[0039] Next, the details of this embodiment will be described. The regeneration device 3 can utilize known structures, such as tower-type devices with cylindrical processing containers.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing a first structural example of a specific structure applicable to the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A side view of the processing container 61A of the specific structure 60A shown.

[0041] The first structural example's specific structure 60A includes a processing container 61A, which has a main portion 61AM with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending vertically. At the upper end of the processing container 61A is a receiving port 62 for receiving adsorbent supplied from above, as indicated by arrow Sa. At the lower end of the processing container 61A is a discharge device 63 for discharging the adsorbent downwards, as indicated by arrow Sd. The discharge device 63 is, for example, a rotary valve.

[0042] The discharge device 63 is driven intermittently or continuously, and as the adsorbent is discharged from the lower end of the treatment container 61A through the discharge device 63, the adsorbent inside the treatment container 61A moves downward by its own weight.

[0043] Regarding the processing container 61A, in the main part 61AM, the designated areas opposite the two opposing sides 61a and 61b in the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A are designated as gas passage areas 64 and 65, where the adsorbent cannot pass through but the gas can. Gas passage areas 64 and 65 are formed, for example, by a mesh component such as a metal mesh. Figure 3 The image shows one side 61a, but the other side 61b is also shown. Furthermore, the thickness direction 'a' of the processing container 61A is the direction indicated by arrow 'a', equivalent to the thickness direction of the main portion 61AM, and is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the length direction of the horizontal cross-section of the elongated shape of the main portion 61AM.

[0044] The processing container 61A has a gas supply port 66 in a manner that surrounds one side of the gas passage area 64, and a gas discharge port 67 in a manner that surrounds the other side of the gas passage area 64.

[0045] Furthermore, within the processing container 61A, the adsorbent is circulated in such a manner that it is always present up to a position slightly above the upper end of the gas passage regions 64 and 65. As indicated by arrows S1 and S2, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is supplied from the gas supply port 66 of the processing container 61A through one of the gas passage regions 64 into the interior of the processing container 61A, passing through the interior of the processing container 61A while in contact with the adsorbent, and is discharged from the gas outlet 67 through the other gas passage region 65. That is, the horizontally opposed gas passage regions 64 and 65 supply the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A into the interior of the processing container 61A, and discharge the gas that passes through the interior of the processing container 61A along the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A from the interior of the processing container 61A to the outside.

[0046] When the specific structure 60A is applied to the adsorption device 2, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is the target gas, the target gas supply path 21 is connected to the gas supply port 66, and the target gas discharge path 22 is connected to the gas discharge port 67.

[0047] In addition, when the specific structure 60A is applied to the drying device 4, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is a drying gas, a drying gas supply path 41 is connected to the gas supply port 66, and a drying gas discharge path 42 is connected to the gas discharge port 67.

[0048] In the specific structure 60A of this first structural example, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A passes through the gas passage regions 64 and 65, which are opposite to the two sides 61a and 61b of the main part 61AM of the processing container 61A, along the thickness direction a inside the processing container 61A. This shortens the passage distance of the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A within the processing container 61A, reducing the pressure loss of the gas passing through the processing container 61A containing the adsorbent. Furthermore, by increasing the area of ​​the gas passage regions 64 and 65 on the two sides 61a and 61b of the processing container 61A, the gas flow rate can be increased. Therefore, when the adsorption device 2 is configured as the specific structure 60A, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device 2 can be reduced; and when the drying device 4 is configured as the specific structure 60A, the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device 4 can be reduced. Thus, by reducing the pressure loss of the target gas and the drying gas, the energy cost required to supply the target gas and the drying gas can be reduced. For example, it can reduce the power consumption of the fan 7 and the like used to supply the target gas to the adsorption device 2. In addition, it can reduce the power consumption of the fan 6 and the like used to supply drying gas to the drying device 4.

[0049] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a second structural example of a specific structure applicable to the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A side view of the processing container 61B of the specific structure 60B shown.

[0050] The second structural example's specific structure 60B includes a processing container 61B, which has a main portion 61BM with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending vertically. The gas passage area of ​​this processing container 61B differs from that of the aforementioned processing container 61A. Within the main portion 61BM, the processing container 61B has multiple gas passage areas 64a, 64b, 65a, and 65b separated vertically on two sides 61a and 61b. The gas passage areas 64a and 64b on one side 61a are arranged opposite to the gas passage areas 65a and 65b on the other side 61b.

[0051] The processing container 61B has a gas supply port 68 that surrounds the gas passage area 64a on one side 61a, and a gas outlet 70 that surrounds the gas passage area 64b. Additionally, the processing container 61B has a gas reversal cover 69 that surrounds and covers the two gas passage areas 65a and 65b on the other side 61b, as well as the area between these two areas.

[0052] Furthermore, within the processing container 61B, the adsorbent is circulated in such a manner that it is always present up to a position slightly above the uppermost gas passage regions 64b and 65b. As indicated by arrow S3, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is supplied from the gas supply port 68 of the processing container 61B through the gas passage region 64a into the interior of the processing container 61B, passing through the interior of the processing container 61B while in contact with the adsorbent, and then supplied into the gas return cover 69 through the gas passage region 65a. Then, as indicated by arrows S4 and S5, the gas undergoes a direction change within the gas return cover 69 and is supplied back into the interior of the processing container 61B through the gas passage region 65b, passing through the interior of the processing container 61B while in contact with the adsorbent, and is discharged from the gas outlet 70. That is, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B passes through the interior of the processing container 61B twice along the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B. Furthermore, the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B is the direction indicated by arrow a, which is equivalent to the thickness direction of the main part 61BM, and is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the length direction of the horizontal cross section of the elongated shape of the main part 61BM.

[0053] Here, as Figure 5 As shown, a predetermined interval D1 is preferably taken between the gas passage regions 64a, 65a and the gas passage regions 64b, 65b, so that the gas before the direction change and the gas after the direction change do not interfere with each other within the processing container 61B. This interval D1 is preferably, for example, more than... Figure 4 The area where the adsorbent is present is a gap twice the thickness T1 inside the treatment container 61B.

[0054] Furthermore, in this example, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B undergoes a single direction change and passes through the interior of the processing container 61B twice, but it is also possible to undergo more than two direction changes and pass through the interior of the processing container 61B more than three times.

[0055] When the specific structure 60B is applied to the adsorption device 2, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is the target gas, the target gas supply path 21 is connected to the gas supply port 68, and the target gas discharge path 22 is connected to the gas discharge port 70.

[0056] In addition, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the drying device 4, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is a drying gas, a drying gas supply path 41 is connected to the gas supply port 68, and a drying gas discharge path 42 is connected to the gas discharge port 70.

[0057] In the specific structure 60B of this second structural example, regarding the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B, the main part 61BM of the processing container 61B has gas passage regions 64a, 64b, 65a, and 65b in a predetermined region opposite to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B. These gas passage regions 64a, 64b, 65a, and 65b prevent the adsorbent from passing through and supply the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B into the interior of the processing container 61B. Furthermore, the gas passing through the interior of the processing container 61B along the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B can be discharged from the interior of the processing container 61B to the outside. Therefore, the same effect as in the specific structure 60A of the first structural example can be obtained.

[0058] Furthermore, in the second structural example, by reversing the direction of the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B and passing it multiple times inside the processing container 61B, the performance of the specific structure 60B, generated by contacting the gas with the adsorbent, can be improved. That is, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the adsorption device 2, more carbon dioxide contained in the target gas can be adsorbed by the adsorbent, thereby improving the carbon dioxide adsorption performance in the adsorption device 2. Additionally, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the drying device 4, the adsorbent can be further dried, improving the drying performance of the adsorbent in the drying device 4.

[0059] In the second structural example, when the gas direction is reversed, it may bend upwards as indicated by arrow S4, but it can also be reversed downwards. That is, the gas outlet 70 can be used as the gas supply port, and the gas supply port 68 can be used as the gas outlet. Here, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the adsorption device 2, if the gas direction is reversed downwards, the adsorbent moves from top to bottom. Therefore, the adsorbent that has adsorbed a large amount of carbon dioxide from the target gas with a high carbon dioxide concentration before the direction reversal moves downwards, and adsorbs carbon dioxide from the target gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration after the direction reversal. In this case, the adsorbent with a large amount of adsorbed carbon dioxide has reduced adsorption performance for carbon dioxide from the target gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration after the direction reversal.

[0060] On the other hand, as illustrated above, when the gas direction is reversed, if the direction is reversed upwards, the adsorbent, which has adsorbed a small amount of carbon dioxide from the target gas with a lower carbon dioxide concentration after the direction reversal, moves downwards, and adsorbs carbon dioxide from the target gas with a higher carbon dioxide concentration before the direction reversal. In this case, by using an adsorbent that has adsorbed a small amount of carbon dioxide to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gas with a higher carbon dioxide concentration before the direction reversal, the decrease in carbon dioxide adsorption performance can be suppressed. Therefore, when the gas direction is reversed upwards, the carbon dioxide adsorption performance in the adsorption device 2 can be improved compared to the case of reversing downwards.

