Facility for processing co2 from a high-output co2 gas source, and means for drying wood in a co2 atmosphere

Abstract

The invention relates to a facility for processing CO2 from a high-output CO2 source (D100) comprising: - at least one CO2 distribution system (D1) having a supply circuit (D10) comprising an inlet end (D11) connected to the high-output CO2 source (D100) for collecting and storing the CO2, and an outlet end (D12); - drying means (C1, C2) for drying in a CO2 atmosphere, connected to the CO2 distribution system (D1), and configured to process said CO2 thus distributed during a drying operation and comprising storage means connected on the one hand to the outlet end (D12) of the supply circuit (D10) and on the other hand to the drying means (C1, C2), said storage means (D5) being configured to temporarily store the CO2 from the high-output CO2 source (D100) for later processing of said CO2.

Description

Description Title of the invention: CO2 treatment plant using a high-flow gaseous CO2 source and means for drying wood under a CO2 atmosphere|

[0001] [The present invention relates to a CO2 treatment installation from a high-flow CO2 source, and more particularly to the adaptation of a high-flow CO2 gas source to supply wood drying modules capable of using and sequestering CO2 directly in the gas phase. [2] CO2 treatment means any act of collecting, using and sequestering CO2. [3] Much progress has been made in the field of CO2 sequestration. However, CO2 purification, liquefaction and storage remain necessary for many CO2 utilization and sequestration technologies, and transport and distribution methods remain limited, both in terms of CO2 purification and adaptability to very high flow rates. Biogenic CO2 produced during methanization processes, or even more complex at the factory chimney outlet, which generally generate a very high emission rate, makes it necessary to release a large part of this greenhouse gas emission stream including CO2 into the atmosphere. In the case of the high flow rate source of CO2 from methanization, biogenic CO2 represents approximately 98% of the volume of the gaseous effluent.In the case of a high-flow CO2 source from an industrial chimney (e.g., emissions from an industrial boiler), the proportion of CO2 may represent only 20% of the gaseous effluent. [4] CO2 sequestration systems are known, such as those taught by the Applicant in document W02020127026, which use wood drying cells under CO2 atmosphere. However, these systems have the major disadvantage of not being able to handle a reduced CO2 flow rate, associated with high costs making it difficult to implement multiple cells to handle a high CO2 flow rate. Indeed, the supply of CO2 liquefied (in bottle form for example) limits existing CO2 sequestration systems in terms of volume and costs, making industrial scaling up with the management of high CO2 flow rates very difficult. [5] CO2 sources are also known to have gas distribution systems such as methanization centers, which have biomethane purification and distribution devices comprising a distribution outlet, also called "off-gas", dedicated to the evacuation of biogenic CO2 whose mass concentration in the gas mixture is greater than 98%. These devices have the disadvantage of not being suitable for wood drying sequestration systems under CO2 atmosphere, in which the CO2 output flow rate is greater than 40 Nm3 / h. The interface between a biogenic CO2 off-gas of the gas distribution systems and the inlet in the known wood drying sequestration systems under CO2 atmosphere does not allow for controlled and regulated injection under conditions that guarantee controlled drying cycles with a sufficient and secure supply. [6] These systems also have the disadvantage of not allowing an on-demand supply of CO2 to the drying systems, sometimes continuously, sometimes punctually, during a drying cycle (due to CO2 trapping), and requiring an interface and programmed management of CO2 flows between the high-flow CO2 source and the CO2 sequestration system by drying wood in a CO2 atmosphere. [7] High CO2 flow rate is defined here as any CO2 flow rate greater than 40 Nm3 / h. [8] CO2 sequestration is understood here to mean any substitution, chemical reaction between CO2 / wood polymers / water or complexation, or stable accumulation of CO2 or carbonation of wood or water contained in wood with compounds such as wood to be dried or similar receiving material. [9] Wood means any lignocellulosic material or similar compound capable of sequestering CO2.

[0010] By way of non-limiting example, the high-throughput CO2 source may be a methanization installation allowing the exploitation of biogenic CO2, a industrial installation such as a boiler releasing into the atmosphere a mixture of gases containing in particular CO2, or any other industrial complex whose CO2 production allows any CO2 flow rate greater than 40 Nm3 / h.

[0011] The present invention overcomes these drawbacks.

[0012] The invention relates to a plant for treating CO2 from a high-flow CO2 source comprising: -at least one CO2 distribution system having a supply circuit comprising an inlet end connected to the high-flow CO2 source for collecting and storing CO2 from the CO2 source, and an outlet end for supplying the drying means under CO2 atmosphere; - means for drying under CO2 atmosphere connected to the CO2 distribution system and configured to treat said CO2 thus distributed during a wood drying operation;

[0013] According to a general definition of the invention, the CO2 distribution system further comprises storage means connected on the one hand to the outlet end of the supply circuit and on the other hand to the drying means under CO2 atmosphere, said storage means being configured to temporarily store the CO2 coming from the high flow rate CO2 source for subsequent treatment of said CO2.

[0014] Advantageously, the installation according to the invention makes it possible to control the distribution of CO2 while allowing sequencing of the drying operations for CO2 sequestration. The storage means make it possible to ensure the supply of CO2 to the drying means when the supply of CO2 from the high-flow CO2 source is unavailable or when the available flow rate of the CO2 source is significantly higher than the occasional need of the drying means, while making it possible to multiply the number of drying means under CO2 atmosphere that can be used for the same installation. This scaling makes it possible to handle the high flow rate of CO2. The storage means also make it possible to serve as a supply source for any other system for purifying or distributing the CO2 collected in gaseous form and present in the gas mixture thus stored.

[0015] Advantageously, the distribution system according to the invention further allows the treatment of CO2 without affecting the operation of the high flow CO2 source.

[0016] In addition, the installation allows to control the CO2 supply parameters in the drying means while limiting the electrical energy required to guarantee the operation of multiple drying means.

