Contactor for a gaseous compound capture system with a contact plate arranged in a channel

Abstract

The present invention relates to a contactor (1000) for a gaseous compound capture system, the contactor comprising a contact plate (2000) between the surrounding gas and adsorbent solid particles in a circulating fluidized bed. According to the invention, the contact plate (2000) is arranged in a channel (500) between the inlet (100) and the outlet (200) of the surrounding gas of the contactor. Furthermore, the invention relates to a gaseous compound capture system implementing such a contactor, and a method for capturing a gaseous compound implementing such a contactor or such a capture system. Figure 1 to be published

Description

Title of the invention: Contactor for a gaseous compound capture system with a contact plate arranged in a channel. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of capturing a gaseous compound, in particular a polluting gas such as carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air. Specifically, the invention relates to the capture of atmospheric CO2, known as DAC (Direct Air Capture).

[0002] Globally, up to 660 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) must be removed from the atmosphere by the end of the century to limit global warming to 1.5°C. This is according to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which based its estimates on atmospheric CO2 concentrations measured in 2020.

[0003] To eliminate such a quantity of CO2, it will not be enough to plant many trees, nor to capture CO2 directly from the outlet of systems emitting these gaseous compounds: vehicles, industries, etc. Therefore, direct air capture (DAC) systems have been developed to extract large quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere while using very few resources. Previous technique

[0004] Generally, a DAC unit uses large fans to push air through an absorbent or adsorbent material, liquid or solid, which can bind and remove CO2. The absorption or adsorption material is regenerated, for example when heated, leaving a CO2 concentrate.

[0005] Concentrated CO2 can either be stored permanently, usually underground in depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers, or used to produce useful chemicals such as synthetic fuels. These fuels release CO2 again when burned and are therefore technically carbon neutral.

[0006] Patent applications WO2010 / 022339, WO2020 / 254208 and WO2020 / 212146 describe examples of DACs. In these examples, several absorption contactors are placed side by side and one above the other to form an overall CO2 capture system. In addition, each absorption contactor is equipped with a fan at the outlet of the absorption contactor.

[0007] Several solutions have been developed for the absorption or adsorption of CO2.

[0008] According to a first example, the most developed solid-state atmospheric CO2 capture process is that of Climeworks (described in particular in patent application WO2023088812A1). It proposes that the adsorption and desorption of the solid separation medium take place within the same module. The solid is thus immobilized in a fixed-bed module that alternates between adsorption and regeneration cycles. This alternation of adsorption and regeneration phases results in a loss of system efficiency (unusable during the regeneration phase). Furthermore, this solution leads to high energy consumption, requires a significant quantity of capture material, and necessitates oversizing of the capture modules. Consequently, the weight, cost, and environmental impact (related to material handling) are high.

[0009] US patent application 11737398B2 proposes a fluidized bed but without circulation of the solid separation medium. This results in a discontinuous adsorption and regeneration phase. This alternation of adsorption and regeneration phases leads to a loss of system efficiency (the system is unusable during the regeneration phase). Furthermore, this solution results in high energy consumption, requires a significant amount of capture material, and necessitates oversizing of the capture modules. Consequently, the weight, cost, and environmental impact (related to material handling) are high.

[0010] Patent application CN117358012A illustrates adsorption in one module and desorption in another module, each operating in a fluidized bed with a pneumatic conveying system between the two modules. The patent application suggests that all atmospheric air passes through all the passes of the adsorber, thus generating a large pressure drop. This solution therefore requires high energy expenditure. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to capture a gaseous compound from a surrounding gas in a simple and efficient manner, and also with limited energy consumption. To this end, the invention relates to a contactor for a gaseous compound capture system, the contactor comprising a contact plate between the surrounding gas and adsorbent solid particles in a circulating fluidized bed. According to the invention, the contact plate is arranged in a channel between the inlet and outlet of the surrounding gas of the contactor. Such a design promotes the performance of capturing the gaseous compound and regeneration (without a phase of absorption stopping), and allows a reduction in pressure losses, and consequently a reduction in energy consumption. In addition, this configuration is simple and lightweight.

[0012] In addition, the invention relates to a system for capturing a gaseous compound implementing such a contactor, and a method for capturing a gaseous compound implementing such a contactor or such a capturing system.

