Carbon capture

Abstract

A perforated packing for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a lean gas mixture includes at least one perforated structure and a feed structure. The at least one perforated structure includes a body including at least one wall forming an interior volume of the body and an exterior surface exposed to the lean gas mixture, and a plurality of perforations extending through the at least one wall between the interior volume and the exterior surface. The feed structure is fluidly coupled to the body and is operable to flow a CO2 capture solution into the interior volume of the body, through the plurality of perforations and along the exterior surface, to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the exterior surface, the liquid film of the CO2 capture solution being configured to absorb CO2 from the lean gas mixture.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure describes systems, devices, and methods for capturing carbon dioxide. [Background technology]

[0002] The capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is one approach to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change. However, many technologies designed for CO2 capture are generally ineffective because capture from point sources, such as flue gas from industrial facilities, requires processing large volumes of air, where the CO2 concentration is much lower, to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. In recent years, progress has been made in finding more suitable technologies to capture CO2 directly from the atmosphere. Some of these direct air capture (DAC) systems use solid sorbents, where an active agent is attached to a substrate. These DAC systems typically utilize a cyclic absorption-desorption process in which the solid sorbent becomes saturated with CO2 and is then regenerated using a humidity or temperature swing to release the CO2.

[0003] Other DAC systems use a liquid sorbent (sometimes called a solvent) to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. An example of such a DAC system is one in which a fan is used to draw air through a high surface area packing that is wetted with a solution containing the liquid sorbent. The CO2 in the air reacts with the liquid sorbent to produce a CO2-rich solution. This rich solution is processed to regenerate the lean solution and release it as a concentrated carbon stream, such as CO, CO2, or other carbon products. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In one example implementation, a system for recovering carbon dioxide from a lean gas mixture includes one or more perforated structures, each including an interior volume, an exterior surface, and a plurality of perforations, and at least one supply structure fluidly coupled to the one or more perforated structures, the at least one supply structure operable to flow a first fluid into the interior volume of the one or more perforated structures, and the plurality of perforations of the one or more perforated structures operable to flow the first fluid.

[0005] In certain aspects that can be combined with this exemplary implementation, the one or more perforated structures are coupled to at least one feed structure at a non-parallel angle.

[0006] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the one or more perforated structures are coupled to the at least one feed structure at a perpendicular angle.

[0007] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the first fluid is operable to flow from a first perforated structure to a second perforated structure of the one or more perforated structures.

[0008] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the plurality of perforations is sized less than 1.5 mm in diameter.

[0009] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, a first hole of the plurality of perforations is spaced at least 0.5 mm from a second hole of the plurality of perforations.

[0010] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, a subset of the plurality of perforations is arranged to form at least a portion of a shape on the exterior surface that includes a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0011] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures are spaced apart in an arrangement that is at least one of a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0012] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures include at least one of a tube, a flat plate, a sphere, or a block.

[0013] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures include a porous material.

[0014] In another embodiment that can be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures include a plurality of microstructures including at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

[0015] Another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments further includes a water basin disposed at least partially below the one or more perforated structures.

[0016] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the one or more perforated structures are operable to contact the first fluid with the second fluid to produce CO2-lean gas.

[0017] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the first fluid comprises a CO2 capture solution and the second fluid comprises a CO2-containing gas.

[0018] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the plurality of perforations are operable to flow a CO2 capture solution from an interior volume of the one or more perforated structures to an exterior surface.

[0019] In another embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the CO2 capture solution forms a liquid film on the exterior surface of the perforated structure or structures.

[0020] In another exemplary implementation, a method for recovering carbon dioxide from a lean gas mixture includes flowing a first fluid through at least one supply structure fluidly coupled to one or more perforated structures, each of the one or more perforated structures including an internal volume, an external surface, and a plurality of perforations; flowing the first fluid from the at least one supply structure into the internal volume of the one or more perforated structures; and flowing the first fluid from the internal volume of the one or more perforated structures through the multiple perforations of the one or more perforated structures.

[0021] In certain aspects that can be combined with the exemplary implementations, the one or more perforated structures are coupled to at least one feed structure at a non-parallel angle.

[0022] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the one or more perforated structures are coupled to the at least one feed structure at a perpendicular angle.

[0023] Another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects further includes flowing the first fluid from a first perforated structure to a second perforated structure of the one or more perforated structures.

[0024] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the plurality of perforations is sized less than 1.5 mm in diameter.

[0025] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, a first hole of the plurality of perforations is spaced at least 0.5 mm from a second hole of the plurality of perforations.

[0026] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, a subset of the plurality of perforations is arranged to form at least a portion of a shape on the exterior surface that includes a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0027] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures are spaced apart in an arrangement that is at least one of a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0028] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures include at least one of a tube, a flat plate, a sphere, or a block.

[0029] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures include a porous material.

[0030] In another embodiment that can be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the one or more perforated structures include a plurality of microstructures including at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

[0031] Another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects further includes capturing a portion of the first fluid in a basin disposed at least partially below the one or more perforated structures.

[0032] Another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments further includes flowing a first fluid through the one or more perforated structures and in contact with a second fluid to produce a CO2-lean gas.

[0033] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the first fluid comprises a CO2 capture solution and the second fluid comprises a CO2-containing gas.

[0034] Another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments further includes flowing a CO2 capture solution from an interior volume of the one or more perforated structures to an exterior surface.

[0035] In another embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments, the CO2 capture solution forms a liquid film on the exterior surface of the perforated structure or structures.