[0017] In practice, the means of drying under CO2 atmosphere comprise at least two drying modules configured to sequester the CO2 used in wood.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the multiple drying modules are configured in parallel.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, the multiple drying modules are configured in series.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, the multiple drying modules are configured in series and in parallel.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the CO2 storage means comprise at least one buffer tank configured to temporarily store CO2 from the high-flow CO2 source by supply via a supply solenoid valve and serve as a secondary source of CO2 supply to supply the CO2 atmosphere drying modules or any other CO2 utilization module.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the CO2 distribution system further comprises booster means connected to the outlet of the high flow CO2 source, configured to allow the collection of CO2 from the high flow CO2 source, control the pressure and the flow rate of CO2 in the supply circuit.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the CO2 distribution system further comprises pressure sensor means arranged at the outlet of the high-flow CO2 source and before the solenoid valve supplying the buffer tank.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the CO2 distribution system further comprises gas flow measurement means configured to measure and record the flow rate of CO2 circulating in the supply circuit.

[0025] In practice, the distribution system further comprises CO2 / CH4 measuring means, configured to measure the proportion of CO2 or CH4 relative to the overall flow of gas introduced into the system in the circulating gas mixture.

[0026] For example, the booster means allow interfacing with the high-flow CO2 supply source and the establishment, during a CO2 sampling phase, of a circulation speed in the gas mixture circulation conduit of between 1 and 15 meters per second.

[0027] In practice, the booster means ensure a pressure between 0 and -50 mbar during the CO2 sampling phases.

[0028] Advantageously, the present invention uses CO2 in gaseous form directly, allowing its implementation directly on the same site which releases said CO2 via its industrial chimneys or other high-flow CO2 source, and this continuously without disrupting the production and operation of the CO2 source.

[0029] In practice, each CO2 atmosphere drying module comprises: - a drying chamber comprising at least one hollow cylindrical drying tube of diameter and length suitable for drying wood of chosen dimensions, - CO2 supply means for injecting gaseous CO2 into the drying chamber; - means of transport; - heating means to heat the circulating CO2; - gas circulation means for forcing the circulation of CO2 from one end of the drying chamber to the other in a closed circuit in the direction of the length of the chamber with injection and extraction into the cylinder advantageously positioned at the ends of the cylindrical drying chamber as well as the renewal of the atmosphere inside the drying chamber, and comprising a flow inversion module configured to allow the circulation of CO2 in a first direction of circulation in the drying chamber and in a second direction of circulation, and capable of standardizing the thermal distribution in said drying chamber; - CO2 recycling means configured to allow the separation of water vapor and gaseous CO2 present in the atmosphere extracted from the chamber during drying; - metrological means to measure variations in physical measurements of the drying module during heating; - the means of supplying CO2; and - a computer control system to control the supply, circulation, heating and recycling means, according to appropriate programs, setpoint values ​​and drying times depending on the quality of the desired dried wood, and processing means to measure, compare and readjust the operating parameters to the setpoint values ​​in the event of a deviation.

[0030] Advantageously, the use of a drying module in accordance with the invention allows the sequestration / trapping of a maximum quantity of CO2 of the order of 250 kg per cubic meter of wood.

[0031] The Applicant observed that the installation according to the invention allows a maximum volume of CO2 treated per drying cycle per cell of 125 m3 of CO2 introduced at atmospheric pressure.

[0032] In addition, the control computer system is equipped with an application programming interface API configured to: -Acquire metrological data and parameters of the wood to be dried by measuring metrological means; - Activate the CO2 supply means configured to saturate the drying chamber with CO2; -check that the CO2 saturation in the circulating gas mixture is sufficient to start a drying cycle by checking the CO2 / CH4 measuring means of the exhaust duct; -Activate the heating means to adjust the humidity of the wood by heating when a sufficient measured CO2 saturation is reached. -If the wood humidity is greater than 30%, heat with a temperature limit according to a first set temperature T1, according to a chosen temperature gradient G1 in order to extract the free water from the wood to be dried and activate the circulation means; -If the wood humidity is less than 30%, heat with a temperature limit according to a first set temperature T2, according to a chosen temperature gradient G2 in order to extract the bound water from the wood to be dried and activate the circulation means; - stabilize the temperature of the CO2 circulating in the drying chamber according to a first phase when a hygrometry of less than or equal to 30% is measured, activate the recycling means then increase according to a second phase the temperature of the CO2 circulating in the drying chamber until the measured hygrometry of the wood reaches a chosen intermediate target value Hi, the heating means being activated so that the reheating is carried out with a limit temperature defined by a second set temperature T2 of 120°C according to a chosen temperature gradient G2, and according to the specific drying profile of the wood to be dried making it possible to extract the bound water from the wood to be dried; - Deactivate the recycling means and modulate the activity of the heating means to reduce the temperature of the heating chamber according to a first phase, up to a third setpoint temperature T3 for stabilization chosen according to a temperature gradient G3, when the average hygrometry measured by the wood hygrometry measuring means reaches the intermediate target value Hi chosen, unless one of the measured hygrometry values ​​of the wood is greater than Hi+1%, said setpoint temperature T3 being maintained for a chosen period of time until the measured hygrometry value of the wood greater than Hi+1% is stable and within a range of values ​​lower than Hi+1%; - Deactivate the heating means, to reduce the temperature of the heating chamber in a second phase, when the average measured hygrometry of the wood reaches the final target hygrometry value Hc.

[0033] Advantageously, the precise control of the drying cycle based mainly on hygrometry values ​​also makes it possible to limit the temperature rise and the heat energy required for the drying cycle, thus allowing optimized energy expenditure by the heating means and by the drying cycle.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the CO2 recycling means of the drying module are of the heat exchanger type comprising at least one cold battery.

[0035] In practice, the CO2 recycling means comprise at least one cold battery to be configured in series to gradually allow the water to be extracted from the gas mixture, each cold battery being capable of extracting a chosen percentage of the water from said gas mixture.