[0013] The invention relates to a contactor for a system for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, said contactor comprising a substantially horizontal inlet of said surrounding gas and a substantially horizontal outlet of said surrounding gas, as well as an inlet of adsorbent solid particles in the upper part of said contactor and an outlet of adsorbent solid particles in the lower part of said contactor. Said contactor comprises at least one substantially horizontal contact plate configured so that the surrounding gas passes through said plate and to ensure a substantially horizontal flow of adsorbent solid particles over an upper surface of said plate, and in that each contact plate is arranged in a closed flow channel of said surrounding gas, said channel being arranged between said inlet and said outlet of said surrounding gas.

[0014] According to one embodiment, said contactor comprises a plurality of parallel channels arranged one above the other, each channel comprising a contact plate.

[0015] Advantageously, said contactor includes means for distributing said adsorbent solid particles by gravity from a first contact plate to a contact plate located below said first contact plate.

[0016] According to one implementation, said distribution means are arranged to generate a flow of said adsorbent solid particles on a contact plate in a plane perpendicular to the flow of said surrounding gas between said inlet and said surrounding gas outlet.

[0017] According to one configuration, each channel is delimited by two plates.

[0018] According to one embodiment, each channel is inclined relative to said contact plate.

[0019] Advantageously, said two plates are inclined with respect to said contact plate.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, comprising at least one contactor according to one of the preceding characteristics, and at least one suction device for said surrounding gas to generate a flow of said surrounding gas through at least one contactor between the inlet and outlet of said surrounding gas.

[0021] According to one embodiment, said capture system includes a regenerator of said adsorbent solid particles connected to the output of said adsorbent solid particles of at least one contactor.

[0022] Advantageously, said capture system includes means for transporting said adsorbent solid particles from the outlet of said regenerator to the inlet of adsorbent solid particles of at least one contactor, and means for transporting said adsorbent solid particles from the outlet of adsorbent solid particles of at least one contactor to the inlet of said regenerator.

[0023] In accordance with one implementation, said capture system includes an airlock for adsorbent solid particles upstream and / or downstream of said regenerator.

[0024] According to one aspect, said sensing system comprises a plurality of contactors arranged side by side and / or one above the other.

[0025] In addition, the invention relates to a method for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, the method employing a contactor according to one of the preceding characteristics, the method comprising a step of inserting said surrounding gas into an inlet of said contactor and a substantially horizontal withdrawal of said surrounding gas from an outlet of said contactor, as well as a step of inserting adsorbent solid particles into the upper part of said contactor and a withdrawal of adsorbent solid particles into the lower part of said contactor.The surrounding gas passes through a substantially horizontal contact plate, and the solid particles flow substantially horizontally over the contact plate, and each contact plate is arranged in a closed flow channel for the surrounding gas, the channel being arranged between the inlet and outlet of the surrounding gas.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the system and method according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting examples of embodiments, with reference to the figures attached and described below. List of figures

[0027] [Fig.1]

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates a contactor according to the invention.

[0029] [Fig.2]

[0030] Fig. 2 illustrates the internal structure of a contactor according to an embodiment of the invention along the direction of flow of the surrounding gas.

[0031] [Fig.3]

[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates the internal structure of a contactor according to an embodiment of the invention in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the surrounding gas.

[0033] [Fig.4]

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates the movements of the surrounding gas and the adsorbing solid particles within a channel according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] [Fig.5]

[0036] Fig. 5 is a three-dimensional view of a contactor according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] [Fig.6]

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates a capture system according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] [Fig.7]

[0040] Figure [Fig.7] illustrates a collection system according to an implementation of the invention.

[0041] [Fig.8]

[0042] Figure 8 illustrates a collection system according to an implementation of the invention.

[0043] [Fig.9]

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates a collection system according to an implementation of the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 10]

[0046] Fig. 10 illustrates a collection system according to an implementation of the invention.

[0047] [Fig. 11]

[0048] Figure 11 illustrates the dimensioning of a channel according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0049] [Fig. 12]

[0050] Figure 12 illustrates the dimensioning of a channel according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0051] [Fig.13]

[0052] Fig. 13 illustrates the internal structure of a contactor according to an embodiment of the invention along the direction of flow of the surrounding gas.