[0036] In another exemplary implementation, a perforated packing for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a lean gas mixture includes at least one perforated structure and a supply structure. The at least one perforated structure includes a body including at least one wall forming an interior volume of the body and an exterior surface exposed to the lean gas mixture, and a plurality of perforations extending through the at least one wall between the interior volume and the exterior surface. The supply structure is fluidly coupled to the body and is operable to flow a CO2 capture solution through the plurality of perforations and along the exterior surface into the interior volume of the body to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the exterior surface, the liquid film of the CO2 capture solution being configured to absorb CO2 from the lean gas mixture.

[0037] In certain aspects that can be combined with this exemplary implementation, the supply structure includes at least one supply conduit forming a supply conduit interior volume that is fluidly coupled to the body.

[0038] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the at least one supply conduit includes at least one conduit opening, and the supply conduit interior volume is fluidly coupled to the interior volume of the body by the at least one conduit opening.

[0039] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the body extends along a longitudinal axis and the at least one supply conduit extends along a supply conduit axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0040] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the at least one perforated structure includes a plurality of perforated structures, a body of each perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures having an inlet fluidly coupled to the supply conduit interior volume, and the inlets of the plurality of perforated structures are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis.

[0041] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforations in each of the plurality of perforated structures are disposed below the inlet of the respective perforated structure.

[0042] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is horizontal and the at least one supply conduit includes a plurality of supply conduit perforations extending through at least a lower portion of the at least one supply conduit.

[0043] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is horizontal and the at least one perforated structure extends vertically downward from the at least one supply conduit.

[0044] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is vertical and the at least one perforated structure extends horizontally from the at least one supply conduit.

[0045] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the distance between adjacent perforations of the plurality of perforations is greater than two times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations and less than ten times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations.

[0046] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the at least one perforated structure is coupled to the feed structure at a non-parallel angle.

[0047] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the plurality of perforations are disposed along the entire length of the at least one wall.

[0048] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the greatest dimension of each perforation of the plurality of perforations is less than 1.5 mm.

[0049] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, at least some of the plurality of perforations are arranged in at least one wall to form a shape that includes a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0050] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects above, the at least one perforated structure includes a plurality of perforated structures, the plurality of perforated structures forming an arrangement that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

[0051] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the body extends along a longitudinal axis and the cross-sectional shape of the body formed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is rounded.

[0052] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the at least one perforated structure includes at least one of a tube, a flat plate, a sphere, or a block.

[0053] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, an exterior surface of at least one wall is formed by a plurality of structures including at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

[0054] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the exterior surface of at least one wall comprises a hydrophilic surface.

[0055] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the at least one perforated structure includes a plurality of perforated structures spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of flow gaps for the lean gas mixture between the bodies of each of the plurality of perforated structures.

[0056] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the body of at least one perforated structure is rigid.

[0057] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the body of the at least one perforated structure is elastic.

[0058] In another exemplary implementation, a gas-liquid contactor for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air includes at least one inlet, at least one outlet spaced apart from the at least one inlet, at least one perforated packing disposed between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, one or more water basins configured to hold a CO2 capture solution, a fan, and a liquid distribution system. The at least one perforated packing includes a plurality of perforated structures spaced apart from one another. Each perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures includes at least one wall forming an interior volume and an exterior surface, and a plurality of perforations extending through the at least one wall. The one or more water basins include a lower water basin disposed at least partially below the at least one perforated packing. The fan is operable to flow ambient air (1) in a flow direction from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet, and (2) along the exterior surface of each of the plurality of perforated structures. The liquid distribution system is fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures and is operable to flow a CO2 capture solution through the plurality of perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, along at least one exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures, and into at least one interior volume of the plurality of perforated structures to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the at least one exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures, the liquid film of the CO2 capture solution being configured to absorb CO2 from the ambient air.

[0059] In one aspect that can be combined with this exemplary implementation, each perforated structure extends along a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the flow direction of the ambient air.

[0060] Another embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments further includes a housing forming an interior at least partially exposed to ambient air and disposed between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the plurality of perforated structures spaced apart within the interior to form an arrangement of the perforated structures that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

[0061] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the arrangement of perforated structures includes a plurality of rows of perforated structures spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flow direction.

[0062] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the arrangement of perforated structures has a depth measured in a direction parallel to the flow direction, the depth being between 2 meters and 10 meters.

[0063] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the perforated packing includes a feed structure fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures and operable to flow a CO2 capture solution through a plurality of perforations in at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, along an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, and into an interior volume of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the exterior surface.

[0064] In an aspect that can be combined with this exemplary implementation, the supply structure includes at least one supply conduit forming a supply conduit interior volume that is fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures.

[0065] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects above, the at least one supply conduit includes at least one conduit opening, and the supply conduit internal volume is fluidly coupled to the at least one internal volume of the plurality of perforated structures by the at least one conduit opening.

[0066] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the body extends along a longitudinal axis and the at least one supply conduit extends along a supply conduit axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0067] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, a body of each of the plurality of perforated structures has an inlet fluidly coupled to an interior volume of a supply conduit, and the inlets of the plurality of perforated structures are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis.

[0068] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforations in each of the plurality of perforated structures are disposed below the inlet of the respective perforated structure.

[0069] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is horizontal and the at least one supply conduit includes a plurality of supply conduit perforations extending through at least a lower portion of the at least one supply conduit.

[0070] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is horizontal and at least one perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures extends vertically downward from the at least one supply conduit.

[0071] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is vertical and at least one perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures extends horizontally from the at least one supply conduit.

[0072] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, a distance between adjacent perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforations of the plurality of perforations structure is greater than two times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations and less than ten times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations.