[0036] The Applicant observed that a series structure made it possible to control and limit the humidity in the drying chamber, and thus prevent saturation of the recycling means, also making it possible to limit the duration of each drying cycle and thus limit the energy required to be expended during each drying cycle.

[0037] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the installation further comprises an additional photovoltaic type electrical power supply module, this making it possible to temporarily meet the energy demand of the installation, mainly but not limited to when the number of drying modules is large.

[0038] For example, each CO2 atmosphere drying module includes a drying chamber with a volume of at least 10 m3 saturable with CO2.

[0039] Advantageously, the system according to the invention allows controlled distribution of CO2 to the CO2 sequestration systems, and independent of the availability of CO2 at the high-flow CO2 source.

[0040] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the description and the drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig 1] schematically represents the CO2 treatment installation in accordance with the invention;

[0042] [Fig 2] schematically represents an embodiment of the invention comprising two drying modules in accordance with the invention;

[0043] [Fig 3] schematically represents an embodiment of the invention comprising four drying modules in accordance with the invention;

[0044] [Fig 4] schematically represents a wood drying module in accordance with the invention; and

[0045] [Fig 5] represents a drying chamber according to the invention.

[0046] With reference to Figure 1, the CO2 treatment installation from a high-flow CO2 source D100 according to the invention comprises at least one CO2 distribution system D1 having a supply circuit D10 comprising an inlet end D11 connected to the high-flow CO2 source D100, and an outlet end D12, said supply circuit D10 being configured to collect CO2 from the high-flow CO2 source D100, to store the gaseous CO2 thus collected, and to supply drying means under a CO2 atmosphere.

[0047] The distribution system D1 further comprises storage means connected to an output end D12 of the supply circuit D10 and to the CO2 atmosphere drying means C1, C2, said storage means being configured to temporarily store the CO2 coming from the high flow CO2 source D100.

[0048] “Temporarily storing” means any storage of CO2 for later use according to chosen parameters. These uses include, but are not limited to, the group formed by CO2 purification, CO2 distribution, CO2 treatment, drying in a CO2 atmosphere or any other use of similar gaseous CO2.

[0049] In addition, the drying means have drying modules C1, C2, each module being configured to carry out drying cycles in a CO2 atmosphere.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the storage means comprise at least one buffer tank D5, connected to the outlet end D12 of the supply circuit D10 and to the CO2 atmosphere drying modules C1, C2, said buffer tank D5 being configured to temporarily store the CO2 coming from the high-flow CO2 source D100 by supply via a supply solenoid valve D3 and serve as a secondary source of CO2 supply to supply the CO2 atmosphere drying modules C1, C2 or any other CO2 utilization module.

[0051] Advantageously, the buffer tank D5 allows the supply of CO2 to the drying modules C1, C2, depending on the drying cycle of each drying module C1, C2, and thus allows drying in sequence while avoiding a lack of CO2, and avoiding degassing part of the CO2 available in the atmosphere.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the buffer tank D5 is supplied with CO2 according to a sequence comprising: -injection of CO2 from the buffer tank D5 into at least one drying module C1, C2; -stopping the injection of CO2 from the buffer tank D5 to at least one drying module C1, C2; - injection of CO2 from the distribution system D1 into the buffer tank D5 to maintain a maximum filling volume by opening the supply solenoid valve D3; and -stopping the injection of CO2 from the distribution system D1 to the buffer tank D5 when the buffer tank is filled to maximum capacity.

[0053] The Applicant observed that the CO2 storage means such as the buffer tank D5 in use makes it possible to decorrelate the supply parameters of the high-flow CO2 source D100 from the supply of the drying systems C1, C2, while maintaining the use of CO2 in gaseous form, without the need to liquefy it for use.

[0054] The distribution system D1 according to the invention further comprises pressure sensor means D41, D42 arranged at the outlet of a high flow CO2 source D100 and before the supply solenoid valve D3 of the buffer tank D5.

[0055] In practice, the pressure sensor means D41, D42 make it possible to measure the depression upstream of the booster means D30 and the pressure downstream of the booster means to ensure that the pressure in the supply circuit D1 allows the circulation of CO2 under optimal conditions.

[0056] In addition, the D30 booster means are connected to the output of the D100 high-flow CO2 source, and are configured to control the pressure and flow rate of CO2 in the D1 supply circuit so that CO2 can flow therein.

[0057] High flow rate D100 CO2 sources such as methanization tanks have an outlet pressure that does not allow the CO2 to circulate at a sufficient flow rate to be effectively injected into drying modules C1, C2.

[0058] In practice, the D30 booster systems have internal regulation taking into account the C2 circulation parameters (pressure, speed) in the C1, C2 drying systems and the availability of the D100 high-flow CO2 source.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the distribution system D1 of the installation according to the invention comprises gas flow measurement means D43 configured to measure and record the flow rate of CO2 circulating in the supply circuit D10 in order to feedback the operation of the booster means D30 so as to maintain a circulation speed and a pressure of the gas mixture in the supply circuit D10.

[0060] As a non-limiting example, the circulation speed of the gas mixture is between 1 and 15 meters per second during the CO2 sampling phases.

[0061] As a non-limiting example, the D3 booster means provide a pressure between 0 and -50 mbar during the CO2 sampling phases.

[0062] The CO2 sampling phase means any phase aimed at circulating CO2 from the D100 high-flow CO2 source to the drying means.

[0063] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the distribution system D1 comprises CO2 / CH4 measuring means D44, configured to measure the proportion of CO2 relative to the total volume of gas in circulation and the proportion of CH4 circulating in order to maintain a chosen CO2 saturation in the drying chamber.

[0064] Advantageously, depending on the CO2 source, measuring means may be put in place to monitor and control other gases present in the gas mixture used as a CO2 source. For example, in the context of a biogenic CO2 source such as a methanization plant, this prevents the methane concentration from exceeding a critical explosion threshold. The critical explosion threshold is defined when the methane concentration in the circulating gas is sufficient to cause damage to the supply circuit D10 and the drying systems C1, C2.