[0061] Furthermore, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the drying apparatus 4, if the gas direction is reversed downwards during the reversal, the adsorbent moves from top to bottom. Therefore, the adsorbent that has been partially dried by the drying gas with a higher degree of dryness before the reversal moves downwards and is dried by the drying gas with a lower degree of dryness after the reversal. In this case, the drying performance of the drying gas with a lower degree of dryness on the partially dried adsorbent is reduced.

[0062] On the other hand, as illustrated above, when the gas direction is reversed, if it turns upwards, the adsorbent that has been dried to some extent by the drying gas with a lower degree of dryness after the direction reversal moves downwards, and is then dried by the drying gas with a higher degree of dryness before the direction reversal. Therefore, when the gas direction is reversed, turning upwards improves the drying performance of the adsorbent in the drying apparatus 4 compared to turning downwards.

[0063] As described above, when the gas direction is changed, it is more preferable to deflect upwards. Furthermore, when the gas direction is changed multiple times, it is also more preferable to deflect upwards sequentially. That is, when n is set to an integer of 1 or more, it is preferable to position the gas passage area that the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B passes through during its nth pass through the processing container 61B above the gas passage area during its n+1th pass through the processing container 61B.

[0064] In the first embodiment, which illustrates the first and second structural examples described above, the regeneration device 3, the drying device 4, and the adsorption device 2 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The adsorbent discharged from the adsorption device 2 is supplied to the regeneration device 3 via the adsorbent delivery device 5, but this is not a limitation. It is acceptable as long as the adsorbent is configured to circulate in the order of adsorption device 2, regeneration device 3, and drying device 4. Furthermore, since the adsorbent discharged from the regeneration device 3 is covered with condensate and difficult to handle, it is preferable to supply it directly from the regeneration device 3 to the drying device 4 without passing through the adsorbent delivery device 5.

[0065] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, specific structures 60A and 60B are applicable to both the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4, but specific structures 60A and 60B may also be applicable only to either the adsorption device 2 or the drying device 4. Alternatively, one of specific structures 60A and 60B may be applied to the adsorption device 2, and the other to the drying device 4. Adsorption devices 2 and drying devices 4 without the application of specific structures 60A and 60B can also employ known structures, such as tower-type devices.

[0066] (Second Implementation)

[0067] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of a carbon dioxide separation system according to an example of the second embodiment.

[0068] Figure 6 The carbon dioxide separation system 100 shown is a system composed of multiple independent systems 10 connected along the direction of arrow b. The multiple independent systems 10 have the same structure. Furthermore, in... Figure 6 The illustration shows an example of two independent systems 10 being connected, but it is also possible for three or more independent systems 10 to be connected along the direction of arrow b. Furthermore, the direction in which the multiple independent systems 10 are arranged, i.e., the direction of arrow b, is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the longitudinal processing container 71, which will be described later.

[0069] Standalone System 10 is Figure 1 One variation of the carbon dioxide separation system 1 shown includes an adsorption unit 12, a regeneration unit 13, a drying unit 14, and an adsorbent conveying unit 15. This independent system 10 has the regeneration unit 13, drying unit 14, and adsorption unit 12 arranged sequentially from top to bottom. The adsorbent is conveyed in the adsorbent conveying unit 15 in the direction of arrow S6, and circulates within the adsorption unit 12, regeneration unit 13, and drying unit 14 via the adsorbent conveying unit 15. Figure 1 Similarly, the adsorbent conveying device 15 can be a conveyor such as a bucket conveyor or an air conveying device.

[0070] Here, the regeneration device 13 has two cylindrical regeneration containers 13a relative to a longitudinally elongated processing container 71. The adsorbent delivery device 15 includes a supply device 18 for dispensing adsorbent to the plurality of regeneration containers 13a respectively arranged relative to the two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71. Furthermore, a discharge device 13b is provided at the lower part of the two regeneration containers 13a for sequentially discharging the adsorbent from the two regeneration containers 13a to the [further details to be described later]. Figure 7The receiving port 72 of the longitudinal processing container 71 shown discharges the wastewater. In this example, two regeneration processing containers 13a are provided relative to one longitudinal processing container 71, but one or more regeneration processing containers 13a may also be provided relative to one longitudinal processing container 71.

[0071] The regeneration container 13a is connected to a steam supply path 31 for supplying desorption steam. Inside the regeneration container 13a, the adsorbent, which has adsorbed carbon dioxide and is supplied from the adsorption unit 12 by the adsorbent delivery device 15, comes into contact with desorption steam, thereby releasing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. The carbon dioxide released from the adsorbent is drawn into a carbon dioxide retainer by a vacuum pump through a carbon dioxide recovery path 32 connected to the regeneration container 13a.

[0072] Adsorbents are sometimes broken down during use. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sorting device 19 is connected to the adsorbent delivery device 15, and adsorbent is supplied to the sorting device 19 at predetermined times. Here, the supply device 18 can be switched between receiving adsorbent from the adsorbent delivery device 15 and supplying it to the regeneration processing container 13a, and not receiving adsorbent from the adsorbent delivery device 15 and allowing it to flow downstream. By switching the supply device 18 to allow the adsorbent material to flow downstream, adsorbent is supplied to the sorting device 19. In the sorting device 19, adsorbent smaller than a predetermined size is removed, and adsorbent larger than the predetermined size is discharged to the adsorbent buffer tank 16. The adsorbent buffer tank 16 has a discharge device 17, such as a rotary valve, at its lower end. By causing the discharge device 17 to discharge at appropriate times, adsorbent stored in the adsorbent buffer tank 16 can be supplied to the adsorbent delivery device 15, and adsorbent replenishment can be performed.

[0073] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The drying apparatus 14 and the adsorption apparatus 12 are shown in a front view. Additionally, Figure 8 It means Figure 6 A side view of an example of the elongated processing container 71 used by the drying apparatus 14 and the adsorption apparatus 12 shown.

[0074] In this independent system 10, the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 each have a pair of longitudinally elongated processing containers 71P, which are two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71 arranged at intervals along the thickness direction a of the longitudinally elongated processing containers 71. Here, the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 are applied... Figure 4The processing container of the specific structure 60B shown is integrated with the processing containers of the two specific structures 60B to form a longitudinally elongated processing container 71. Specifically, the longitudinally elongated processing container 71 is formed by integrating the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12 via a connecting portion 71C. The processing container 71A has a main portion 71AM with an elongated horizontal cross-section that extends in the vertical direction, and the processing container 71B has a main portion 71BM with an elongated horizontal cross-section that extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the thickness direction 'a' of the longitudinally elongated processing container 71 is the direction indicated by arrow 'a', which is the thickness direction of the processing containers 71A and 71B, and is equivalent to the thickness direction of the main portions 71AM and 71BM of the processing containers 71A and 71B. It is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the length direction of the elongated horizontal cross-section of the main portions 71AM and 71BM.

[0075] The elongated processing container 71 has a receiving port 72 at its upper end, as indicated by arrow Sa, for receiving adsorbent supplied from above. At the lower end of the elongated processing container 71 is a discharge device 73, as indicated by arrow Sd, for discharging the adsorbent downwards. The discharge device 73 is, for example, a rotary valve. In this case, the discharge device for discharging adsorbent from the drying unit 14 to the adsorption unit 12 can be omitted.

[0076] Two elongated processing containers 71, 71 have multiple gas passage zones 74, 75 separated vertically on both sides 71a, 71b of the processing containers 71B, 71B of the adsorption device 12. The gas passage zones 74, 75 of one side 71a are arranged opposite to the gas passage zones 74, 75 of the other side 71b. The gas passage zones 74, 75 are... Figure 4 The gas shown passes through regions 64a, 65a, 64b, and 65b, which have the same structure.

[0077] Furthermore, the adsorption devices 12 of the two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71, 71, each having a processing container 71B, 71B portion equipped with a gas return cover 81, 82. This gas return cover 81, 82 surrounds and covers the two gas passage regions 74, 75 on the other side 71b and the area between these two regions 74, 75. Additionally, a common object gas supply path 91 for supplying object gas to the gas passage region 74 is provided between the two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71, and a common object gas discharge path 92 for discharging the object gas that has passed through the gas passage region 75 is provided.

[0078] The common supply path 91 for the target gas is the supply path for the target gas shared by multiple independent systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b. Similarly, the common discharge path 92 for the target gas is the discharge path for the target gas shared by multiple independent systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b.