[0073] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is coupled to the supply structure at a non-parallel angle.

[0074] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforations of at least one of the multiple perforated structures are disposed along an entire length of at least one wall.

[0075] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the maximum dimension of each perforation of at least one of the plurality of perforations of the plurality of perforated structure is less than 1.5 mm.

[0076] In another aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, at least some of the plurality of perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures are arranged in at least one wall of the respective perforated structure to form a shape that includes a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0077] In another aspect that can be combined with any of the aspects above, the plurality of perforated structures form an arrangement that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

[0078] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, at least one body of the plurality of perforated structures extends along a longitudinal axis, and a cross-sectional shape of the body formed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is rounded.

[0079] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the plurality of perforated structures includes at least one of a tube, a flat plate, a sphere, or a block.

[0080] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, an exterior surface of at least one wall of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is formed by a plurality of structures including at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

[0081] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, an exterior surface of at least one wall of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures comprises a hydrophilic surface.

[0082] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforated structures are spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of flow gaps for the lean gas mixture between the bodies of each of the plurality of perforated structures.

[0083] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the body of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is rigid.

[0084] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the body of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is elastic.

[0085] In another exemplary implementation, a method for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a dilute gas mixture includes flowing the dilute gas mixture between a plurality of perforated structures and along an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures; flowing a CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, along the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, through perforations in the at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, forming a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, and absorbing CO2 from the dilute gas mixture into the liquid film of the CO2 capture solution.

[0086] An aspect that can be combined with this exemplary implementation further includes flowing the CO2 capture solution along a first direction through the supply structure, and flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures includes flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0087] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures along the second direction includes flowing the CO2 capture solution downward.

[0088] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures along the second direction includes flowing the CO2 capture solution horizontally.

[0089] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects above, flowing the lean gas mixture includes flowing the lean gas mixture along a flow direction, and flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures includes flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures along a liquid direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

[0090] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, at least one perforation of the plurality of perforated structures is disposed along the entire length of each perforated structure.

[0091] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures includes at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

[0092] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, flowing the CO2 capture solution along at least one exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures includes flowing the CO2 capture solution along at least one hydrophilic exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures.

[0093] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the plurality of perforated structures includes one or more elastic perforated structures.

[0094] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, flowing the CO2 capture solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures includes filling the entirety of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures with the CO2 capture solution.

[0095] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, flowing the CO2 capture solution includes flowing a CO2 capture solution having a density at the reference temperature that is higher than the density of water at the reference temperature.

[0096] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the preceding aspects, the step of flowing the CO2 capture solution comprises flowing at least 0.5 L / m 2 s higher than 10L / m 2 s. The method includes flowing the CO2 capture solution at a liquid fill rate lower than s.

[0097] In another exemplary implementation, a direct air capture (DAC) system for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from ambient air includes an air contactor and a regeneration system. The air contactor includes a housing, at least one perforated packing, one or more water basins configured to hold a CO2 capture solution, a fan, and a liquid distribution system. The housing forms an interior and includes at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one perforated packing is disposed within the housing between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, and the at least one perforated packing includes a plurality of spaced apart perforated structures. Each perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures includes at least one wall that defines an interior volume and an exterior surface, and a plurality of perforations extending through the at least one wall. The one or more water basins include a lower water basin disposed at least partially below the at least one perforated packing. The fan is operable to circulate ambient air (1) in a flow direction from at least one inlet to at least one outlet and (2) along an exterior surface of each of the plurality of perforated structures. The liquid distribution system is fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures and operable to flow a CO2 capture solution through the plurality of perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, along the at least one exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures, and into the interior volume of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the at least one exterior surface of the plurality of perforated structures, the liquid film of the CO2 capture solution being configured to absorb CO2 from the ambient air. The regeneration system is in fluid communication with the liquid distribution system to receive the CO2 capture solution from the air contactor, the regeneration system being configured to regenerate the CO2 capture solution and form a CO2-lean solution to be returned to the air contactor.

[0098] In one aspect that can be combined with this exemplary implementation, each perforated structure extends along a longitudinal axis that is perpendicular to the flow direction of the ambient air.

[0099] Another embodiment that can be combined with any of the above embodiments further includes a housing forming an interior at least partially exposed to ambient air and disposed between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the plurality of perforated structures spaced apart within the interior to form an arrangement of the perforated structures that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

[0100] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the arrangement of perforated structures includes a plurality of rows of perforated structures spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flow direction.

[0101] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the arrangement of perforated structures has a depth measured in a direction parallel to the flow direction, the depth being between 2 meters and 10 meters.

[0102] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the perforated packing includes a feed structure fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures and operable to flow a CO2 capture solution through a plurality of perforations in at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, along an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, and into an interior volume of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the exterior surface.

[0103] In an aspect that can be combined with this exemplary implementation, the supply structure includes at least one supply conduit forming a supply conduit interior volume that is fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures.

[0104] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the aspects above, the at least one supply conduit includes at least one conduit opening, and the supply conduit internal volume is fluidly coupled to the at least one internal volume of the plurality of perforated structures by the at least one conduit opening.

[0105] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the body extends along a longitudinal axis and the at least one supply conduit extends along a supply conduit axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0106] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, a body of each of the plurality of perforated structures has an inlet fluidly coupled to an interior volume of a supply conduit, and the inlets of the plurality of perforated structures are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis.

[0107] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforations in each of the plurality of perforated structures are disposed below the inlet of the respective perforated structure.