[0065] According to a particular embodiment, when the high-flow CO2 source D100 is an industrial chimney, a CO2 concentration module is integrated between the high-flow CO2 source D100 and the buffer tank D5, and configured to concentrate the CO2 of the gas mixture collected for use in the installation according to the invention up to a mass percentage relative to the total gas flow chosen.

[0066] As a non-limiting example, the mass percentage chosen is between 60 and 98%.

[0067] The distribution system D1 according to the invention further comprises an evacuation mechanism 102 comprising a conduit whose end is open to the atmosphere, and having a solenoid valve, which is capable of being opened to carry out degassing of the distribution system D1 when at least one circulation parameter of the gas mixture exceeds a tolerance threshold of the system. For example, when the methane concentration exceeds a critical explosion threshold.

[0068] With reference to figures 2 to 3, the treatment installation according to the invention further comprises means for drying under CO2 atmosphere connected to the CO2 distribution system D1 and configured to treat the CO2 during the drying operation.

[0069] In practice, the drying means comprise at least two CO2 atmosphere drying modules C1, C2 connected to said CO2 distribution system D1.

[0070] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, each distribution system D1 allows the supply of multiple drying modules C1, C2, C3, C4.

[0071] By way of non-limiting example, a CO2 treatment installation according to the invention may comprise multiple distribution systems D1, each system being connected to multiple drying modules C1, C2, C3, C4, making it possible to obtain a solution which can be scaled up for the sequestration of large quantities of CO2.

[0072] With reference to figures 4 and 5, the drying module C1, C2 of the installation according to the invention comprises several functional groups including a heating chamber 1 comprising at least one drying tube into which the wood to be dried is introduced, heating means 2, CO2 supply means 3, gas circulation means 4 allowing the renewal of the atmosphere inside the drying chamber 1, several metrology measurement units forming metrological means 5, and finally a computer control system 6 equipped with an API application programming interface.

[0073] The drying module C1, C2 has a drying chamber 1 composed of one or more hollow cylindrical drying tubes allowing the introduction of the wood to be dried.

[0074] The drying chamber is connected to the heating means 2 by an inlet duct 206a, and has an outlet duct 206b configured to evacuate the CO2 gas mixture from said drying chamber 1.

[0075] In practice, the inlet duct 206a is arranged at a first end of the drying chamber 1 and the outlet duct 206b at a second end of the drying chamber 1 so as to allow longitudinal circulation of the CO2 gas mixture relative to the wood to be dried. As a non-limiting example, the drying chamber 1 comprises a closed, heat-insulated tube with internal atmospheric recirculation.

[0076] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the drying chamber 1 comprises a minimum volume of 10m3 saturable with CO2.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the drying chamber 1 according to the invention comprises metrological means 5 configured to measure parameters belonging to the group formed by hygrometry of the wood to be dried, hygrometry in the drying chamber 1, temperature of the wood to be dried, temperature in the drying chamber 1, pressure in the drying chamber 1.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the drying chamber 1 according to the invention comprises at least one probe for measuring the temperature and humidity in the drying chamber 53.

[0079] By way of non-limiting example, the drying chamber 1 comprises two probes for measuring the temperature and humidity in the drying chamber 53.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the drying chamber 1 according to the invention comprises at least one probe for measuring the hygrometry of the wood to be dried 54.

[0081] By way of non-limiting example, the drying chamber 1 comprises two probes for measuring the hygrometry of the wood to be dried 54.

[0082] In practice, the drying chamber 1 further comprises a control box 61 configured to receive and process the data recorded by the hygrometry measuring probes of the wood to be dried 54.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the drying chamber 1 according to the invention further comprises a pressure measuring probe 55 in said drying chamber 1, allowing the emergency evacuation of part of the atmosphere contained in the drying chamber 1 in the event of critical pressure therein.

[0084] In practice, each metrological measurement includes a set value or a group of set values ​​to be respected, specific to each species or application of the wood to be dried.

[0085] In practice, the critical pressure can be 1.5 bar.

[0086] The drying chamber 1 according to the invention further comprises door closing sensors 62, configured to detect the closing status of the doors for inserting the wood to be dried.

[0087] As a non-limiting example, the drying chamber 1 is 5.5m long with a circulation diameter of 2.4m, cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical in shape and contained in a maritime container insulated with 60mm thick wood wool panels. This box is connected from one end to the other by a heat-insulated pipe, a heating system 2 and four centrifugal circulation fans capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 250°C.

[0088] The drying module C1, C2 further comprises operating means C1M, C2M configured to operate and control the drying in each drying module C1, C2 and corresponding to any means arranged outside the drying chamber 1 allowing the operation thereof.

[0089] The drying module C1, C2 comprises CO2 supply means 3 configured to control the injection of the CO2 gas mixture from the CO2 storage means of the distribution circuit D1.

[0090] The CO2 supply means 3 comprise a conduit connected on the one hand to the storage means of the distribution system D1, and on the other hand to the heating means 2, said conduit being equipped with a solenoid valve 701 allowing the control of the injection of CO2 into the drying module C1, C2.

[0091] In practice, when the solenoid valve 701 is open, a command is sent to the high-flow CO2 source D100 in order to supply the distribution system D1 with CO2.

[0092] In practice, the CO2 supply means 3 further comprise metrological means 5 configured to measure parameters belonging to the group formed by flow rate of the injected circulating CO2 gas mixture, temperature of the injected circulating CO2 gas mixture.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the CO2 supply means 3 comprise at least one probe for measuring the temperature and the circulating flow rate 51.

[0094] According to another alternative embodiment, the CO2 supply means 3 comprise at least one so-called “direct” CO2 supply module, and one so-called “recycled” CO2 supply module, connected to the drying module C1, C2 by a connection system (30, 31) to a CO2 source comprising at least one solenoid valve (EVC1, EVC2) configured to allow the injection / stopping of the injection of CO2 into the drying module C1, C2.