[0079] like Figure 6 As indicated by arrow S7, target gases such as combustion exhaust gas are supplied to the target gas common supply path 91. Then, the target gas passes through the gas passage area 74 of the longitudinally elongated treatment container 71 located on both sides from the target gas common supply path 91, and contacts the adsorbent while passing through the interior of the longitudinally elongated treatment container 71, as shown by arrow S7. Figure 7 As indicated by arrows S8 and S9, the gas undergoes a directional change within the gas return covers 81 and 82. After this directional change, the target gas passes through the gas passage area 75 again inside the longitudinal processing container 71 while contacting the adsorbent, and is then discharged through the target gas common discharge path 92, and then... Figure 6 Arrow S10 indicates that the gas is discharged to the outside through the common exhaust path 92.

[0080] On the other hand, the two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71, 71 have multiple gas passage regions 76, 77 separated vertically on both sides 71a, 71b of the processing containers 71A, 71A portion of the drying apparatus 14. The gas passage regions 76, 77 of one side 71a are arranged opposite to the gas passage regions 76, 77 of the other side 71b. The gas passage regions 76, 77 are... Figure 4 The gas shown passes through regions 64a, 65a, 64b, and 65b, which have the same structure.

[0081] Furthermore, the processing containers 71A and 71A of the drying apparatus 14 in the two longitudinal processing containers 71, 71 are equipped with gas return covers 83 and 84, which surround and cover the two gas passage areas 76 and 77 on the other side 71b and the area between these two areas 76 and 77. Moreover, a common drying gas supply path 93 for supplying drying gas to the gas passage area 76 is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers 71, and a common drying gas discharge path 94 for discharging the drying gas that has passed through the gas passage area 77 is provided.

[0082] The common supply path 93 for drying gas is a supply path for drying gas shared by multiple independent systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b. Similarly, the common discharge path 94 for drying gas is a discharge path for drying gas shared by multiple independent systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b.

[0083] like Figure 6 As indicated by arrow S11, drying gas is supplied to the common supply path 93 for drying gas. Then, the drying gas, while passing through the gas passage areas 76 of the longitudinally elongated processing containers 71 arranged on both sides from the common supply path 93 for drying gas, contacts the adsorbent inside the longitudinally elongated processing containers 71, and as shown... Figure 7As indicated by arrows S12 and S13, the gas undergoes a directional change within the gas return covers 83 and 84. After this directional change, the drying gas passes through the gas passage area 77 again inside the longitudinal processing container 71 while contacting the adsorbent, and is then discharged into the common drying gas discharge path 94, and then... Figure 6 Arrow S14 indicates that the gas is discharged to the outside through the common exhaust path 94 for drying gas. In this example, a cover 85 is provided to cover the gap between the two gas return covers 81 and 83, and a cover 85 is provided to cover the gap between the two gas return covers 82 and 84, but these covers 85 may not be provided.

[0084] Furthermore, adsorbent is supplied from regeneration device 13 to longitudinal processing container 71, so that adsorbent is always present up to a position above the uppermost gas passage area 77.

[0085] like Figure 8 As shown, among the target gas and the drying gas, to ensure that the gas before and after the direction change does not interfere with each other within the longitudinal processing container 71, a predetermined interval D1 is preferably taken between gas passage regions 74 and 75 and between gas passage regions 76 and 77. This interval D1 is preferably, for example, more than... Figure 7 The area where the adsorbent is present is a gap twice the thickness T1 inside the longitudinally elongated treatment container 71. Furthermore, Figure 8 The two intervals D1 shown may not be equal.

[0086] Furthermore, in this example, a non-flow path region E is provided in the connection portion 71C between the processing container 71A of the drying apparatus 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption apparatus 12, preventing the adsorbent and gas from passing through. As a result, the flow path of the adsorbent is divided into multiple flow paths F. Consequently, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple flow paths F is less than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the processing container 71B through the gas passage region 75, and the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the multiple flow paths F is less than the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the processing container 71A through the gas passage region 76. Therefore, the pressure loss increases when the gas passes through the connection portion 71C in the vertical direction, preventing the target gas from flowing into the processing container 71A of the drying apparatus 14 through the gas passage region 75, and preventing the drying gas from flowing into the processing container 71B of the adsorption apparatus 12 through the gas passage region 76, thus enabling efficient drying treatment in the processing container 71A and adsorption treatment in the processing container 71B. Additionally, the non-flow path region E prevents interference between the target gas and the drying gas. Furthermore, a non-flow path region E, as described above, can be configured in the portion corresponding to the gas passage regions 74 and 75 to prevent the target gases passing in opposite directions within the longitudinal processing container 71 from interfering with each other. Additionally, a non-flow path region E, as described above, can also be configured in the portion corresponding to the gas passage regions 76 and 77 to prevent the drying gases passing in opposite directions within the longitudinal processing container 71 from interfering with each other.

[0087] Figure 9 This is a side view showing another example of a longitudinally elongated processing container 71. Figure 9 In the example, in the connection portion 71C between the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, the flow path of the adsorbent is not as... Figure 8 That way, it is divided into multiple flow paths F. Figure 9 In this example, the vertical length of the connecting portion 71C, i.e., the interval D2 between the gas passage region 75 for the target gas and the gas passage region 76 for the drying gas, is increased. This interval D2 is preferably, for example, longer than the thickness T1 of the interior of the longitudinal processing container 71, which serves as the region where the adsorbent is present. Figure 7 The spacing is twice as large as that of the connection portion 71C. In this case, the pressure loss when the gas passes through the vertical direction through the connection portion 71C also increases, which can prevent the target gas passing through the gas passage area 75 from flowing into the processing container 71A of the drying device 14, and can prevent the drying gas passing through the gas passage area 76 from flowing into the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, so that the drying process in the processing container 71A and the adsorption process in the processing container 71B can be carried out well.

[0088] Furthermore, while the above description primarily focuses on the independent system 10, including the regeneration device 13, the drying device 14, and the adsorption device 12, the carbon dioxide separation system 100 comprises multiple independent systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 in the carbon dioxide separation system 100 have multiple pairs of longitudinally elongated processing containers 71P arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the longitudinally elongated processing container 71, i.e., in the direction of arrow b.

[0089] In this embodiment, by having a plurality of longitudinal processing container pairs 71P, which are formed by two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71 arranged at intervals in the thickness direction a, the processing capacity in the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14 can be increased. Furthermore, the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing container pairs 71P are arranged in the direction of arrow b, that is, in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the longitudinally elongated processing containers 71. Moreover, by arranging a common target gas supply path 91, a common target gas discharge path 92, a common drying gas supply path 93, and a common drying gas discharge path 94 shared by the longitudinally elongated processing containers 71 of the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing container pairs 71P between the two longitudinally elongated processing containers 71 constituting the longitudinally elongated processing container pairs 71P, the structure can be simplified.

[0090] In addition, in this embodiment, a plurality of regeneration processing containers 13a are provided relative to a longitudinal processing container 71. By sequentially supplying adsorbent from the plurality of regeneration processing containers 13a to the longitudinal processing container 71, it is easy to continuously discharge the adsorbent from the lower end of the longitudinal processing container 71 while continuously performing the processing as a drying device 14 and an adsorption device 12.

[0091] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target gas and the drying gas are each reversed once and passed through the longitudinal processing container 71 twice. However, it is also possible to reverse the direction more than twice and pass through the longitudinal processing container 71 three or more times. In this way, by reversing the direction of the target gas and the drying gas and passing through the longitudinal processing container 71 multiple times, the adsorption performance of carbon dioxide in the adsorption device 2 can be improved, and the drying performance of the adsorbent in the drying device 4 can be improved. In addition, in this case, as also explained in the second structural example of the first embodiment, it is more preferable to reverse the direction of the gas when reversing the direction. That is, regarding the target gas, when n is set to an integer of 1 or more, it is preferable to arrange the gas passage area passed through during the (n+1)th pass in the processing container 71B above the gas passage area passed through during the nth pass in the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12 of the longitudinal processing container 71. Furthermore, regarding the drying gas, when n is set to an integer greater than or equal to 1, it is preferable to position the drying gas supplied to the processing container 71A portion of the drying apparatus 14 of the longitudinal processing container 71 above the gas passage area that the gas passes through during the nth pass within the processing container 71A.

[0092] When the target gas and drying gas are reversed in direction and pass through the interior of the longitudinal processing container 71 multiple times as described above, by passing through the interior of the longitudinal processing container 71 an even number of times, in addition to the target gas common supply path 91 and the drying gas common supply path 93, a target gas common discharge path 92 and a drying gas common discharge path 94 can also be configured between the two longitudinal processing containers 71 constituting the longitudinal processing container pair 71P.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 are applied... Figure 4 The processing container of the specific structure 60B shown is integrated with two processing containers of the specific structure 60B to form a longitudinally elongated processing container 71. Alternatively, a different structure 60B may be used instead. Figure 2 The specific structure 60A shown is used to construct the longitudinal processing container 71. In this case, the target gas and the drying gas pass through the longitudinal processing container 71 only once.