[0108] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is horizontal and the at least one supply conduit includes a plurality of supply conduit perforations extending through at least a lower portion of the at least one supply conduit.

[0109] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is horizontal and at least one perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures extends vertically downward from the at least one supply conduit.

[0110] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the orientation of the at least one supply conduit is vertical and at least one perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures extends horizontally from the at least one supply conduit.

[0111] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, a distance between adjacent perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforations of the plurality of perforations structure is greater than two times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations and less than ten times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations.

[0112] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is coupled to the supply structure at a non-parallel angle.

[0113] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforations of at least one of the multiple perforated structures are disposed along an entire length of at least one wall.

[0114] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the maximum dimension of each perforation of at least one of the plurality of perforations of the plurality of perforated structure is less than 1.5 mm.

[0115] In another aspect that can be combined with any of the above aspects, at least some of the plurality of perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures are arranged in at least one wall of the respective perforated structure to form a shape that includes a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

[0116] In another aspect that can be combined with any of the aspects above, the plurality of perforated structures form an arrangement that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

[0117] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, at least one body of the plurality of perforated structures extends along a longitudinal axis, and a cross-sectional shape of the body formed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is rounded.

[0118] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the plurality of perforated structures includes at least one of a tube, a flat plate, a sphere, or a block.

[0119] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, an exterior surface of at least one wall of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is formed by a plurality of structures including at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

[0120] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, an exterior surface of at least one wall of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures comprises a hydrophilic surface.

[0121] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the above aspects, the plurality of perforated structures are spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of flow gaps for the lean gas mixture between the bodies of each of the plurality of perforated structures.

[0122] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the preceding embodiments, the body of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is rigid.

[0123] In another embodiment that may be combined with any of the above embodiments, the body of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures is elastic.

[0124] In one example implementation, a perforated packing for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a dilute gas mixture includes at least one perforated structure including a body having at least one wall forming an interior volume of the body, the at least one wall forming an interior surface and an exterior surface, a plurality of perforations extending through the at least one wall between the interior surface and the exterior surface, and a supply structure fluidly coupled to the body and operable to flow a CO2 capture solution through the plurality of perforations to form a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution along at least a portion of the interior surface, the liquid film of the CO2 capture solution being configured to absorb CO2 from the dilute gas mixture.

[0125] Implementations of the systems and methods for capturing carbon dioxide according to the present disclosure may include one, some, or all of the following features. For example, packings using the features described in this invention are specifically designed for commercial DAC applications, so that at least one of the air volume, packing depth, liquid flow, and air contactor footprint can be reduced without significantly sacrificing CO2 capture performance. Design criteria for DAC packings that reflect good performance include low static pressure design, even liquid distribution throughout the fill height, low fouling capability, improved efficiency of air contact, lower material requirements, efficiency benefits from larger packing size, and manufacturability.

[0126] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0127] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gas liquid contactor. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary gas liquid contactor. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary gas liquid contactor. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary gas liquid contactor. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary features of perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary features of perforated packing for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the contact angle between a liquid and a surface. [Figure 14C] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing apparent and actual contact angles between a liquid and a surface. [Figure 14D] FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the circled portion of the feature in FIG. 14A. [Figure 14E] FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the circled portion of the feature in FIG. 14A. [Figure 14F] FIG. 14B is an enlarged view of the circled portion of the feature in FIG. 14A. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a direct air recovery system having a gas liquid contactor as disclosed herein. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a method for recovering carbon dioxide (CO2) from a lean gas mixture. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system (or controller) for a gas liquid contactor of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0128] With reference to FIG. 1, the present disclosure describes a system and method for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere (i.e., ambient or atmospheric air) or from another fluid source containing dilute concentrations of CO2 using a gas-liquid contactor 100. The CO2 concentration in the atmosphere is dilute, currently ranging from 400-420 parts per million ("ppm") or approximately 0.04-0.042% v / v, less than 1% v / v. These atmospheric concentrations of CO2 are at least an order of magnitude lower than the CO2 concentrations in point emission sources such as flue gas, which may have concentrations of CO2 ranging from 5-15% v / v depending on the emission source. In some implementations, the gas-liquid contactor 100 is operated to capture dilute CO2 present in the ambient air by taking in the ambient air as a stream of CO2-containing air 101 and treating the CO2-containing air 101 to transfer the CO2 present therein to a CO2 capture solution 114 (e.g., a CO2 sorbent) via absorption. Some or all of the CO2 in the CO2-containing air 101 is removed, and the treated CO2-containing air 101 is then exhausted by the gas liquid contactor 100 as a stream of CO2-lean gas 105 (or low CO2 air). When operating to treat air in this manner, the gas liquid contactor 100 may be referred to herein as an "air contactor" since it facilitates the absorption of CO2 from the air into the CO2 capture solution 114. In contrast to a water-cooled cooling tower, which functions primarily to transfer heat between water and the air, the gas liquid contactor 100 functions primarily to effect mass transfer of CO2 from the air to the CO2 capture solution 114. When operating in this manner, the gas liquid contactor 100 may be used as part of a direct air capture (DAC) system 1200, which is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 15.

[0129] In some implementations, referring to FIG. 1, the CO2 capture solution 114 is a caustic solution. In some implementations, the pH of the CO2 capture solution 114 is 10 or more. In some implementations, the pH of the CO2 capture solution 114 is about 14. Non-limiting examples of the CO2 capture solution 114 include alkaline aqueous solutions (e.g., KOH, NaOH, or combinations thereof), aqueous amino acid salt solutions, non-aqueous amine solutions, carbonate and / or bicarbonate solutions, phenoxide / phenol salts, ionic liquids, non-aqueous solvents, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the CO2 capture solution 114 may include enhancers and / or additives to speed up the uptake of CO2. Non-limiting examples of enhancers include carbonic anhydrase, amines (primary, secondary, tertiary), and boric acid. Non-limiting examples of additives include chlorides, sulfates, acetates, phosphates, and surfactants.