[0053] [Fig. 14]

[0054] Fig. 14 illustrates the internal structure of a contactor according to an embodiment of the invention in a direction perpendicular to the direction of flow of the surrounding gas. Description of the implementation methods

[0055] The present invention relates to a contactor for a system for capturing a gaseous compound from a surrounding gas. A gaseous compound is defined as one of the gases that constitute the surrounding gas. By way of example, the gaseous compound may be carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, oxygen, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, fine particles (suspended in the surrounding gas), ozone, or carbon dioxide. sulfur, etc. For example, the surrounding gas could be atmospheric air. In one embodiment of the invention, the capture system can be designed to capture CO2 from the air; this is then a direct air capture (DAC) system. Alternatively, the capture system can be designed to capture water vapor from the air. In one embodiment, a water vapor capture system can be combined with a CO2 capture system.

[0056] The gaseous compound is captured within the contactor through a separation medium (also called an absorption or adsorption material) whose role is to capture the gaseous compound (absorption or adsorption phase). Then, in a second step, this separation medium is regenerated. Generally, the separation medium can be liquid or solid, in the form of a fixed bed or a fluidized bed. According to the invention, the separation medium is in the form of solid adsorption particles (in other words, in granular form) in a circulating fluidized bed. Such a design promotes the capture of the gaseous compound and facilitates regeneration outside the contactor (therefore without a phase interruption of the absorption).Patent applications WO2009 / 149292, WO2017 / 009241 and WO2016185387 describe non-limiting examples of granular materials for this application: planar structures functionalized with amines (i.e. monoliths), a solid support functionalized with an amine, supports functionalized with K2CO3.

[0057] In the rest of the description and in the claims, the directions (“horizontal”, “vertical”, “upper”, “lower”, “height”, “below”, etc.) are indicated in the operating position of the contactor and the gaseous compound capture system.

[0058] In the remainder of the description and in the claims, the term "upper part" refers to a height of at least 80% of the device's height and also to the top of the contactor. Furthermore, the term "lower part" refers to a height of at most 20% of the device's height and also to the bottom of the contactor.

[0059] According to the invention, the contactor comprises: - An internal volume for bringing the surrounding gas into contact with adsorbent solid particles (separation medium), - A roughly horizontal inlet (opening or pipe, for example) for the surrounding gas, - A roughly horizontal outlet (opening or pipe, for example) for the surrounding gas - An inlet (opening or conduit, for example) of adsorbent solid particles in the upper part of the contactor, - An outlet (opening or conduit for example) of adsorbing solid particles in the lower part of the contactor.

[0060] Thus, the surrounding gas flows substantially horizontally through the contactor; in the following description, the direction of the flow of the surrounding gas within the contactor is referred to as the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the adsorbent solid particles flow substantially vertically by gravity within the contactor.

[0061] Within the contactor (in the internal volume), the surrounding gas and the adsorbent solid particles are brought into contact on at least one substantially horizontal contact plate. The contact plate is configured to allow the surrounding gas to flow through it. In other words, the surrounding gas flows upwards through the contact plate. For this purpose, the contact plate can be a plate with orifices whose dimensions are smaller than the dimensions of the adsorbent solid particles. Furthermore, the contact plate is configured to ensure horizontal flow of the adsorbent solid particles (the horizontal flow of the solid particles being ensured by the fluidized bed of the adsorbent solid particles and the gravity-distributed means for the adsorbent solid particles described below).Thus, the gas passing through the contact plate also passes through the bed of adsorbent solid particles flowing over the contact plate. In this way, the adsorbent solid particles capture the gaseous compound present in the surrounding gas on the contact plate.

[0062] Furthermore, each contact plate is arranged within a closed channel for the flow of the surrounding gas. The channel directs the surrounding gas between the inlet and outlet. Thus, the surrounding gas passes through only one plate, along with the circulating bed of adsorbent solid particles between the inlet and outlet. This limits pressure losses within the contactor and consequently reduces energy consumption compared to prior art solutions where all the gas passes successively through all the plates. In addition, this configuration is simple and lightweight.

[0063] Advantageously, each channel can be inclined relative to the contact plate; in other words, each channel can be inclined relative to the horizontal. The inclination of the channel relative to the contact plate is defined in the longitudinal direction of the contactor. Advantageously, the inclination of each channel can be such that the end of the channel at the inlet of the surrounding gas is at a lower height than the end of the channel at the outlet of the surrounding gas. The angle of inclination of the channel can be between 0.1° and 89°, preferably between 0.1° and 10°, and most preferably between 0.5° and 6°.