[0095] Direct CO2 means CO2 from a high-flow CO2 source in the form of gas which has not been purified at its outlet from the off-gas or industrial chimney and whose gas mixture containing CO2 is directly used by the drying module (301) without phase change of the CO2.

[0096] Recycled CO2 means CO2 from a CO2 feed from a high-throughput CO2 source such as bottled and liquefied CO2.

[0097] In practice, the CO2 supply means (3) consist of at least one CO2 injection system from CO2 coming from the distribution system D1 to the heating means 2.

[0098] The drying module C1, C2 further comprises heating means 2, connected to the CO2 supply means 3 on the one hand, and to the drying chamber 1 on the other hand by an inlet conduit 206a.

[0099] In practice, the heating means 2 are of the immersion heater type and more particularly of the “in-line electric heater” type.

[0100] For example, the immersion heater has a power of 90 kW, and has an inlet through which the gases to be heated enter, an open cylindrical or quasi-cylindrical steel conduit, into which an immersion heater is inserted, and finally a second outlet opening for the gases thus heated. The immersion heater also includes a thermostat allowing the temperature of the immersion heater to be regulated.

[0101] According to a first embodiment, the drying means 1 consist of a plurality of drying modules C1, C2, C3, C4, connected to heating means 2 common to several drying modules C1, C2, C3, C4.

[0102] According to an alternative embodiment, the drying means 1 consist of a plurality of drying modules C1, C2, C3, C4, each connected to individual heating means 2.

[0103] The inlet conduit 206a comprises a solenoid valve 702 configured to control the injection of the CO2 gas mixture into the drying chamber 1, as well as gas circulation means 4.

[0104] In practice, the gas circulation means 4 of the inlet duct 206a comprise at least one fan 41 capable of operating bilaterally in two directions of circulation of the gas mixture, either towards the drying chamber 1, and from the drying chamber 1.

[0105] Alternatively, the inlet duct 206a comprises at least two ducts connected to the drying chamber 1, each duct comprising at least one fan 41. These fans 41 are configured to each operate in one direction of circulation, i.e. at least one fan towards the drying chamber 1 and one fan from the drying chamber in the inlet duct 206a.

[0106] The heating means 2 are also connected to an outlet duct 206b connecting an outlet end of the drying chamber 1 to said heating means 2, and forming a closed-loop circulation duct of the CO2 gas mixture.

[0107] The outlet conduit 206b comprises a solenoid valve 706 configured to control the evacuation of the CO2 gas mixture into the drying chamber 1, as well as gas circulation means 4.

[0108] In practice, the gas circulation means 4 of the outlet duct 206b comprise at least one fan 42 capable of operating bilaterally in two directions of circulation of the gas mixture, either towards the drying chamber 1, and from the drying chamber 1.

[0109] Alternatively, the outlet duct 206b comprises at least two ducts connected to the drying chamber 1, each duct comprising at least one fan 42. These fans 42 are configured to each operate in one direction of circulation, i.e. at least one fan towards the drying chamber 1 and one fan from the drying chamber towards the heating means 2.

[0110] By way of non-limiting example, the circulation means 4 of the fan type 41, 42, are of the medium pressure, single-intake centrifugal fan type with a duct and turbine made of sheet steel, said fan comprising a turbine with forward-inclined blades made of galvanized sheet steel, the fan 51 being capable of withstanding a maximum temperature of the air or CO2 to be transported of -20°C to 250°C.

[0111] The circulation means 4 of the inlet duct 206a in combination with the circulation means 4 of the outlet duct 206b form a flow inversion module capable of allowing the circulation of the CO2 gas mixture from the heating means 2 to the drying chamber 1 in a first operating direction and from the drying chamber 1 to the heating means 2 in a second operating direction, and thus forcing the circulation of the CO2 gas mixture in a closed circuit, through the drying chamber 1 in two circulation directions.

[0112] Advantageously, the alternating circulation of the CO2 in the inlet duct 206a and outlet duct 206b in two circulation directions makes it possible to circulate the CO2 in the direction of the length of the drying chamber 1 with an injection and an extraction advantageously positioned at the ends of the drying chamber 1 and thus maintain a uniformity of the temperature of the gas mixture in the drying chamber 1 and thus allow drying of the wood and uniform treatment of the CO2 in the wood.

[0113] The Applicant observed that the use of the flow inversion module and more particularly the circulation of CO2 longitudinally in the drying chamber 1 in an alternative manner makes it possible to limit the presence of water in the liquid state in the drying chamber 1, and thus makes the use of an inclined drying chamber and a swan neck type elimination system optional for eliminating water in liquid form which may accumulate at the base of the drying chamber 1.

[0114] Furthermore, such uniformity of drying makes it possible to obtain a tangential shrinkage of less than 5% and a radial shrinkage of less than 4%, unlike an average standard shrinkage of around 10 to 15% with conventional drying methods. The invention also makes it possible to greatly limit the deformation of the square-edged timbers and, more particularly, prevents the knots in the wood from deforming during drying. This reduced deformation of the wood during drying could represent a material saving of up to 20% depending on the applications.

[0115] In practice, the fans 41, 42 of the inlet duct 206a and the outlet duct 206b are coupled to frequency variators which advantageously make it possible to reduce the rotation speed as a function of the wood species to be dried, and therefore the flow rate of the circulating gas mixture as a function of the humidity level of the wood and the temperature of the circulating gas mixture and thus optimize the drying uniformity.

[0116] The outlet conduit 206b further comprises a bypass for sampling the circulating gas mixture 45 and integrating CO2 / CH4 measuring means 56, configured to measure the proportion of CO2 relative to the total volume of gas in circulation and the proportion of CH4 circulating during the drying phase of the drying module C1, C2 in CO2, and thus verify the CO2 saturation in the entire circuit of the drying module C1, C2.

[0117] Advantageously, monitoring the CO2 / CH4 of the gas mixture during drying makes it possible to record the evolution of the concentration of the different compounds in the circulating gas mixture and thus allow the operation of the drying module 1 to be adjusted, but also to ensure the safety of the drying module C1, C2 in the event of a drastic increase in the quantity of CH4.