[0130] In some implementations, at a given reference temperature, the density of the CO2 capture solution 114 is higher than the density of water at the same reference temperature. At an equivalent reference temperature, in some implementations, the density of the CO2 capture solution 114 is at least 10% higher than the density of water. In some implementations, at an equivalent reference temperature, the density of the CO2 capture solution 114 is about 10% higher than the density of water. The density and viscosity of the CO2 capture solution 114 may vary depending on the composition and temperature of the CO2 capture solution 114. For example, at a temperature between 20° C. and 0° C., the CO2 capture solution 114 or the CO2-containing capture solution 111 (see below) may include 1 M KOH and 0.5 M K2CO3 and have a viscosity of 1115 to 1119 kg / m 3 In another example, at a temperature of 20° C. to 0° C., the CO2 capture solution 114 or the CO2-containing capture solution 111 may include 2 M KOH and 1 M K2CO3 and have a viscosity of 1260 to 1266 kg / m 3 and a viscosity in the range of 1.8 to 3.1 mPa-s. In comparison, water has a density of 998 kg / m at 20°C. 3 and a viscosity of 1 mPa-s.

[0131] In some implementations, referring to FIG. 1, CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 is captured by contacting the CO2-containing air 101 with a CO2 capture solution 114 in a gas-liquid contactor 100. The CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 can be reacted with an alkaline CO2 capture solution 114 (for example) to form a CO2-containing capture solution 111. In configurations where the CO2 capture solution 114 includes an alkali hydroxide, the CO2 is absorbed by reacting with the alkali hydroxide to form a carbonate-rich capture solution (e.g., K2CO3, Na2CO3, or a combination thereof). The CO2-containing capture solution 111 may include a carbonate-rich capture solution and may be referred to herein as a "carbonate-rich capture solution 111." The CO2-containing capture solution 111 is processed to recapture the captured CO2 for downstream use and to regenerate the alkali hydroxide for use in the CO2 capture solution 114. In some cases, the recaptured CO2 is transported downhole and sequestered in a geological formation, underground reservoir, carbon sink, or the like. In some cases, the recaptured CO2 can be used to increase oil recovery by injecting the recaptured CO2 into one or more wellbore holes to increase production of hydrocarbons from a reservoir. In some implementations, the recaptured CO2 can be fed to a downstream fuel synthesis system, which may include a syngas production reactor.

[0132] The CO2-containing recovery solution 111 may also contain small amounts of other components, such as hydroxide ions, alkali metal hydroxides (e.g., KOH, NaOH), water, and impurities. For example, the carbonate rich recovery solution 111 may contain 0.4M to 6M K2CO3 and 1M to 10M KOH. In another implementation, the carbonate rich recovery solution 111 may include an aqueous Na2CO3-NaOH mixture. In some implementations, the carbonate rich recovery solution 111 may include a mixture of K2CO3 and Na2CO3.

[0133] The kinetics of capturing CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 to form carbonate may be improved by the introduction of additives such as promoter species to the CO2 capture solution 114. Non-limiting examples of promoters for increasing CO2 capture with carbonate include carbonic anhydrase, amines (primary, secondary, tertiary), zwitterionic amino acids, and boric acid. The resulting carbonate rich capture solution 111 produced by the gas-liquid contactor 100 includes carbonate and bicarbonate and also includes a promoter. An exemplary composition of such a carbonate rich capture solution 111 may include K2CO3 / KHCO3 and a promoter. The carbonate rich capture solution 111 obtained from such a CO2 capture solution 114 may have a pH in the range of 11-13 and may have little residual hydroxide from the CO2 capture solution 114. In some cases, additives not considered promoters may be used to improve the uptake of CO2 in the CO2 capture solution 114.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 1 , the gas liquid contactor 100 includes a housing 102. The housing 102 forms a part of the overall gas liquid contactor 100 and provides structure thereto. The housing 102 includes an exterior structure or wall that partially encloses any combination of interconnected structural members. The interconnected structural members provide structural support and stability to the gas liquid contactor 100 and provide a body for supporting the components of the gas liquid contactor 100 within the housing 102. The interconnected structural members may include, but are not limited to, walls, plates, beams, frames, and the like. The housing 102 may also include other components, such as cladding, plates, and the like, that partition portions of the housing 102 and help form an enclosure for the housing 102. The housing 102 at least partially surrounds and forms an interior 113 of the housing 102. The interior 113 of the housing 102 is an interior volume or space in which the components of the gas liquid contactor 100 are disposed. The housing 102 also includes openings 103 that allow gas to travel to or from the gas-liquid contactor 100. For example, referring to FIG. 1, the housing 102 has one or more inlets 103I. In the implementation of FIG. 1, the one or more inlets 103I are formed by the openings 103, and therefore the inlets 103I may be referred to herein as one or more inlet openings 103I, through which the CO2-containing air 101 enters the interior 113 of the housing 102. The housing 102 has one or more outlets 103O. In the implementation of FIG. 1, the one or more outlets 103O are formed by the openings 103, and therefore the outlets 103O may be referred to herein as one or more outlet openings 103O, through which the CO2-lean gas 105 exits the interior 113 of the housing 102. In the exemplary implementation of the gas liquid contactor 100 of FIG. 1, the housing 102 forms two inlets 103I and one outlet 103O. The outlet 103O may be formed by components of the gas liquid contactor 100. For example, in the implementation of the gas liquid contactor 100 of FIG. 1, the gas liquid contactor 100 has a fan stack 107 in an upright orientation. The fan stack 107 helps to exhaust the CO2 lean gas 105, and the outlet 103O is disposed along the fan stack 107.In such implementations, the CO2-laden air 101 enters the interior 113 of the housing 102 along a substantially horizontal direction through one or both of the inlets 103I, and the CO2-lean gas 105 exits the interior 113 along a substantially vertical direction through the outlet 103O. The outlet 103O is located at the top tip of the fan stack 107. In implementations of the gas liquid contactor 100 without a fan stack 107, the outlet 103O may be located elsewhere. Other configurations of the inlets 103I and outlet 103O of the housing 102 are possible.