[0094] In this embodiment, the regeneration device 13 is positioned above the longitudinal processing container 71. However, it is also possible to position the regeneration device 13 below the longitudinal processing container 71, and supply the adsorbent discharged from the regeneration device 13 to the receiving port 72 at the upper end of the longitudinal processing container 71 using an adsorbent delivery device. When the regeneration device 13 is positioned above the longitudinal processing container 71 as in this embodiment, the adsorbent supplied from the regeneration device 13 to the longitudinal processing container 71, although containing condensate, is dried by a drying gas within the longitudinal processing container 71. Therefore, since the adsorbent discharged from the discharge device 73 at the lower end of the longitudinal processing container 71 is dry, operation becomes easier, and this is preferable in terms of efficient delivery by the adsorbent delivery device 15.

[0095] In this embodiment, the independent system 10 is configured to have two longitudinal processing containers 71, but it can also be configured to have only one longitudinal processing container 71. In this case, the carbon dioxide separation system formed by connecting multiple independent systems consists of multiple longitudinal processing containers 71 arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the longitudinal processing containers 71. Furthermore, the configuration and structure of the adsorbent delivery device 15 can be appropriately modified depending on the configuration and number of the longitudinal processing containers 71.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a carbon dioxide separation system 100 consisting of multiple independent systems 10 connected together has been described, but a single independent system 10 can also be configured as a carbon dioxide separation system. In this case, the independent system 10 as a carbon dioxide separation system can have a structure having two longitudinal processing containers 71 or a structure having one longitudinal processing container 71.

[0097] In the second embodiment described above, such as Figure 6 As shown, multiple independent systems 10, each having two elongated processing containers 71 spaced apart in the thickness direction a, are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the elongated processing containers 71. In other words, multiple pairs 71P of elongated processing containers 71 formed by arranging two elongated processing containers 71 spaced apart in the thickness direction a are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the elongated processing containers 71. Similarly, in the first embodiment, it is also possible to... Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, a specific structure is formed for use in at least one of the adsorption device and the drying device.

[0098] Figure 10 This is a front view of a third structural example representing a specific construct of the first embodiment. Figure 10The specific structure 60C shown has multiple processing container pairs 61BP arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B. These processing container pairs 61BP are for... Figure 4 , Figure 5 The two processing containers 61B shown are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61B. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61B refers to... Figure 10 The depth direction perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0099] Regarding this specific structure 60C, a common gas supply path 95, which serves as a common supply path for gas supplied to the processing containers 61B of the multiple processing container pairs 61BP, and a common gas discharge path 96, which serves as a common discharge path for gas discharged from the processing containers 61B of the multiple processing container pairs 61BP, are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61B. Furthermore, a gas return cover 69 is provided on the outer side 61b of the two processing containers 61B constituting the processing container pair 61BP, which surrounds and covers the two gas passage regions 65a and 65b and the area between these two regions 65a and 65b.

[0100] In this specific structure 60C, the gas supplied to the two processing containers 61B via the shared gas supply passage 95 passes through gas passage areas 64a, 65a, 65b, and 64b as indicated by arrows S15 and S16, and is discharged via the shared gas discharge passage 96. Alternatively, in the processing container 61B, the portion corresponding to the gas passage areas 64a and 64b may also be configured... Figure 8 The non-flow path region E shown prevents gases flowing in opposite directions within the processing container 61B from interfering with each other. This is in Figure 4 , Figure 5 The same applies to the case of the processing container 61B shown.

[0101] Furthermore, in this specific structure 60C, multiple processing container pairs 61BP, each consisting of two processing containers 61B, are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B. However, it is also possible to configure it to have only one processing container pair 61BP. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure multiple processing containers 61B in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B.

[0102] Figure 11 This is a front view of a fourth structural example representing a specific construct of the first embodiment. Figure 11The specific structure 60D shown has a plurality of processing container pairs 61AP arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A. The processing container pairs 61AP are for... Figure 2 , Figure 3 The two processing containers 61A shown are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61A. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61A refers to... Figure 11 The direction perpendicular to the paper.

[0103] Regarding this specific structure 60D, a common gas supply path 97, which serves as a common supply path for gas supplied to the processing containers 61A of the multiple processing container pairs 61AP, is arranged between the two processing containers 61A constituting the processing container pair 61AP, extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A. On the outer side 61b of the two processing containers 61A constituting the processing container pair 61AP, a common gas discharge path 98, which serves as a common discharge path for gas discharged from the processing containers 61A of the multiple processing container pairs 61AP, is arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A.

[0104] In this specific structure 60D, the gas supplied to the two processing containers 61A via the gas common supply passage 97 passes through the gas passage areas 64 and 65 as indicated by arrows S17 and S18, and is discharged via the gas common discharge passage 98.

[0105] Furthermore, in this specific structure 60D, multiple processing container pairs 61AP, each consisting of two processing containers 61A, are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61A. However, it is also possible to configure it to have only one processing container pair 61AP. Alternatively, it is also possible to configure multiple processing containers 61A in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing containers 61A.

[0106] (Third implementation method)

[0107] Figure 12 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 In the middle, to and Figure 6 The corresponding part of the annotation and Figure 6 Same label.

[0108] Figure 12 The carbon dioxide separation system 101 shown is a system composed of multiple independent systems 10A connected along the direction of arrow b. The multiple independent systems 10A have the same structure. Furthermore, in... Figure 12The diagram illustrates an example of two independent systems 10A being connected, but it can also show three or more independent systems 10A being connected in the direction of arrow b.

[0109] Figure 12 The carbon dioxide separation system 101 shown is Figure 6 The carbon dioxide separation system 100 shown is mainly different in structure from the independent system 10A. The independent system 10A will be described below.

[0110] The independent system 10A includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration device 13, a drying device 14, and an adsorbent delivery device 15. This independent system 10A and... Figure 6 Unlike the independent system 10, the adsorption device 12, regeneration device 13, and drying device 14 are arranged sequentially from top to bottom. Furthermore, the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14 respectively use… Figure 10 The processing container shown is configured for 61BP.

[0111] Each of the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12 is connected to a supply switching device 20 at its receiving port. The supply switching device 20 can switch between receiving adsorbent from the adsorbent delivery device 15 and supplying it to the processing container 61B, and between not receiving adsorbent from the adsorbent delivery device 15 and allowing it to flow downstream. Through the two supply switching devices 20, adsorbent can be alternately supplied to the two processing containers 61B, and adsorbent can be supplied to the sorting device 19 at predetermined times. A common target gas supply path 91 and a common target gas discharge path 92, shared by multiple independent systems 10A, are arranged between the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12.

[0112] The regeneration device 13 has two regeneration processing containers 13a relative to one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12. A supply device 18a is provided at the lower end of each of the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12 for distributing adsorbent discharged from the lower end to the two regeneration processing containers 13a. Additionally, a discharge device 13b is provided at the lower part of the two regeneration processing containers 13a for sequentially discharging the adsorbent from the two regeneration processing containers 13a to the receiving port of the processing container 61B of the drying device 14. Furthermore, one or more regeneration processing containers 13a may be provided relative to one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12.

[0113] A common supply path 93 and a common discharge path 94 for drying gas, shared by multiple independent systems 10A, are arranged between the two processing containers 61B of the drying apparatus 14. At the lower end of each of the two processing containers 61B of the drying apparatus 14, a discharge device 63 is provided to discharge the adsorbent downwards. The adsorbent discharged from the discharge device 63 is supplied to the adsorbent conveying device 15.

[0114] Furthermore, while the above description primarily focuses on the independent system 10A, including the adsorption device 12, regeneration device 13, and drying device 14, in the carbon dioxide separation system 101, multiple independent systems 10A are arranged along the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the adsorption device 12 and drying device 14 in the carbon dioxide separation system 101 each possess a specific structure 60C, which has a direction along the direction of arrow b. Figure 10 Multiple processing containers 61BP are arranged orthogonally to the horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of arrow b) in the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B shown.

[0115] In this embodiment, both the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14 are equipped with multiple processing container pairs 61BP, which are two processing containers 61B arranged at intervals in the thickness direction a. This increases the processing capacity in both the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14. Furthermore, by providing a shared target gas supply path 91 and a shared target gas discharge path 92 in the processing containers 61B of the multiple processing container pairs 61BP constituting the adsorption device 12, the structure is simplified. Similarly, by providing a shared drying gas supply path 93 and a shared drying gas discharge path 94 in the processing containers 61B of the multiple processing container pairs 61BP constituting the drying device 14, the structure is simplified. Additionally, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device 12 and the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device 14 can be reduced.

[0116] (Fourth Implementation)

[0117] Figure 13 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 13 In the middle, to and Figure 12 The corresponding part of the annotation and Figure 12 Same label.

[0118] Figure 13 The carbon dioxide separation system 102 shown is a system composed of multiple independent systems 10B connected along the direction of arrow b. The multiple independent systems 10B have the same structure. Furthermore, in... Figure 13 The diagram illustrates an example of two independent systems 10B being connected, but it can also show three or more independent systems 10B being connected along the direction of arrow b.