[0064] Alternatively, the channel may not be inclined relative to the contact plate.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the contactor may comprise a plurality of parallel channels arranged one above the other, each channel having a contact plate. In this embodiment, the surrounding gas at the contactor inlet is directed into several channels, and in each channel, the surrounding gas passes through a single contact plate and a single circulating fluidized bed of adsorbent solid particles. This configuration promotes the capture of the gaseous compound by limiting the pressure drop. Advantageously, the number of channels can be between 1 and 500, preferably between 5 and 200.

[0066] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the contactor may include means for distributing the adsorbent solid particles by gravity from one contact plate to a contact plate located below it. In other words, the adsorbent solid particles flow vertically from the inlet, then horizontally over a first contact plate by means of the fluidized bed of the solid particles, then vertically to a second contact plate located below the first contact plate, and so on to the outlet of the adsorbent solid particles. Thus, all the solid particles pass through several channels between the inlet and the outlet, while the surrounding gas is divided into several channels (the surrounding gas at the outlet has passed through only a single contact plate). The means for distributing the adsorbent solid particles may, by way of non-limiting example, be a chimney or a weir.

[0067] Preferably, the means for distributing the adsorbent solid particles can be arranged to generate a flow of the adsorbent solid particles on the contact plate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the surrounding gas between the inlet and outlet of the surrounding gas. In other words, the means for distributing the adsorbent solid particles generate a flow in a direction transverse to the contactor (perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). Thus, the contactor can be considered cross-flow, which promotes the capture of the gaseous compound. By way of example, the arrangement of the distribution means can be alternated (on one side and then the other) for two consecutive contact plates. Advantageously, a vertical barrier wall can also be provided on the upper part of each contact plate so as to ensure a minimum height of the solid bed on the contact plate.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the invention (for the embodiment in which each channel is inclined), each channel can be bounded by two parallel flat plates inclined with respect to the horizontal: in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions, the plates form an angle with respect to the horizontal (which corresponds to the angle of inclination of the channel). These plates give the inclination of the channel. The channel can also be limited by two vertical walls, which can advantageously form part of the contactor housing.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the invention, each channel may include a retention wall to prevent the discharge of the adsorbent solid particles into the gas outlet.

[0070] According to one embodiment, when the contactor comprises a plurality of channels, the lower plate delimiting a first channel delimits the upper part of a second channel located below the first channel.

[0071] Advantageously, each contactor can have substantially a parallelepiped shape, so as to simplify its design, its installation, and an arrangement of several contactors, in particular within a collection system.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for capturing a gaseous compound from a surrounding gas. A gaseous compound is defined as one of the gases that constitute the surrounding gas. By way of example, the gaseous compound may be carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, etc. As an example, the surrounding gas may be atmospheric air. According to one embodiment of the invention, the capture system may be designed to capture CO2 from the air; this is then a direct air capture (DAC) system. Alternatively, the capture system may be designed to capture water vapor from the air.

[0073] The collection system comprises: - At least one contactor according to any of the variants or combinations of variants described above, in which the gaseous compound present in the surrounding gas is adsorbed by adsorbent solid particles, - At least one surrounding gas suction device to generate an aerodynamic movement of the surrounding gas through each contactor, in other words, the surrounding gas suction device allows a flow of surrounding gas within each contactor.

[0074] Advantageously, the capture system can comprise a plurality of contactors. In this configuration, the contactors can all be identical and arranged side by side and above one another. For example, the installation can be similar to the configuration described in [Fig. 1] of patent application WO2010 / 022339, except for the adsorbent material and the contacting method. This installation facilitates, through its modular structure (and therefore in a simple manner), the capture of a large quantity of gaseous compound.

[0075] By way of non-limiting example, the suction device may include a fan to generate the aerodynamic movement of the surrounding gas.

[0076] According to a first embodiment of the invention, each suction device can be arranged downstream of each contactor, in the direction of the surrounding gas flow. Thus, in this embodiment, the surrounding gas first passes through the contactor and then the suction device, which allows for better homogeneity of the flow at the contactor inlet, and thereby limits pressure losses upstream of the contactor, ensuring good performance in capturing the gaseous compound.

[0077] According to a second embodiment of the invention, each suction device can be arranged upstream of each contactor, in the direction of the flow of the surrounding gas. Thus, in this embodiment, the surrounding gas first passes through the suction device and then the contactor, which can increase the flow rate of surrounding gas for capturing the gaseous compound.

[0078] A third embodiment of the invention may consist of a combination of the two embodiments described above: the capture system then comprises a first suction device upstream of each contactor, and a second suction device downstream of each contactor, in the direction of flow of the surrounding gas. For this embodiment, the surrounding gas passes successively through the first suction device, a contactor, and the second suction device.