[0135] The housing 102 at least partially encloses and protects components of the gas liquid contactor 100 that are disposed within the interior 113 of the housing 102. One example of such components is one or more packings 106, which are protected from the surrounding atmosphere by the housing 102. As seen in FIG. 1, one or more packings 106, which may be collectively referred to herein as “fill 106” or “packings 106”, are positioned within the interior 113 adjacent to one or more inlets 103I. In this arrangement, the one or more packings 106 receive the CO2-containing air 101, which enters the interior 113 via the one or more inlets 103I. The one or more packings 106 function to increase the transfer of CO2 present in the CO2-containing air 101 to the flow of capture solution 114 in that they provide a large surface area for the capture solution 114 to spread over, thereby increasing the reaction area between the CO2-containing air 101 and the capture solution 114. The capture solution 114 converts the CO2-laden air 101 into CO2-lean gas 105 that is exhausted from one or more outlets 103O of the gas liquid contactor 100. As will be explained in more detail below, the packing 106 receives the CO2 capture solution 114 and facilitates absorption of the CO2 present in the CO2-laden air 101 into the CO2 capture solution 114 at the packing 106.

[0136] 1, one possible arrangement of the packing 106 includes two or more packing sections 106A, 106B. Each packing section 106A, 106B is disposed adjacent to and downstream of one of the inlets 103I. The packing sections 106A, 106B are spaced apart from one another within the housing 102. The direction along which the packing sections 106A, 106B are spaced apart is parallel to the direction along which the CO2-containing air 101 flows through the packing sections 106A, 106B. The space or volume formed between the packing sections 106A, 106B and / or one or more structural members of the housing 102 is the plenum 108. On the sides of the plenum 108 are the packing sections 106A, 106B. The plenum 108 is a void or space within the housing 102, and gas flows into the plenum 108 downstream of the packing sections 106A, 106B (e.g., CO2-lean gas 105), and the CO2-lean gas 105 flows from the plenum 108 out of the housing 102 through the outlet 103O. The plenum 108 is part of the interior 113 of the housing 102. The volume of the plenum 108 is smaller than the volume of the interior 113. In some implementations, the volume of the interior 113 of the housing 102 is approximately equal to the combined volume of the packing sections 106A, 106B and the plenum 108. With reference to FIG. 1, the packing 106 is disposed along the same level or along the same horizontal lower plane as the plenum 108. After the CO2-laden air 101 flows through the packing sections 106A, 106B, the CO2-lean gas 105 flows through the plenum 108 before being discharged to the surrounding environment. In other implementations of the gas liquid contactor 100, as described in more detail below, the plenum is not present.

[0137] In this exemplary implementation of the gas-liquid contactor 100 of FIG. 1, the CO2-containing air 101 enters the interior 113 of the housing 102 in a substantially horizontal direction through both inlets 103I. The CO2-containing air 101 then flows substantially horizontally through the packing sections 106A, 106B, and the CO2 present in the CO2-containing air 101 contacts the CO2 capture solution 114 present in the packing sections 106A, 106B and / or flowing in a substantially downward direction beyond the packing sections 106A, 106B. The CO2 is absorbed by the CO2 capture solution 114 to form a CO2-containing capture solution 111. The CO2-containing capture solution 111 flows downward away from the packing sections 106A, 106B, and the CO2-containing air 101 treated by the packing sections 106A, 106B exits the packing sections 106A, 106B as a CO2-lean gas 105. The CO2 lean gas from both packing sections 106A, 106B meet in the plenum 108 and flow vertically upward from the plenum 108 through the outlet 103O.

[0138] In this exemplary implementation of the packing 106 of FIG. 1, each packing section 106A, 106B has a respective packing section height substantially equal to the height of the housing 102. In some implementations, the height of the packing sections 106A, 106B is substantially equal to the height of the inlet 103I. Making the height of the packing 106 substantially equal to the height of the housing 102 and the height of the inlet 103I can help prevent or reduce the flow of the CO2-containing air 101 from bypassing the packing 106 (e.g., flowing around the packing 106), thereby helping to ensure that the maximum possible amount of CO2-containing air 101 is processed by the packing 106. "Substantially equal" or "substantially the same" is understood as the height values ​​being roughly equal, with any differences being minimal compared to the overall height dimension, which may result from manufacturing tolerances, packing installation requirements, and / or adjustments in dimensions to allow for seals, bulkheads, or other features. Other configurations for the packing 106 are possible. For example, in another implementation, the height of the packing sections 106A, 106B is less than the height of the housing 102, and any gaps between the packing sections 106A, 106B and the housing 102 are sealed using an appropriate technique.