[0118] In practice, if the quantity of CH4 in the gas mixture circulating during drying is greater than 3.5%, the drying module C1 C2 is immediately drained.

[0119] The outlet conduit 206b further comprises metrological means 5 configured to measure parameters belonging to the group formed by flow rate of the injected circulating CO2 gas mixture, temperature of the injected circulating CO2 gas mixture, and hygrometry of the circulating gas mixture.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the outlet conduit 206b comprises at least one probe for measuring the temperature and the circulating flow rate 51.

[0121] By way of non-limiting example, the outlet conduit 206b comprises at least one probe for measuring the temperature and the circulating flow rate 51 arranged upstream and one probe for measuring the temperature and the circulating flow rate 51 arranged downstream of the CO2 recycling means 600.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the outlet duct 206b comprises at least one temperature and humidity measuring probe 53.

[0123] By way of non-limiting example, the outlet duct 206b comprises at least one temperature and humidity measuring probe 53 arranged upstream and one temperature and humidity measuring probe 53 arranged downstream of CO2 recycling means 600.

[0124] In practice, the outlet duct 206b comprises at least one temperature and humidity measuring probe 53 arranged upstream and one temperature and humidity measuring probe 53 arranged downstream of CO2 recycling means 600, and at least one temperature and circulating flow rate measuring probe 51 arranged upstream and one temperature and circulating flow rate measuring probe 51 arranged downstream of CO2 recycling means 600.

[0125] Advantageously, such an arrangement makes it possible to monitor the composition of the circulating gas mixture but also the activity of the CO2 recycling means 600 as well as their modulation.

[0126] The drying module C1, C2 according to the invention further comprises CO2 recycling means 600 arranged at the outlet duct 206b allowing the separation of water vapor and gaseous CO2 present in the atmosphere extracted from chamber 1 during drying, in order to be able to eliminate the water while recovering the CO2 in order to be stored, or to be directly reused in the installation.

[0127] By way of non-limiting example, condensation recycling means 600 are used, reducing the temperature of the binary gas mixture of water vapor / CO2 extracted from the drying chamber 1 to a chosen temperature, allowing the condensation of the water in the mixture, which is then recovered by gravity in liquid form and eliminated. In practice, the recycling means 600 allow the drying of the internal atmosphere extracted from the drying chamber 1 via thermal condensation of the water vapor by cooling, on at least one heat exchanger equipped with at least one cold battery, it will be possible to advantageously place several cold batteries configured in series to increase the dehumidification capacity of each drying module C1, C2. The system therefore allows the reinjection of the dehydrated atmosphere into the drying chamber 1.

[0128] In practice, each heat exchanger includes at least one EV evaporator and at least one CO condenser.

[0129] According to one embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanger of the recycling means 600 is only active when the humidity of the circulating gas mixture is between two threshold values.

[0130] In practice, the heat exchanger of the CO2 recycling means 600 is only active during the drying phase, and when the measured hygrometry of the circulating gas mixture is between a maximum threshold value and a minimum threshold value.

[0131] For example, the humidity threshold values ​​in drying chamber 1 are 20% for the minimum threshold and 100% for the maximum threshold.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the invention, the recycling means 600 comprise a heat exchanger type system comprising at least two cold batteries, configured in series to gradually extract the water from the gas mixture, each cold battery being capable of extracting a chosen percentage of the water from said gas mixture.

[0133] Advantageously, a series of cold batteries makes it possible to limit the humidity in the drying chamber 1, and thus make it possible to limit the duration of the drying cycle, making it possible to resolve the performance problem of a conventional heat exchanger when the humidity is higher than the critical operating value, and thus to reduce the duration of each cycle, causing the operation of each drying module C1, C2 for a shorter duration and limiting the associated energy expenditure.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the recycling means 600 further comprise a discharge outlet configured to discharge the condensed water or condensates, said discharge outlet incorporating a water flow meter 57.

[0135] The water flow meter 57 is configured to record the discharge rate of the water to be removed, and thus makes it possible to correlate the quantity of water removed with the difference between the initial and final humidity level of the wood for a drying cycle.

[0136] For example, maintaining a humidity level in the drying chamber 1 below a chosen value makes it possible to shorten the drying cycle for which the means 213a, 213b for circulating CO2 in the drying modules C1, C2 can represent 5 to 20% of the energy expenditure.

[0137] Advantageously, the recycling means 600 make it possible to control the hygrometry of the gas mixture and thus control the quality of the drying of the wood, thus optimizing the drying process and the quality of the material obtained, while limiting the energy expenditure and maintaining a low temperature difference between the CO2 leaving the heating means 2 and coming from the recirculation module 206c.

[0138] In practice, the CO2 gas recovered by the recycling means 600 can be stored in the storage means of the distribution system D1, or directly reinjected into the drying chamber 1.

[0139] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the drying chamber 1 comprises at least one evacuation circuit, which is followed by a so-called “breathing” conduit comprising at least one breathing solenoid valve 704, 705 of the drying chamber 1, which allows the injection of air coming from outside the the installation in the drying chamber 1 and the evacuation of the gas mixture contained in said drying chamber 1.

[0140] The evacuation circuit further comprises circulation means 4 of the fan type 43, as well as CO2 / CH4 measuring means 56, configured to measure the proportion of CO2 relative to the total volume of gas in circulation and the proportion of CH4 circulating during the phase of filling the drying module C1, C2 with CO2, and thus verify the CO2 saturation in the entire circuit of the drying module C1, C2. During the and configured to allow the emptying of the drying chamber 1.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the drying module C1, C2 according to the invention further comprises an additional evacuation outlet connected to the drying chamber 1 and comprising at least one fan 44 followed by an outlet solenoid valve 703 as well as a flow rate and temperature measurement sensor 51, and configured to allow the measurement of the flow rate and temperature of the gas mixture during the emptying of the drying chamber 1.