[0079] According to one embodiment of the invention, the capture system may include a regenerator for solid adsorbent particles. The regenerator may be connected to the outlet of the solid adsorbent particles from the contactor. Thus, the solid adsorbent particles charged with the gaseous compound can be regenerated outside the contactor, enabling continuous operation of the capture system and ensuring high performance. In the embodiment where the capture system comprises a plurality of contactors, the regenerator can be centralized for all contactors, simplifying the design and reducing costs. By way of non-limiting example, the regenerator heats the solid adsorbent particles to release the captured gaseous compound and provide regenerated solid adsorbent particles (depleted in gaseous compound) suitable for reuse in a contactor.

[0080] For this embodiment of the invention, the capture system may include means for transporting the adsorbent solid particles charged with the gaseous compound between the outlet of the contactor and the inlet of the regenerator. The capture system may also include means for transporting the regenerated adsorbent solid particles (depleted in gaseous compound) between the outlet of the regenerator and the inlet of the contactor. For example, the transport means may include a conveyor belt. rolling, conveyor, pneumatic conveying, gravity conveying, or any similar device. In the case of several contactors arranged one above the other, the means of transport may also include gravity conveying lines.

[0081] In one configuration, the storage system may further include an airlock (reservoir) for storing adsorbent solid particles upstream of the regenerator, i.e., between the contactor and the regenerator. This airlock ensures the continuous operation of the regenerator.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the storage system may further include an airlock (reservoir) for storing adsorbent solid particles downstream of the regenerator, i.e., between the regenerator and the contactor. This airlock ensures the continuous operation of the contactor.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the capture system may include a compression train to compress the gaseous compound at the outlet of the regenerator, in order to facilitate its transport, storage and / or use.

[0084] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, the method employing a contactor according to one of the variants or combinations of variants described above. The method comprises a step of inserting said surrounding gas into an inlet of said contactor and a substantially horizontal withdrawal of said surrounding gas from an outlet of said contactor, as well as a step of inserting adsorbent solid particles into the upper part of said contactor and a withdrawal of adsorbent solid particles from the lower part of said contactor. The surrounding gas passes through a substantially horizontal contact plate, and the solid particles flow substantially horizontally across the contact plate.Each contact plate is arranged in a closed flow channel for said surrounding gas, said channel being arranged between said inlet and said outlet of said surrounding gas.

[0085] Thus, the gas passing through the contact plate also passes through the bed of adsorbent solid particles flowing over the contact plate. In this way, the adsorbent solid particles capture the gaseous compound present in the surrounding gas on the contact plate.

[0086] Thus, the surrounding gas passes through a single plate along with the circulating bed of adsorbent solid particles between the inlet and outlet, which limits pressure losses within the contactor and consequently reduces energy consumption compared to prior art solutions where the entire gas passes successively through all the plates. Furthermore, this configuration is simple and lightweight.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the invention, the process may include a step for regenerating the adsorbent solid particles. For this purpose, the process may implement the capture system according to any of the variants or combinations of variants described above.

[0088] Figure 1 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a contactor according to one embodiment of the invention. In this figure, only the external structure of the contactor 1000 is shown. The contactor 1000 is shown in its operating position in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions. Adsorbent solid particles (depleted in gaseous compound) are introduced at the top of the contactor by means of the adsorbent solid particle inlet 300. They flow by gravity, similar to liquid, in a tray column thanks to air-induced fluidization. The surrounding gas stream, laden with gaseous compound, enters the contactor horizontally through the inlet 100.Once this is achieved, the contact between the surrounding gas stream and the solid separation medium generates a separation medium charged with gaseous compound at outlet 400, having adsorbed a fraction of gaseous compound (for example 50%, 70% or even 90%) present in the surrounding gas stream at inlet 100. The surrounding gas stream at outlet 200 is thus depleted in gaseous compound, and exits the contactor 1000 horizontally, driven by a suction device (not shown).