[0119] Figure 13 The carbon dioxide separation system 102 shown is Figure 12 The difference between the carbon dioxide separation system 101 shown and the independent system 10B lies in its structure. The independent system 10B will be described below, but the focus will be primarily on the structure of the independent system 10B. Figure 12 Explain the different points.

[0120] The independent system 10B includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration and drying device 130, and an adsorbent delivery device 15. In this independent system 10B, [the system] replaces... Figure 12 The regeneration device 13 and the drying device 14 are combined with the fact that the regeneration drying device 130 is equipped with a regeneration drying device 130. Figure 12 It differs from the independent system 10A.

[0121] In the regeneration drying apparatus 130, there are two cylindrical processing containers 13A relative to one processing container 61B of the adsorption apparatus 12. Alternatively, one or more processing containers 13A may be provided relative to one processing container 61B of the adsorption apparatus 12.

[0122] Adsorption device 12 is with Figure 12 The adsorption device 12 has the same structure. Furthermore, it is similar to... Figure 12 Similarly, between the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12, there is a common gas supply path 91 and a common gas discharge path 92 shared by multiple independent systems 10B.

[0123] In processing container 13A, with Figure 12 Similarly, in the regeneration treatment container 13a, the detachment steam supplied through the steam supply path 31 is brought into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide has been adsorbed by the adsorption device 12, thereby performing a regeneration process that releases carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. Then, a drying process to dry the adsorbent is performed in the treatment container 13A. During the drying process, after the supply of detachment steam in the regeneration process is stopped, vacuum drying is performed. This vacuum drying is, for example, by continuing to operate the vacuum pump used in the regeneration process to attract and recover carbon dioxide and maintaining the depressurized state of the treatment container 13A for a predetermined time. Alternatively, a different vacuum pump than the one used in the regeneration process can be used to further depressurize the treatment container 13A.

[0124] In addition to vacuum drying as described above, drying using a drying gas can also be performed during the drying process. In this case, for example, a drying gas is connected to the processing container 13A. Figure 1 The drying gas supply path 41 and drying gas discharge path 42 are shown. In this case, drying using drying gas is performed, for example, by supplying drying gas to the processing container 13A for a predetermined time.

[0125] The lower part of the processing container 13A is provided with a discharge device 13b, and the adsorbent that has been dried in the processing container 13A is supplied to the adsorbent delivery device 15.

[0126] Furthermore, while the description above primarily focuses on the independent system 10B, including the adsorption device 12 and the regeneration and drying device 130, in the carbon dioxide separation system 102, multiple independent systems 10B are arranged in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the adsorption device 12 in the carbon dioxide separation system 102 possesses a specific structure 60C ( Figure 10 The particular structure 60C has a plurality of processing containers 61BP arranged in a horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of arrow b) orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B.

[0127] In this embodiment, by providing a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP, each consisting of two processing containers 61B arranged at intervals in the thickness direction a, the processing capacity of the adsorption apparatus 12 can be increased. Furthermore, by arranging a common target gas supply path 91 and a common target gas discharge path 92 in the processing containers 61B of the plurality of processing container pairs 61BP constituting the adsorption apparatus 12, the structure can be simplified. Additionally, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption apparatus 12 can be reduced.

[0128] (Fifth implementation method)

[0129] Figure 14 This is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 14 In the middle, to and Figure 12 , Figure 13 The corresponding part of the annotation and Figure 12 , Figure 13 Same label.

[0130] Figure 14 The carbon dioxide separation system 103 shown is a system composed of multiple independent systems 10C connected along the direction of arrow b. The multiple independent systems 10C have the same structure. Furthermore, in... Figure 14 The diagram illustrates an example of two independent systems 10C being connected, but it can also show three or more independent systems 10C being connected in the direction of arrow b.

[0131] Figure 14 The carbon dioxide separation system 103 shown is Figure 12 , Figure 13 The difference between the carbon dioxide separation systems 101 and 102 shown lies in the structure of the independent system 10C. The following description focuses on the independent system 10C, but primarily on the structure of the independent system 10C. Figure 12 , Figure 13 Explain the different points.

[0132] The independent system 10C includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration device 13, a drying device 14A, and an adsorbent delivery device 15. In this independent system 10C, [the system] replaces... Figure 12 The drying apparatus 14A is similar to the drying apparatus 14A which is equipped with a vacuum drying device. Figure 12 The standalone system 10A differs from this. Additionally, the standalone system 10C differs from... Figure 13 The difference between the independent system 10B and the other system is that, instead of Figure 13 The regeneration and drying apparatus 130 includes a regeneration device 13 and a drying device 14A. Figure 14 The regeneration device 13 in the middle and Figure 12 Similarly, the drying apparatus 14A includes multiple cylindrical regeneration containers 13a. Additionally, the drying apparatus 14A includes multiple cylindrical drying containers 14a.

[0133] In the independent system 10C, a regeneration device 13 is arranged below the adsorption device 12, and a drying device 14A is arranged below the regeneration device 13. Two cylindrical regeneration processing containers 13a of the regeneration device 13 are arranged below a processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12 via a supply device 18a, and two cylindrical drying processing containers 14a of the drying device 14A are further arranged below it via a discharge supply device 25. Alternatively, one or more processing containers 13a and 14a may be provided relative to a processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12.

[0134] Adsorption device 12 is with Figure 12 , Figure 13 The adsorption device 12 has the same structure as the adsorption device 12 of the independent system 10C. Between the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12 of the independent system 10C, there is a common gas supply path 91 and a common gas discharge path 92 shared by multiple independent systems 10C.

[0135] In the independent system 10C, the adsorbent discharged from the lower end of the two processing containers 61B provided at the lower end of the adsorption device 12 is supplied to the regeneration processing container 13a by the supply device 18a.

[0136] In the regeneration processing container 13a of the regeneration device 13, with Figure 12 Similarly, in the regeneration treatment container 13a, the desorption steam supplied through the steam supply path 31 is brought into contact with the adsorbent after it has adsorbed carbon dioxide through the adsorption device 12, thereby performing a regeneration treatment that releases carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. A discharge supply device 25 is provided at the lower part of the regeneration treatment container 13a, which discharges the adsorbent from the regeneration treatment container 13a and supplies it to the drying treatment container 14a of the drying device 14A.

[0137] In the drying treatment container 14a of the drying apparatus 14A, a drying process is performed to dry the adsorbent by vacuum drying. This vacuum drying is carried out by maintaining the drying treatment container 14a under reduced pressure for a predetermined time using a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump used here can be the same vacuum pump used for regeneration to attract and recover carbon dioxide in the regeneration unit 13, or a different vacuum pump can be used. Alternatively, the pressure can be reduced in stages by using the regeneration vacuum pump and another vacuum pump in sequence.

[0138] In addition to vacuum drying as described above, the drying process in drying apparatus 14A can also involve drying using a drying gas. In this case, for example, a drying process container 14a is connected to... Figure 1 The drying gas supply path 41 and drying gas discharge path 42 are shown. In this case, drying using drying gas is performed, for example, by supplying drying gas to the drying processing container 14a for a predetermined time.

[0139] The lower part of the two drying containers 14a is provided with a discharge device 14b, and the adsorbent that has been dried in the two drying containers 14a is supplied to the adsorbent conveying device 15 through the discharge device 14b in sequence.

[0140] Furthermore, while the above description primarily focuses on the independent system 10C, the carbon dioxide separation system 103 is comprised of multiple independent systems 10C arranged in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the adsorption device 12 in the carbon dioxide separation system 103 possesses a specific structure 60C, which has the ability to interact with... Figure 10 Multiple processing containers 61BP are arranged in a horizontal direction (i.e., the direction of arrow b) orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B shown.

[0141] In this embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, the adsorption apparatus 12 can increase its processing capacity by having a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP, each consisting of two processing containers 61B arranged at intervals in the thickness direction a. Furthermore, by arranging a common target gas supply path 91 and a common target gas discharge path 92 in the processing containers 61B of the plurality of processing container pairs 61BP constituting the adsorption apparatus 12, the structure can be simplified. Additionally, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption apparatus 12 can be reduced.

[0142] Figure 15 It means Figure 4 A side view of another example of the processing container 61B of the specific structure 60B shown.

[0143] exist Figure 15In the processing container 61B shown, refer to Figure 4 Gas passage regions 64a and 64b are disposed on two opposing sides 61a and 61b inside the processing container 61B along the thickness direction a of the main portion 61BM, and are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. Multiple rods 80 are arranged at intervals, allowing the adsorbent to pass through, in the portion R1 corresponding to the gas passage regions 64a and 64b. The multiple rods 80 are disposed throughout the entire area of ​​the two opposing sides 61a and 61b along the thickness direction a of the main portion 61BM. To prevent gas from passing through in the vertical direction, as... Figure 15 As shown, the plurality of rods 80 are preferably arranged in multiple layers in a side view, and more preferably arranged in an alternating pattern. In addition, the rods 80 arranged in multiple layers are preferably arranged closely in a way that the rods 80 of the upper and lower adjacent layers overlap in a top view.