[0142] By way of non-limiting example, the circulation means 4 of the fan type 43, 44, of the additional evacuation outlet and of the evacuation circuit are of the medium pressure and single suction centrifugal fan type with duct and turbine made of sheet steel, said fan comprising a turbine with forward inclined blades made of galvanized sheet steel, the fan 51 being capable of withstanding a maximum temperature of the air or CO2 to be transported from -20°C to 250°C.

[0143] The drying module C1, C2 also integrates a computer control system 6 comprising an application programming interface API. The application programming interface allows, on the one hand, the management of the sending of instructions to each of the components of the installation, and on the other hand to integrate the data received by the various metrological means 5, in order to adjust the instructions sent to the components of the installation.

[0144] The computer control system 6 is configured to control the supply means 3, circulation means 4, heating means 2, and recycling means 600 according to appropriate programs, setpoint values ​​and drying times depending on the quality of the desired dried wood, and processing means for measuring, compare and readjust the operating parameters to the set values ​​in the event of a deviation.

[0145] In practice, the control computer system 6 is equipped with an application programming interface API configured to: -Acquire metrological data and parameters of the wood to be dried by measuring metrological means 5; - Activate the CO2 supply means 3 configured to saturate the drying chamber 1 with CO2; -check that the CO2 saturation in the circulating gas mixture is sufficient to start a drying cycle by checking the CO2 / CH4 measuring means 56 of the exhaust duct; -Activate heating means 2 to adjust the humidity of the wood by heating when a sufficient measured CO2 saturation is reached. If the wood humidity is greater than 30%, heat with a temperature limit according to a first set temperature T1, according to a chosen temperature gradient G1 in order to extract the free water from the wood to be dried and activate the circulating means 203a, 203b; If the wood humidity is less than 30%, heat with a temperature limit according to a first set temperature T2, according to a chosen temperature gradient G2 in order to extract the bound water from the wood to be dried and activate the circulating means 203a, 203b. -stabilize the temperature of the CO2 circulating in the drying chamber 1 according to a first phase when a hygrometry of less than or equal to 30% is measured, activate the recycling means 600 then increase according to a second phase the temperature of the CO2 circulating in the drying chamber 1 until the measured hygrometry of the wood reaches a chosen intermediate target value Hi, the heating means 2 being activated so that the reheating is carried out with a limit temperature defined by a second set temperature T2 of 120°C according to a chosen temperature gradient G2, and depending on the specific drying profile of the wood to be dried allowing the extraction of bound water from the wood to be dried; - Deactivate the recycling means 600 and modulate the activity of the heating means 2 to reduce the temperature of the heating chamber 1 according to a first phase, down to a third setpoint temperature T3 for stabilization chosen according to a temperature gradient G3, when the average hygrometry measured of the wood via the hygrometry measuring means 54 of the wood reaches the intermediate target value Hi chosen, unless one of the measured hygrometry values ​​of the wood is greater than Hi+1%, said setpoint temperature T3 being maintained for a chosen period of time until the measured hygrometry value of the wood greater than Hi+1% is stable and included in a range of values ​​lower than Hi+1%; - Deactivate the heating means 2, to reduce the temperature of the heating chamber 1 according to a second phase, when the average measured hygrometry of the wood reaches the final target hygrometry value Hc, The set temperatures T1 and T2 are temperature limits that each drying module C1, C2 cannot exceed during these phases.

[0146] Furthermore, each passage from one stage to another stage is only dependent on the hygrometric target to which the current stage is conditioned.

[0147] In practice the chosen HX value range is defined as a chosen hygrometry value plus or minus 2%.

[0148] In practice, the set temperature T2 is less than or equal to 120°C.

[0149] According to one embodiment of the invention, the computer control system is further configured to enable the control of the dehumidification of the CO2, which is carried out according to a minimum (20%) and maximum (100%) value of the hygrometry of the atmosphere of the drying chamber 1. This phase is continuous regardless of the initial hygrometry of the wood.

[0150] In practice, during drying if the pressure measuring probe 55 in said drying chamber 1 detects a pressure lower than 15% of the atmospheric pressure for a chosen duration, the computer control system 6 opens the solenoid valve 701 of the CO2 supply means 3 so as to inject new CO2. The drying module C1, C2 further comprises at least one ambient sensor arranged outside of said module, and capable of recording the temperature and humidity in the environment surrounding said drying module.

[0151] In practice, the drying module C1, C2 also includes an energy consumption meter.

[0152] The computer control system 6 also allows the monitoring, measurement and recording of all metrological values ​​measured in a table (including energy consumption), as well as emergency procedures (stop without resuming drying or with resuming drying).

[0153] Furthermore, any example of means implemented is only particular examples of means that can be used to carry out the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that these examples are not limiting and are not limited to the examples mentioned but to any example of means whose implementation provides the same technical effect.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on April 22, 2024 (22.04.2024)

1. Installation for treating CO2 from a source of High flow rate CO2 (D100), with a flow rate greater than 40 Nm3 / h comprising: -at least one CO2 distribution system (D1) having a supply circuit (D10) comprising an inlet end (D11) connected to the high flow rate CO2 source (D100) for collecting and storing the CO2 from the CO2 source, and an outlet end (D12); -CO2 atmosphere drying means (C1, C2) connected to the CO2 distribution system (D1) and configured to treat said CO2 thus distributed during a wood drying operation; characterized in that the CO2 distribution system (D1) further comprises storage means connected on the one hand to the outlet end (D12) of the supply circuit (D10) and on the other hand to the drying means under CO2 atmosphere (C1, C2), said storage means (D5) being configured to temporarily store the CO2 coming from the high flow CO2 source (D100) for subsequent treatment of said CO2.

2. Treatment installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for drying under CO2 atmosphere comprise at least two drying modules (C1, C2) configured to sequester the CO2 used in wood.