[0089] Figure 2 schematically and non-limitingly illustrates a contactor according to one embodiment of the invention. The contactor 1000 is shown in its operating position in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions. Adsorbent solid particles (depleted in gaseous compound) are introduced at the top of the contactor by means of the adsorbent solid particle inlet 300, and flow by gravity similarly to liquid in a tray column. The surrounding gas flow enters the contactor horizontally through the surrounding gas inlet 100, which is charged with the gaseous compound. The contactor 1000 comprises three parallel channels 500, 501, 502. The channels 500, 501, 502 are inclined at an angle α with respect to the horizontal, this angle being defined in the plane of Figure 2. Each channel includes a horizontal contact plate 2000, 2001 and 2002.Each channel 500, 501, 502 is delimited by two flat plates 3000, 3001, 3002 and 3003 inclined at an angle α to the horizontal, this angle being defined in the plane of [Fig. 2]. The surrounding gas flow at the inlet is divided into three flows 100, 101, 102, each of these flows flowing in a channel 500, 501, 502 towards the outlet 200, where three flows 200, 201, 202 of the surrounding gas depleted in gaseous compound are found. In each channel 500, 501, 502, the surrounding gas flows upwards through a contact plate 2000, 2001, 2002. The contact between the surrounding gas flow and the solid separation medium (on the upper part of the contact plate within . (of the fluidized bed) generates a separation medium charged with gaseous compound at outlet 400, because it has adsorbed a fraction of the gaseous compound present in the surrounding gas flow at inlet 100. The surrounding gas flow at outlet 200 is thus depleted in gaseous compound, and exits the contactor 1000 horizontally, driven by a suction device (not shown).

[0090] Figures 11 and 13 illustrate, schematically and without limitation, a contactor according to one embodiment of the invention. The contactor is shown, in its operating position, in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions. Elements identical to the embodiment of [Fig. 2] are not detailed again. For this configuration, the channel 500 is delimited by the inclined plates 3000 and 3001 as well as two vertical edges 14 and 15 (retention walls) arranged respectively on the side of the gas outlet 200 and the inlet of the gas 200. The vertical edges 14 and 15 ensure proper gas circulation and in particular prevent adsorbent solid particles from being oriented towards the outlet of the gas 200. Thus, a bed height of adsorbent solid particles hUtest is ensured by a height of the upper edge hbord>sup (on the side of the gas inlet) and by a height of the lower edge hbord>inf (on the side of the gas outlet).A retention height hret is thus implemented, this height being greater than the height of the fluidized bed of solid adsorbent particles hiit. .

[0091] Figure 3 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a contactor according to one embodiment of the invention. The contactor 1000 is shown, in its operating position, in a plane formed by the transverse and vertical directions (i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the surrounding gas flow). Adsorbent solid particles (depleted in gaseous compound) are introduced at the top of the contactor by means of the adsorbent solid particle inlet 300. The adsorbent solid particles flow, gravity-fed by the air passing through the tray, similarly to liquid in a tray column. The contactor includes three horizontal contact plates 2000, 2001 and 2002. In addition, the contactor has weirs 4000, 4001, 4002 and 4003 to distribute the adsorbent solid particles onto the contact plates 2000, 2001 and 2002.For the illustrated embodiment, in the vertical direction, the weirs 4000, 4001, 4002, and 4003 are successively positioned on one side and then the other, so as to generate a horizontal flow of the adsorbent solid particles onto the contact plates 2000, 2001, and 2002 in the transverse direction. The contact between the surrounding gas stream and the solid separation medium generates a separation medium charged with gaseous compound at outlet 400, having adsorbed a fraction of the gaseous compound present in the surrounding inlet gas stream. The surrounding outlet gas stream... is thus depleted in gaseous compound, and exits the contactor 1000 horizontally, driven by a suction device (not shown).

[0092] Figure 14 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a portion of the solid flow according to one embodiment of the invention. The contactor is shown, in its operating position, in a plane formed by the transverse and vertical directions (i.e., in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the surrounding gas flow). Elements identical to those in Figure 3 are not detailed further. Each weir 4001, 4002 comprises a vertical barrier wall 16 above the upper part of the plate 2000 and 2001, with a height hbar to ensure a minimum height of the fluidized bed of adsorbent solid particles on each contact plate.

[0093] Figure 4 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a channel according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a three-dimensional view of the inclined channel 500 in its operating position. In this figure, the flow of the surrounding gas is illustrated by black arrows, and the flow of the adsorbent solid particles is illustrated by white arrows. The channel 500 is delimited by two inclined flat plates 3000 and 3001, and by two vertical walls 5000 and 5001. The channel 500 comprises a contact plate 2000, through which the surrounding gas flows upward. In addition, a bed of circulating solid particles 6000 is formed on the contact plate. Furthermore, a weir 4001 is provided to distribute the adsorbent solid particles onto a second plate belonging to a channel located below.