[0144] By arranging multiple rods 80 in this way, the pressure loss of the gas intended to pass vertically through the processing container 61B can be increased, thus preventing the gas from passing vertically. Therefore, within the processing container 61B, interference between gases passing in opposite directions can be prevented. This shortens the distance between adjacent gas passage areas 64a and 64b, reducing the height of the processing container 61B. Consequently, the overall height of the carbon dioxide separation system can be kept relatively low. Furthermore, by... Figure 15 By arranging multiple rods 80 in an alternating pattern, the downward flow of the adsorbent can be divided into multiple segments without hindering the uniform flow of the adsorbent. Furthermore, the multiple rods 80 only need to be placed within the internal space of the processing container 61B, making them easy to manufacture.

[0145] Figure 16 It means Figure 6 A side view of another example of the elongated processing container 71 used by the drying apparatus 14 and the adsorption apparatus 12 shown.

[0146] exist Figure 16 In the longitudinally elongated processing container 71 shown, a plurality of rods 80 are arranged at intervals that allow the adsorbent to pass through in the interior R2 of the connecting portion 71C between the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12.

[0147] Additionally, refer to Figure 7 Gas passage regions 76 and 77 are located on two opposing sides 71a and 71b inside the processing container 71A along the thickness direction a of the main portion 71AM, and are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. Multiple rod-shaped members 80 are arranged at intervals between the gas passage regions 76 and 77 in the corresponding portion R3, allowing the adsorbent to pass through.

[0148] Additionally, on the two opposing sides 71a and 71b (refer to) located inside the processing container 71B along the thickness direction a of the main portion 71BM. Figure 7 Multiple rods 80 are arranged at intervals that allow the adsorbent to pass through in the portion R4 between adjacent gas passage regions 76 and 77 in the vertical direction.

[0149] The method of setting and configuring the plurality of rods 80 in the aforementioned portions R2, R3, and R4 inside the longitudinal processing container 71 is similar to... Figure 15 The arrangement and configuration of the plurality of rods 80 disposed inside the processing container 61B are the same, preferably arranged in multiple layers when viewed from the side, and more preferably arranged in an interlaced manner. In addition, the multi-layered rods 80 are preferably arranged closely in a manner in which adjacent layers of rods 80 overlap when viewed from above.

[0150] By arranging multiple rods 80 inside R2 of the connecting portion 71C, the pressure loss of the gas intended to pass through R2 of the connecting portion 71C in the vertical direction can be increased, thus preventing the gas from passing through in the vertical direction. Therefore, the target gas passing through the gas passage area 75 can be prevented from flowing into the processing container 71A of the drying device 14, and the drying gas passing through the gas passage area 76 can be prevented from flowing into the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, enabling efficient drying processing in the processing container 71A and adsorption processing in the processing container 71B. In addition, the vertical length of the connecting portion 71C can be shortened, reducing the height of the longitudinal processing container 71. Furthermore, by arranging the multiple rods 80 in an alternating pattern, the downward flow of the adsorbent can be divided into multiple segments, without hindering the uniform flow of the adsorbent. Moreover, since the multiple rods 80 only need to be provided within the internal space of the longitudinal processing container 71, they are easy to manufacture.

[0151] Furthermore, by arranging multiple rods 80 in the aforementioned portion R3 inside the processing container 71A, it is possible to obtain a result similar to... Figure 15 The same effect can be achieved by arranging multiple rods 80 in a designated portion R1 inside the processing container 61B. Similarly, by arranging multiple rods 80 in the aforementioned portion R4 inside the processing container 71B, the same effect can be obtained. Figure 15 The same effect is achieved when multiple rods 80 are configured in a specified portion R1 inside the processing container 61B.

[0152] In addition, Figure 15 and Figure 16In this design, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the rod 80 is set to a quadrilateral, but it is not limited to this; it can also be a triangle, a hexagon, or other polygon, or even a circle. Furthermore, when the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the rod 80 is a quadrilateral or other polygon, it is preferable to arrange the upper surface of the rod 80 as an inclined surface to facilitate the downward movement of the adsorbent along the surface of the rod 80. Additionally, the rod 80 can be a solid rod filled with material or a hollow cylindrical rod.

[0153] Based on the foregoing description, many improvements and other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the foregoing description should be interpreted as illustrative only and is provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode for carrying out this disclosure. Details of how the construction and / or function can be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of this disclosure are also provided.

[0154] (Summary of this disclosure)

[0155] A first aspect of the carbon dioxide separation system of the present invention comprises: an adsorption device supplied with a target gas containing carbon dioxide, wherein the target gas is contacted with a particulate adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gas; a regeneration device that contacts water vapor with the adsorbent after adsorbing carbon dioxide to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent; and a drying device supplied with a drying gas, wherein the drying gas is contacted with the adsorbent after contact with the water vapor to dry the adsorbent. At least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure having a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside the processing container. The processing container includes a main portion having an elongated horizontal cross-section and extending in a vertical direction. The main portion has gas passage regions in defined areas opposite to two sides along the thickness direction of the processing container. These gas passage regions prevent the adsorbent from passing through and supply the gas supplied to the specific structure into the interior of the processing container, and are capable of discharging the gas passing through the interior of the processing container along the thickness direction of the processing container from the interior of the processing container to the exterior.

[0156] According to this structure, at least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure, which includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending vertically. In this main portion, a predetermined area opposite to the two sides along the thickness direction of the processing container is a gas passage area where the adsorbent cannot pass but the gas can. Furthermore, the gas supplied to the specific structure passes through the opposite gas passage areas on both sides of the processing container along the thickness direction inside the processing container. This shortens the passage distance of the gas supplied to the specific structure within the processing container, reducing the pressure loss of the gas passing through the processing container where the adsorbent is present. Additionally, by increasing the area of ​​the gas passage areas on both sides of the processing container, the gas flow rate can be increased. Therefore, when the adsorption device is configured with the specific structure, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device can be reduced; and when the drying device is configured with the specific structure, the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device can be reduced. In this way, by reducing the pressure loss of the target gas and the drying gas, the energy cost required to supply the target gas and the drying gas can be reduced. For example, the power consumption of fans and other devices used to supply the target gas and the drying gas can be reduced.

[0157] Regarding the second aspect of the carbon dioxide separation system of the present invention, in the first aspect of the carbon dioxide separation system, the specific structure is composed of two processing containers arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the processing containers, and a common gas supply path is arranged between the two processing containers to serve as a common supply path for gas supplied to the two processing containers.

[0158] According to this structure, by having two processing containers in a specific structure, the processing capacity in the specific structure can be increased, and by configuring a common gas supply path between the two processing containers, the structure can be simplified.

[0159] Regarding the third-party carbon dioxide separation system of the present invention, in the first embodiment of the carbon dioxide separation system, the specific structure is formed by arranging a plurality of processing containers in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing containers, and the specific structure further includes: a common gas supply path, which serves as a common supply path for gas supplied to the plurality of processing containers; and a common gas discharge path, which serves as a common discharge path for gas discharged from the plurality of processing containers.

[0160] According to this structure, by having multiple processing containers in a specific structure, the processing capacity in the specific structure can be increased, and by having a common gas supply path and a common gas discharge path shared by multiple processing containers, the structure can be simplified.

[0161] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the first aspect, the specific structure includes a plurality of processing container pairs arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container. The plurality of processing container pairs are each formed by arranging two processing containers spaced apart along the thickness direction of the processing container. A gas common supply path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pairs to serve as a common supply path for gas supplied to the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs. A gas common discharge path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pairs to serve as a common discharge path for gas discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs.

[0162] According to this structure, by having multiple processing container pairs arranged with two processing containers spaced apart along the thickness direction in a specific structure, the processing capacity of the specific structure can be increased. Furthermore, the multiple processing container pairs are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing containers, and a common gas supply path and a common gas discharge path shared by the processing containers of the multiple processing container pairs are arranged between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pairs, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0163] Regarding the fifth aspect of the carbon dioxide separation system of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects of the carbon dioxide separation system, the regeneration device is arranged below the adsorption device, and the drying device is arranged below the regeneration device, both the adsorption device and the drying device being constituted by the specific structure.

[0164] According to this structure, both the adsorption device and the drying device are made of the specific structure, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device and reducing the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device.

[0165] Regarding the sixth aspect of the carbon dioxide separation system of the present invention, in the first aspect of the carbon dioxide separation system, the adsorption device is arranged below the drying device, both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure, and the processing container of the drying device and the processing container of the adsorption device are constituted as an elongated processing container integrally formed via a connecting portion.

[0166] According to this structure, the processing containers of the drying unit and the adsorption unit are integrally formed by a longitudinally elongated processing container via a connecting portion, thereby simplifying the structure. For example, a discharge device for discharging adsorbent from the processing container of the drying unit to the processing container of the adsorption unit can be omitted.