3. Treatment installation according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the CO2 storage means (D5) comprise at least one buffer tank configured to temporarily store the CO2 coming from the high flow rate CO2 source (D100) by supply via a supply solenoid valve (D3) and serve as a secondary source of CO2 supply to supply the CO2 atmosphere drying modules (C1, C2) or any other CO2 utilization module.

4. Treatment installation according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the CO2 distribution system (D1) further comprises booster means (D30) connected to the outlet of the high flow CO2 source, configured to allow the collection of CO2 from the high flow CO2 source (D100), control the AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) pressure and flow rate of CO2 in the supply circuit (D10).

5. Treatment installation according to one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the CO2 distribution system (D1) further comprises pressure sensor means (D41, D42) arranged at the outlet of the high flow CO2 source (D100) and before a supply solenoid valve (D3) of the buffer tank (D5).

6. Treatment installation according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the CO2 distribution system (D1) further comprises gas flow measurement means (D43) configured to measure and record the flow rate of CO2 circulating in the supply circuit (D10).

7. Treatment installation according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the distribution system (D1) further comprises CO2 / CH4 measuring means (D44), configured to measure the proportion of CO2 or CH4 relative to the overall flow of gas introduced into the system.

8. Treatment installation according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the booster means (D30) allow interfacing with the high flow CO2 supply source (D100) and the establishment, during a CO2 sampling phase, of a circulation speed in the supply conduit (D1) of the circulating CO2 of between 1 and 15 meters per second.

9. Treatment installation according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the booster means (D3) provide a pressure of between 0 and -80 mbar during the CO2 sampling phases.

10. Treatment installation according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that each drying module under CO2 atmosphere (C1, C2) includes: - a drying chamber (1) comprising at least one drying tube AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) hollow cylindrical of diameter and length suitable for drying wood of chosen dimensions, - CO2 supply means (3) for injecting gaseous CO2 into the drying chamber (1); - circulation means (4); - heating means (2) for heating the circulating CO2; - gas circulation means (4) for forcing the circulation of CO2 from one end to the other of the drying chamber (1) according to a closed circuit in the direction of the length of the chamber with an injection and an extraction in the cylinder positioned at the ends of the cylindrical drying chamber as well as the renewal of the atmosphere inside the drying chamber (1), and comprising a flow reversal module configured to allow the circulation of CO2 in a first direction of circulation in the drying chamber (1) and in a second direction of circulation opposite to the first direction, and capable of uniformizing the thermal distribution in said drying chamber (1); - CO2 recycling means (600) configured to allow the separation of the water vapor and the gaseous CO2 present in the atmosphere extracted from the chamber (1) during drying;- metrological means (5) for measuring variations in physical measurements of the drying module during heating; - CO2 supply means (3); and - a computer control system (6) for controlling the supply means (3), the circulation means (4), the reheating means (2), and the recycling means (600), according to appropriate programs, setpoint values ​​and drying times depending on the quality of the desired dried wood, and processing means for measuring, comparing and readjusting the operating parameters to the setpoint values ​​in the event of a deviation.;

11. Treatment installation according to claim 10, characterized in that the control computer system (6) is equipped with an application programming interface API configured to: AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) -Acquire metrological data and parameters of the wood to be dried by measuring metrological means (5); - Activate the CO2 supply means (3) configured to saturate the drying chamber (1) with CO2; -check that the CO2 saturation in the circulating gas mixture is sufficient to start a drying cycle by checking the CO2 / CH4 measuring means (56) of the exhaust duct; -Activate the heating means (2) to adjust the humidity of the wood by heating when a sufficient measured CO2 saturation is reached. -If the wood humidity is greater than 30%, heat with a temperature limit according to a first set temperature T1, according to a chosen temperature gradient G1 in order to extract the free water from the wood to be dried and activate the circulation means (4); -If the wood humidity is less than 30%, heat with a temperature limit according to a first set temperature T2, according to a chosen temperature gradient G2 in order to extract the bound water from the wood to be dried and activate the circulation means (4); - stabilize the temperature of the CO2 circulating in the drying chamber (1) according to a first phase when a hygrometry of less than or equal to 30% is measured, activate the recycling means (600) then increase according to a second phase the temperature of the CO2 circulating in the drying chamber (1) until the measured hygrometry of the wood reaches a chosen intermediate target value Hi, the heating means (2) being activated so that the reheating is carried out with a limit temperature defined by a second set temperature T2 of 120°C according to a chosen temperature gradient G2, and according to the specific drying profile of the wood to be dried making it possible to extract the bound water from the wood to be dried; - Deactivate the recycling means (600) and modulate the activity of the heating means (2) to reduce the temperature of the heating chamber (1) according to a first phase, up to a third stabilization setpoint temperature T3 chosen according to a temperature gradient G3, when AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) the average hygrometry measured by the hygrometry measuring means (54) of the wood reaches the chosen intermediate target value Hi, unless one of the measured hygrometry values ​​of the wood is greater than Hi+1%, said set temperature T3 being maintained for a chosen period of time until the measured hygrometry value of the wood greater than Hi+1% is stable and within a range of values ​​less than Hi+1%; - Deactivate the heating means (2), to reduce the temperature of the heating chamber (1) according to a second phase, when the average measured hygrometry of the wood reaches the final target hygrometry value Hc,

12. Treatment installation according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the CO2 recycling means (600) are of the heat exchanger type comprising at least one cold battery, configured to gradually extract the water from the gas mixture, each cold battery being capable of extracting a chosen percentage of the water from said gas mixture.

13. Treatment installation according to claim 12, characterized in that the CO2 recycling means (600) are of the heat exchanger type comprising at least two cold batteries, configured in series to gradually extract the water from the gas mixture, each cold battery being capable of extracting a chosen percentage of the water from said gas mixture.

14. Treatment installation according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises an additional electrical power supply module of the photovoltaic roof type.

15. Treatment installation according to one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that for each drying module under CO2 atmosphere (C1, C2), the drying chamber (1) has a minimum volume of 10m3 saturable in CO2. i AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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