[0139] The packing 106 may be made of any suitable material or have any suitable configuration to achieve the functions attributed to the packing 106 herein. Some or all of the packing 106 may be made of PVC, which is relatively lightweight, moldable, inexpensive, and resistant to degradation caused by many chemicals. As described in more detail below, the packing 106 may be arranged, constructed, treated, or otherwise configured to promote diffusion of the liquid CO2 capture solution 114 into a thin film on the surface of the packing 106, which may allow maximum exposure of the liquid CO2 capture solution 114 to the CO2 present in the CO2-containing air 101. Such "membrane-type" packing fills are generally more compatible with DAC systems because they have a more effective mass transfer capacity per unit volume of fill space. For example, membrane-type fills have a relatively high specific surface area to volume ratio (m2 / m 3 The packing 106 provides a high specific surface area (i.e., a "specific surface area") of the CO2-containing air 101. A high specific surface area is not only important for CO2 exposure to the surface of the CO2 capture solution 114, but also impacts cost and construction. The packing 106 may define an air travel depth (e.g., packing depth), which represents the distance the CO2-containing air 101 travels as it flows through the packing 106. The air travel depth may range from 2 to 10 meters. The packing 106 may be vertically sectioned or may include multiple packing sections arranged on top of each other with minimal separation or vertical gap. Each packing section 106A, 106B may include multiple packing portions arranged on top of each other and / or within minimal separation along the air travel depth.

[0140] With reference to FIG. 1, the gas liquid contactor 100 has, includes components of, or is operatively associated with, a liquid distribution system 120. The liquid distribution system 120 operates to move, collect, and distribute the CO2 capture solution 114 and / or the CO2-containing capture solution 111 to the packing 106 as described herein. At least some of the features of the liquid distribution system 120 are supported by the housing 102. In the exemplary implementation of FIG. 1, the support provided by the housing 102 includes structural support in that the components of the liquid distribution system 120 are structurally supported by the housing 102, such that loads generated by these components are supported by structural members of the housing 102. Some or all of the features of the liquid distribution system 120 may be part of the gas liquid contactor 100, or part of a DAC system 1200 (see FIG. 15).

[0141] 1, the liquid distribution system 120 includes one or more basins 109. Each basin 109 is a vessel configured to receive and retain a volume of one or both of the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing capture solution 111, thereby serving as a source of the CO2 capture solution 114 and / or the CO2-containing capture solution 111. Each basin 109 may have any configuration or be made of any material suitable for accomplishing the functions ascribed to the basin in this description. For example, one or more of the basins 109 may be uncovered, or may be partially or completely covered.

[0142] The basin 109 of the liquid distribution system 120 includes one or more upper basins 104 and one or more lower basins 110. The upper basins 104 are supported by the housing 102. In some implementations, the upper basins are formed from multiple portions of the housing 102. The upper basins 104 are configured to at least partially contain or store the CO2 capture solution 114. With reference to FIG. 1, the upper basins 104 are each disposed at least partially above the packing 106. With reference to FIG. 1, the upper basins 104 are disposed above the interior 113, and in particular above the inlet 103I. When (at least temporarily) stored in the upper basins 104, the CO2 capture solution 114 is disposed to be circulated (e.g., via pumping or gravity flow or both) down through the packing 106 and ultimately to the lower basin 110. As the CO2 capture solution 114 circulates through the packing 106, the CO2-containing air 101 circulates through the packing 106 and contacts the CO2 capture solution 114, passes through the plenum 108, and passes to the surrounding environment as CO2-lean gas 105. A process stream is formed by contacting the CO2-containing air 101 with the liquid CO2 capture solution 114, and the process stream is or includes a CO2-containing capture solution 111 having CO2 absorbed from the CO2-containing air 101 by the CO2 capture solution 114. Each of the upper basins 104 may have any suitable form or feature for distributing the CO2 capture solution 114 over the packing 106. In this exemplary implementation of the gas-liquid contactor 100 of FIG. 1, the basins 109 include two upper basins 104. Each upper basin 104 is disposed above one of the packing sections 106A, 106B to distribute the CO2 capture solution 114 to the respective packing sections 106A, 106B. The upper basins 104 in FIG. 1 are fluidly isolated from one another (e.g., there is no fluid communication between the two upper basins 104). Other configurations and numbers of upper basins 104 are possible.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 1, one or more lower basins 110 are disposed at the bottom of the gas-liquid contactor 100, opposite the upper basin 104. As seen in FIG. 1, the lower basin 110 is disposed below the packing 106 and below the housing 102. Specifically, the lower basin 110 is disposed below the interior 113. The lower basin 110 serves as a collection tank for the process stream (e.g., CO2-containing capture solution 111). The CO2-containing capture solution 111, including absorbed CO2, as well as unreacted CO2 capture solution 114, collects in the lower basin 110 and may be pumped or otherwise removed from the lower basin 110 for further processing. For example, at least a portion of the liquid collected in the lower basin 110 may be treated and then pumped for redistribution beyond the packing 106 for use in CO2 capture. In another possible implementation, some or all of the liquid collected in the lower basin 110 is pumped to the upper basin 104 without treatment for redistribution beyond the packing 106 for CO2 capture. The lower basin 110 can be matched with the containment structure to prevent loss of various CO2 capture solutions 114, many of which have corrosive, caustic, or high pH properties. In some embodiments, the lower basin 110 can be lined or coated with one or more materials that are resistant to corrosion or deterioration caused by caustic. In some implementations of the gas-liquid contactor 100, components can be kept outside the lower basin 110 that holds the CO2 capture solution 114. Additionally, the gas-liquid contactor 100 can be designed to keep most or all of the structural members outside of areas of the gas-liquid contactor 100 that may be wetted, for example, any portion of the gas-liquid contactor 100 that contacts the CO2 capture solution 114. Examples of potentially wetted areas of the gas liquid contactor 100 include the components that support the packing 106. Figure 1 illustrates a single lower basin 110. However, other configurations and numbers of lower basins 110 are possible.