[0167] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixth aspect, the connection portion is configured to prevent the flow of drying gas supplied to the drying device into the adsorption device, and to prevent the flow of target gas supplied to the adsorption device into the drying device.

[0168] According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the target gas from flowing into the processing container of the drying device and to prevent the drying gas from flowing into the processing container of the adsorption device, thus enabling the drying treatment of the adsorbent by the drying gas and the adsorption treatment of carbon dioxide contained in the target gas by the adsorbent.

[0169] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixth or seventh aspect, two longitudinal processing containers are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the longitudinal processing containers, a common supply path for drying gas is arranged between the two longitudinal processing containers to supply drying gas to the processing container portion of the two longitudinal processing containers corresponding to the drying device, and a common supply path for target gas is arranged between the two longitudinal processing containers to supply target gas to the processing container portion of the two longitudinal processing containers corresponding to the adsorption device.

[0170] According to this structure, by having two longitudinally elongated processing containers, the processing capacity in the adsorption device and the drying device can be increased, and by configuring a common supply path for drying gas between the two longitudinally elongated processing containers, the structure can be simplified.

[0171] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixth or seventh aspect, a plurality of the longitudinally elongated processing containers are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers. This carbon dioxide separation system further comprises: a common supply path for drying gas, which serves as a common supply path for drying gas supplied to the portion of the processing container corresponding to the drying device of the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing containers; a common supply path for target gas, which serves as a common supply path for target gas supplied to the portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing containers; a common discharge path for drying gas, which serves as a common discharge path for drying gas discharged from the portion of the processing container corresponding to the drying device of the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing containers; and a common discharge path for target gas, which serves as a common discharge path for target gas discharged from the portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing containers.

[0172] According to this structure, by having multiple longitudinally elongated processing containers, the processing capacity in the adsorption and drying devices can be increased. Furthermore, by having a shared supply path for the target gas, a shared exhaust path for the target gas, a shared supply path for the drying gas, and a shared exhaust path for the drying gas shared by the multiple longitudinally elongated processing containers, the structure can be simplified.

[0173] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixth or seventh aspect, a plurality of pairs of longitudinally elongated processing containers are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers. Each pair of longitudinally elongated processing containers is formed by arranging two longitudinally elongated processing containers spaced apart along the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers. A common supply path for drying gas is arranged between the two longitudinally elongated processing containers constituting the pairs, serving as a common supply path for supplying drying gas to the portion of the processing container corresponding to the drying device of the plurality of longitudinally elongated processing containers. A common supply path for target gas is provided between the processing containers to supply target gas to the portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. A common discharge path for drying gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers constituting the pair of longitudinal processing containers to discharge drying gas from the portion of the processing container corresponding to the drying device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. A common discharge path for target gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers constituting the pair of longitudinal processing containers to discharge target gas from the portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers.

[0174] According to this structure, by having multiple pairs of longitudinally elongated processing containers arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, the processing capacity in the adsorption and drying devices can be increased. Furthermore, since the multiple pairs of longitudinally elongated processing containers are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers, and a common supply path for the target gas, a common discharge path for the target gas, a common supply path for the drying gas, and a common discharge path for the drying gas are arranged between the two longitudinally elongated processing containers constituting the pairs, the structure can be simplified.

[0175] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixth to tenth aspects of the carbon dioxide separation system, the regeneration device is disposed above the longitudinal processing container, and the carbon dioxide separation system further includes an adsorbent delivery device that delivers the adsorbent discharged from the outlet at the lower end of the longitudinal processing container to the regeneration device.

[0176] According to this structure, although the adsorbent supplied from the regeneration unit to the longitudinal processing container is covered with condensate, it is dried by a drying gas inside the longitudinal processing container. Therefore, since the adsorbent discharged from the outlet at the lower end of the longitudinal processing container is dried, operation becomes easy, and the adsorbent conveying device can be used effectively.

[0177] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the eleventh aspect, the regeneration device includes a plurality of regeneration processing containers supplied with water vapor, which temporarily store the adsorbent after adsorbing carbon dioxide and supply it to the supply port at the upper end of the longitudinal processing container, and the plurality of regeneration processing containers sequentially supply the adsorbent to the longitudinal processing container.

[0178] According to this structure, multiple regeneration processing containers are provided relative to a longitudinal processing container. By sequentially supplying adsorbent from multiple regeneration processing containers to the longitudinal processing container, it is easy to continuously discharge adsorbent from the lower end of the longitudinal processing container while continuously performing processing as a drying device and an adsorption device.

[0179] The carbon dioxide separation system of the thirteenth aspect of the present invention comprises: an adsorption device that is supplied with a target gas containing carbon dioxide, wherein the target gas is contacted with a particulate adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gas; and a regeneration and drying device that, after releasing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent by contacting water vapor with the adsorbent after adsorption of carbon dioxide, dries the adsorbent by vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constructed of a specific structure having a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside the processing container. The processing container includes a main portion having an elongated horizontal cross-section and extending in a vertical direction. The main portion has gas passage regions in predetermined areas opposite to two sides along the thickness direction of the processing container. These gas passage regions prevent the adsorbent from passing through and supply gas supplied to the specific structure into the interior of the processing container. Furthermore, the gas passing through the interior of the processing container along the thickness direction of the processing container is capable of being discharged from the interior of the processing container to the outside.

[0180] According to this structure, the adsorption device is composed of a specific structure having a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downwards by its own weight. The processing container has a main section with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending vertically. In this main section, two predefined areas opposite each other along the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage areas where the adsorbent cannot pass but the gas can. Furthermore, the target gas supplied to the specific structure constituting the adsorption device passes through these opposite gas passage areas along the thickness direction of the processing container within its interior. This shortens the passage distance of the target gas supplied to the specific structure within the processing container, reducing the pressure loss of the target gas passing through the processing container where the adsorbent is present. Additionally, by increasing the area of ​​the gas passage areas on both sides of the processing container, the flow rate of the target gas can be increased. By reducing the pressure loss of the target gas, the energy cost required to supply the target gas can be reduced. For example, the power consumption of fans or similar devices used to supply the target gas can be reduced.

[0181] The carbon dioxide separation system of the fourteenth aspect of the present invention comprises: an adsorption device for which a target gas containing carbon dioxide is supplied, and the target gas is contacted with a particulate adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide from the target gas; a regeneration device for which water vapor is contacted with the adsorbent after adsorbing carbon dioxide to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent; and a drying device for drying the adsorbent after contact with the water vapor by vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constructed of a specific structure having a processing container, in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside the processing container. The processing container includes a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending vertically. The main portion has gas passage regions in predetermined areas opposite to two sides along the thickness direction of the processing container. These gas passage regions prevent the adsorbent from passing through and supply gas supplied to the specific structure into the interior of the processing container, and are capable of discharging gas passing through the interior of the processing container along the thickness direction from the interior of the processing container to the exterior. This carbon dioxide separation system of the fourteenth aspect achieves the same effect as the carbon dioxide separation system of the thirteenth aspect.

[0182] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, the specific structure includes a plurality of processing container pairs arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container. The plurality of processing container pairs are each formed by arranging two processing containers spaced apart along the thickness direction of the processing container. A gas common supply path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pairs to serve as a common supply path for supplying target gas to the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs. A gas common discharge path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pairs to serve as a common discharge path for discharging target gas from the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs.

[0183] According to this structure, by incorporating multiple pairs of processing containers within a specific building block constituting the adsorption device, the processing capacity of the adsorption device can be increased. Furthermore, by configuring a shared gas supply path and a shared gas discharge path, the structure can be simplified.

[0184] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects of the carbon dioxide separation system, the processing container of the specific structure has a plurality of gas passage regions separated in the vertical direction on both sides of the main part, so that the gas supplied to the specific structure passes through the processing container multiple times, and each time passes through different gas passage regions inside the processing container along the thickness direction of the processing container.

[0185] Based on this structure, the performance of a specific configuration can be improved. That is, when the adsorption device is configured as a specific configuration, the adsorption performance of the adsorbent on carbon dioxide in the target gas can be improved; and when the drying device is configured as a specific configuration, the drying performance of the drying gas on the adsorbent can be improved.

[0186] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixteenth aspect, in the processing container of the specific structure, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path of the portion corresponding to the gas passage area disposed on the two sides of the main part and adjacent in the vertical direction is smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path of the portion corresponding to the gas passage area.

[0187] According to this structure, within the processing container, it is possible to prevent gases passing through adjacent gas regions and moving in opposite directions from interfering with each other.

[0188] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixteenth aspect, a plurality of rods are arranged at intervals between the gas passage areas disposed on the two sides of the main part and adjacent in the vertical direction inside the processing container of the specific structure, allowing the adsorbent to pass through.

[0189] According to this structure, within the processing container, gases passing through adjacent gas regions in opposite directions can be prevented from interfering with each other. This shortens the distance between adjacent gas passage regions and reduces the height of the processing container.