[0094] Figure 5 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a contactor according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 is a three-dimensional view of the contactor 1000 in its operating position. The illustrated contactor 1000 comprises four inclined channels 500 between the inlet 100 and the outlet 200 of the surrounding gas of the contactor. It further comprises an inlet 300 and an outlet 400 of adsorbing solid particles. The contactor has a transverse dimension denoted L, a height denoted H, and a longitudinal dimension denoted Wc. Each channel 500 has a height denoted h, and a longitudinal dimension of the contact plate denoted w. As an illustrative (non-limiting) example, the transverse dimension L can be on the order of 1 m to 2 m, the longitudinal dimension Wc can be on the order of 1 m to 2 m, the height H can be between 5 m and 20 m and the height of a channel h can be between 0.5 cm and 5 cm.

[0095] Figure 12 schematically and without limitation illustrates a channel of a contactor according to one embodiment of the invention. The contactor is shown in its operating position in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions. Elements identical to those in Figure 11 are not detailed again. In this embodiment, the channel is not inclined with respect to the contact plate 2000. The channel 500 is delimited by two substantially horizontal plates 3500 and 3501. two vertical edges 14 and 15. A retention height hret is permitted by this embodiment to avoid the transport of adsorbing solid particles in the gas outlet 200.

[0096] Figure 6 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a system for capturing a gaseous compound according to an embodiment of the invention. The capture system 1 is shown, in its operating position, in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions. The capture system 1 consists of a contactor 1000 and a suction device 2, arranged downstream of the contactor 1000 in the direction of flow of the surrounding gas. The contactor 1000 has an inlet 100 and an outlet 200 for the surrounding gas in the horizontal direction (longitudinal direction), and an inlet 300 and an outlet 400 for adsorbent solid particles in the vertical direction. The contactor 1000 can be configured according to any of the embodiments described in Figures 1 to 5. The suction device 2 consists of a fan or any similar means. Alternatively, the suction device 2 can be arranged upstream of the contactor 1000.

[0097] Figure 7 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a system for capturing a gaseous compound according to an embodiment of the invention. The capture system is shown, in its operating position, in a plane formed by the longitudinal and vertical directions. The capture system 1 comprises three contactors 1000 arranged one above the other, and three suction devices 2 arranged downstream of a contactor 1000 in the direction of flow of the surrounding gas. Each contactor 1000 can be in any of the embodiments described in Figures 1 to 5. Each suction device 2 is formed by a fan or any similar means. Alternatively, each suction device 2 can be arranged upstream of each contactor 1000.

[0098] Figure 8 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a system for capturing a gaseous compound according to an embodiment of the invention. The capture system comprises a contactor 1000, with an inlet 100 and an outlet 200 of the surrounding gas, as well as an inlet 300 and an outlet 400 of adsorbent solid particles. The capture system further comprises a suction device (not shown). The capture system also includes a regenerator 5 of adsorbent solid particles. Transport means 3 for adsorbent solid particles (charged with gaseous compound) connect the output 400 of the contactor 1000 and the inlet of the regenerator 5, and transport means 6 for adsorbent solid particles (depleted in gaseous compound) connect the output of the regenerator 5 to the inlet 300 of the contactor 1000. The regenerator 5 further includes an outlet 7 of the gaseous compound.Optionally, the outlet 7 of the gaseous compound may include a compression train 8, to form a compressed gaseous compound. for its use, storage, and future transport. Optionally, an airlock 4 (reservoir) for adsorbent solid particles can be provided within the transport means 3. Optionally, an airlock 4' can be arranged within the transport means 6 to store the regenerated adsorbent solid particles. In this figure, several arrows are shown at the inlet of the airlock 4 and the regenerator 5; they indicate the possibility of sharing the airlock 4 and the regenerator 5 for a plurality of contactors (only one is shown). Alternatively, each contactor can be equipped with a regeneration circuit including an airlock 4, a regenerator 5, and transport means 3 and 6 for the adsorbent solid particles. This embodiment can be combined with any of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 7.