[0190] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects of the carbon dioxide separation system, when n is set to an integer of 1 or more, a gas passage area that passes through the (n+1)th time in the processing container is arranged above the gas passage area that the gas supplied to the specific structure passes through when it passes through the processing container for the nth time.

[0191] Based on this structure, the performance of a specific construct can be further improved.

[0192] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixth aspect, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path in the connecting portion is smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path in the portion corresponding to the processing container of the drying device, and also smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path in the portion corresponding to the processing container of the adsorption device.

[0193] According to this structure, it is possible to prevent the target gas from flowing into the processing container of the drying device and to prevent the drying gas from flowing into the processing container of the adsorption device, thus enabling the drying treatment of the adsorbent by the drying gas and the adsorption treatment of carbon dioxide contained in the target gas by the adsorbent.

[0194] Regarding the carbon dioxide separation system of the twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the carbon dioxide separation system of the sixth aspect, a plurality of rods are arranged at intervals that allow the adsorbent to pass through inside the connecting portion.

[0195] This structure prevents the target gas from flowing into the processing container of the drying device and also prevents the drying gas from flowing into the processing container of the adsorption device, thus enabling efficient drying of the adsorbent by the drying gas and adsorption of carbon dioxide contained in the target gas by the adsorbent. Furthermore, the vertical length of the connecting portion can be shortened, reducing the height of the longitudinally elongated processing container.

[0196] Label Explanation

[0197] 2, 12: Adsorption device; 3, 13: Regeneration device; 4, 14: Drying device; 5, 15: Adsorbent conveying device; 13a: Regeneration treatment container; 60A, 60B, 60C, 60D: Specific structures; 61A, 61B: Treatment containers; 61AM, 61BM: Main parts; 61AP, 61BP: Treatment container pair; 64, 65, 64a, 64b, 65a, 65b: Gas passage areas; 74, 75, 76, 77: Gas passage areas; 71: Longitudinal processing container; 71A: Processing container of the drying unit; 71B: Processing container of the adsorption unit; 71C: Connecting part; 71AM, 71BM: Main parts; 71P: Longitudinal processing container pair; 80: Rod; 91: Common supply path for target gas; 92: Common exhaust path for target gas; 93: Common supply path for drying gas; 94: Common exhaust path for drying gas; 95, 97: Common supply path for gas; 96, 98: Common exhaust path for gas; 130: Regeneration drying unit.

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide separation system, comprising: An adsorption device is supplied with a target gas containing carbon dioxide, which is then brought into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb the carbon dioxide from the target gas. A regeneration device that contacts water vapor with the adsorbent after it has adsorbed carbon dioxide, thereby releasing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent; and A drying apparatus is supplied with a drying gas, which contacts the adsorbent that has been exposed to water vapor, thereby drying the adsorbent. At least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure. The specific structure includes a processing container, within which the adsorbent moves downwards by its own weight. The processing container comprises a main part with a slender horizontal cross-section that extends vertically. The main part has a gas passage area in a defined region opposite to the two sides along the thickness direction of the processing container. This gas passage area prevents the adsorbent from passing through and supplies the gas supplied to the specific structure into the interior of the processing container. It is also capable of discharging the gas passing through the interior of the processing container along the thickness direction of the processing container from the interior of the processing container to the exterior.

2. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The specific structure is formed by arranging two processing containers at intervals along the thickness direction of the processing containers. A common gas supply path is provided between the two processing containers to serve as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the two processing containers.

3. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The specific structure is formed by arranging multiple processing containers along a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing containers. The specific construct also possesses: A common gas supply path serves as a shared supply path for the gas supplied to the plurality of said processing containers; and A common gas discharge path is provided, which serves as a shared discharge path for gases discharged from the plurality of said processing containers.

4. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The specific structure comprises a plurality of processing container pairs arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container, wherein each of the plurality of processing container pairs is formed by arranging two processing containers at intervals along the thickness direction of the processing container. A common gas supply path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pair, serving as a common supply path for supplying gas to the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs. A common gas discharge path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pair, serving as a common discharge path for gases discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs.

5. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 4, wherein, The regeneration device is disposed below the adsorption device, and the drying device is disposed below the regeneration device. Both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure.

6. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The adsorption device is disposed below the drying device, and both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure. The processing container of the drying device and the processing container of the adsorption device are both formed by an elongated processing container integrated through a connecting portion.

7. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6, wherein, The connection portion prevents the drying gas supplied to the drying device from flowing into the adsorption device, and also prevents the target gas supplied to the adsorption device from flowing into the drying device.

8. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The two longitudinal processing containers are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the longitudinal processing containers. A common supply path for drying gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers to supply drying gas to portions of the processing containers corresponding to the drying device in both longitudinal processing containers. Furthermore, a common supply path for object gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers to supply the object gas to a portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the two longitudinal processing containers.

9. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The plurality of the longitudinally elongated processing containers are arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers. This carbon dioxide separation system also features: A common supply path for drying gas is provided, which serves as a common supply path for drying gas supplied to portions of the processing containers corresponding to the drying apparatus of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. The target gas common supply path becomes a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. A common exhaust path for drying gases is provided, which serves as a common exhaust path for drying gases discharged from portions of the processing containers corresponding to the drying apparatus of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. as well as The target gas has a common exhaust path, which is a common exhaust path for the target gas discharged from the portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers.

10. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The carbon dioxide separation system comprises multiple pairs of longitudinally elongated processing containers arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers. Each pair of longitudinally elongated processing containers is formed by two longitudinally elongated processing containers arranged at intervals along the thickness direction of the longitudinally elongated processing containers. A common supply path for drying gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers constituting the pair of longitudinal processing containers. This common supply path supplies drying gas to portions of the processing containers corresponding to the drying device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. A common supply path for target gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers constituting the pair of longitudinal processing containers, which serves as a common supply path for supplying target gas to portions of the processing containers corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. A common exhaust path for drying gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers constituting the pair of longitudinal processing containers, serving as a common exhaust path for drying gas discharged from portions of the processing containers corresponding to the drying device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers. A common discharge path for object gas is provided between the two longitudinal processing containers constituting the pair of longitudinal processing containers, serving as a common discharge path for object gas discharged from a portion of the processing container corresponding to the adsorption device of the plurality of longitudinal processing containers.

11. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The regeneration device is positioned above the elongated processing container. The carbon dioxide separation system also includes an adsorbent delivery device that delivers the adsorbent discharged from the outlet at the lower end of the longitudinal processing container to the regeneration device.

12. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 11, wherein, The regeneration device includes multiple regeneration processing containers supplied with water vapor. These containers temporarily store the adsorbent after it has adsorbed carbon dioxide and supply it to a supply port at the upper end of the elongated processing container. Multiple regeneration treatment containers sequentially supply adsorbent to the longitudinal treatment container.

13. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The regeneration device and the drying device constitute a regeneration-drying device, which dries the adsorbent by contacting it with water vapor to release carbon dioxide, and then by vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constructed from a specific structure.

14. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The drying apparatus is configured to dry the adsorbent after it has come into contact with the water vapor by performing vacuum drying, instead of a drying apparatus that supplies drying gas to dry the adsorbent. The adsorption device is constructed from a specific structure.

15. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The specific structure comprises a plurality of processing container pairs arranged in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container, wherein each of the plurality of processing container pairs is formed by arranging two processing containers at intervals along the thickness direction of the processing container. A common gas supply path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pair, serving as a common supply path for supplying target gas to the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs. A common gas discharge path is provided between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pair, serving as a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of processing container pairs.

16. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, 5, 6, 13 or 14, wherein, The processing container of the specific structure has multiple gas passage zones separated vertically on both sides of the main part. The gas supplied to the particular structure is passed through the processing container multiple times, and each time it passes through a different gas passage area inside the processing container along the thickness direction of the processing container.

17. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 16, wherein, In the processing container of the specific structure, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path between the gas passage areas located on the two sides of the main part and adjacent in the vertical direction is smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path between the gas passage areas.

18. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 16, wherein, Inside the processing container of the specific structure, in the corresponding portions between the gas passage areas located on the two sides of the main part and adjacent in the vertical direction, a plurality of rods are arranged at intervals that allow the adsorbent to pass through.

19. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 16, wherein, When n is set to an integer greater than or equal to 1, a gas passage area is arranged above the gas passage area that the gas supplied to the specific structure passes through when it passes through the processing container for the nth time. The gas passage area that passes through the processing container for the (n+1)th time is also arranged above the gas passage area that the gas passes through when it passes through the processing container for the nth time.

20. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6, wherein, The total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path in the connecting portion is smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path in the portion corresponding to the processing container of the drying device, and also smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the adsorbent flow path in the portion corresponding to the processing container of the adsorption device.

21. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6, wherein, Multiple rod-shaped elements are arranged at intervals inside the connecting portion to allow the adsorbent to pass through.

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