[0099] Figure 9 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a system for capturing a gaseous compound according to an embodiment of the invention. The capture system comprises three contactors 1000, three suction devices 2, and a regenerator (not shown). The capture system includes means for transporting regenerated (gaseous compound depleted) adsorbent solid particles, with an additional horizontal conveyor belt 6 at the regenerator outlet, a gravity conduit 10 connected to the conveyor belt 6, horizontal secondary conveyor belts 11 connected to the conduit 10 and to an inlet 300 of adsorbent solid particles from each contactor 1000. The capture system includes means for transporting gaseous compound-laden adsorbent solid particles at the outlet 400 of each contactor 1000, with secondary conveyor belts 12 connected to a vertical gravity conduit 13 and a conveyor belt 3 to a regenerator.This embodiment can be combined with any of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 8.

[0100] Figure 10 schematically illustrates, without limitation, a system for capturing a gaseous compound according to an embodiment of the invention. The capture system comprises a plurality of contactors 1000 represented by black rectangles and arranged in the shape of a cross. The capture system includes a regenerator 5 at the center of the cross. In addition, an airlock and a compression train (not shown) may be provided at the center of the cross. Transport means 11 for the regenerated adsorbent solid particles (depleted in gaseous compound) connect each contactor 1000 to the main transport means 6, which is itself connected to the regenerator 5.

Claims

Demands

1. Contactor for a system for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, said contactor (1000) comprising a substantially horizontal inlet (100) of said surrounding gas and a substantially horizontal outlet (200) of said surrounding gas, as well as an inlet of adsorbent solid particles (300) in the upper part of said contactor (1000) and an outlet of adsorbent solid particles (400) in the lower part of said contactor (1000), characterized in that said contactor (1000) comprises at least one substantially horizontal contact plate (2000) configured so that the surrounding gas passes through said plate (2000) and to ensure a substantially horizontal flow of adsorbent solid particles over an upper surface of said plate (2000), and in that each contact plate (2000) is arranged in a closed channel (500) for the flow of said surrounding gas,said channel (500) being arranged between said inlet (100) and said outlet (200) of said surrounding gas.

2. Contactor according to claim 1, wherein said contactor comprises a plurality of parallel channels (500) arranged one above the other, each channel (500) comprising a contact plate (2000).

3. Contactor according to claim 2, wherein said contactor comprises means for distributing (4000) said gravity-adsorbing solid particles from a first contact plate (2000) to a contact plate (2001) located below said first contact plate (2000).

4. Contactor according to claim 3, wherein said distribution means (4000) are arranged to generate a flow of said adsorbent solid particles on a contact plate (2000) in a plane perpendicular to the flow of said surrounding gas between said inlet (100) and said outlet (200) of surrounding gas.

5. Contactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each channel (500) is delimited by two plates (3000).

6. Contactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each channel (500) is inclined with respect to said contact plate (2000).

7. Contactor according to claims 5 and 6, wherein said two plates (3000) are inclined with respect to said contact plate (2000).

8. A system for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, comprising at least one contactor (1000) according to any one of the preceding claims, and at least one suction device (2) for said surrounding gas to generate a flow of said surrounding gas through at least one contactor (1000) between the inlet (100) and the outlet (200) of said surrounding gas.

9. A gaseous compound capture system according to claim 8, wherein said capture system comprises a regenerator (5) of said adsorbent solid particles connected to the outlet of said adsorbent solid particles of at least one contactor (1000).

10. A gaseous compound capture system according to claim 9, wherein said capture system comprises means for transporting said adsorbent solid particles from the outlet of said regenerator (5) to the adsorbent solid particle inlet (300) of at least one contactor (1000), and means for transporting said adsorbent solid particles from the adsorbent solid particle outlet (400) of at least one contactor (1000) to the inlet of said regenerator (5).

11. A capture system according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein said capture system comprises an airlock (4, 4') of adsorbent solid particles upstream and / or downstream of said regenerator.

12. A capture system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said capture system comprises a plurality of contactors (1000) arranged side by side and / or one above the other.

13. A method for capturing a gaseous compound, in particular carbon dioxide, from a surrounding gas, in particular air, the method employing a contactor (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising a step of inserting said surrounding gas into an inlet (100) of said contactor (1000) and a substantially horizontal withdrawal of said surrounding gas from an outlet (200) of said contactor (1000), as well as a step of inserting adsorbent solid particles into the upper part of said contactor (1000) and a withdrawal of particles solid adsorbents in the lower part of said contactor (1000), characterized in that said surrounding gas passes through a substantially horizontal contact plate (2000), and said solid particles flow substantially horizontally on said contact plate (2000), and in that each contact plate (2000) is arranged in a closed flow channel (500) of said surrounding gas, said channel (500) being arranged between said inlet (100) and said outlet (200) of said surrounding gas.

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