[0144] 1, the CO2 capture solution 114 flows over the packing 106 in a direction that is substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to the average direction along which the CO2-containing air 101 circulates through the packing 106, also known as a "cross-flow" configuration. In another possible implementation, the CO2 capture solution 114 flows over the packing 106 in a direction opposite to the average direction along which the CO2-containing air 101 circulates through the packing 106, also known as a "counter-flow" configuration. In another possible implementation, the CO2 capture solution 114 flows over the packing 106 in a direction parallel to the direction along which the CO2-containing air 101 circulates through the packing 106, also known as a "concurrent flow" configuration. In another possible configuration, the CO2 capture solution 114 flows over the packing 106 according to a configuration that is a combination of one or more of the cross-flow configuration, the counter-flow configuration, and the concurrent flow configuration.

[0145] The gas-liquid contactor 100 may include supports disposed within the packing 106 between the upper basin 104 and the lower basin 110. For example, the packing 106 may include additional supports for a particular portion of the packing 106, such as the upper portion of the packing 106, so that a load (e.g., the weight of that portion of the packing 106 when dry plus the weight of the liquid holdup of the CO2 capture solution 114 at that portion of the packing 106) is not placed on another portion of the packing 106 (e.g., the lower portion of the packing 106). In some embodiments, the packing 106 may not include supports. The basin 109 may include one or more redistribution basins disposed at a location between the upper and lower portions of the packing 106 (e.g., between the upper basin 104 and the lower basin 110) to redistribute the CO2 capture solution 114 over the remaining packing sections. In an exemplary embodiment, the redistribution basins may be disposed on the packing 106. The redistribution basin can separate the packing 106 into at least an upper section and a lower section. The CO2 capture solution 114 can be pumped from the lower basin 110 into this redistribution basin. Alternatively, the CO2 capture solution 114 distributed from the upper basin 104 over the upper packing section can be collected in the redistribution basin and then distributed to the lower packing section located below the redistribution basin. In some embodiments, at least one structural support can be disposed between the packing sections of the packing 106.

[0146] The liquid distribution system 120 may include any suitable components, such as piping, weirs, pumps, valves, manifolds, etc., fluidly coupled in any suitable configuration to accomplish the functions ascribed to the liquid distribution system 120 herein. One non-limiting example of such a component is one or more pumps 122, an example of which is shown in FIG. 1. The pumps 122 function to move liquids under pressure, such as the CO2 capture solution 114 or the CO2-containing capture solution 111, from their source to where they are used. Some non-limiting examples of such functions of the pumps 122 include moving the CO2 capture solution 114 to the upper basin 104 and moving the CO2 capture solution 114 and / or the CO2-containing capture solution 111 from the lower basin 110 for processing or redistribution beyond the packing 106. Thus, the pumps 122 may be used to move liquids to, from, and within the gas-liquid contactor 100.

[0147] A control system (e.g., control system 999 shown in FIG. 1) may be used to control the flow of liquid through pump 122 of liquid distribution system 120. For example, the control system may be used to control pump 122 to pump CO2 capture solution 114 from the lower basin 110 to the upper basin 104. Pump 122 may also be controlled such that a constant flow rate is provided to liquid distribution system 120 regardless of changes in liquid flow across gas-liquid contactor 100.

[0148] The pump 122 may help distribute the CO2 capture solution 114 over the packing 106 at a relatively low liquid flow rate, which may help reduce costs associated with pumping or moving the CO2 capture solution 114. Additionally, a lower liquid flow rate of the CO2 capture solution 114 over the packing 106 may result in a lower pressure drop of the CO2-containing air 101 as it flows through the packing 106, which lowers the energy requirements of the device (e.g., fan 212, described below) used to move the CO2-containing air 101 over the packing 106. The pump 122 may be configured to generate an intermittent or pulsed flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 over the packing 106, which may allow for intermittent wetting of the packing 106 using a relatively low liquid flow rate. The CO2 capture solution 114 that is sprayed, flushed, or otherwise distributed beyond the packing 106 is collected in the lower basin 110 and then may be moved by pump 122 back to the upper basin 104 or sent downstream for processing.

[0149] The liquid process streams in the gas liquid contactor 100, as well as process streams in any downstream processes to which the gas liquid contactor 100 is fluidly coupled, may be flowed using one or more flow control systems (e.g., control system 999). The flow control system may include one or more flow pumps (including or in addition to pump 122), fans, blowers, or solids conveyors for moving the process streams, one or more flow piping through which the process streams are flowed, and one or more valves for regulating the flow of the streams through the piping. Each of the configurations described herein may include at least one variable frequency drive (VFD) coupled to a respective pump capable of controlling at least one liquid flow rate. In some implementations, the liquid flow rate is controlled by at least one flow control valve.

[0150] In some embodiments, the flow control systems may be operated manually. For example, an operator may set the flow rate for each pump or transfer device and set valves to an open or closed position to regulate the flow of the process stream through the piping in the flow control system. Once an operator sets the flow rate and open or closed valve positions for all flow control systems distributed throughout the system, the flow control systems may flow streams under constant flow conditions, e.g., constant volumetric flow rates or other flow conditions. To change the flow conditions, an operator may manually operate the flow control systems, for example, by changing pump flow rates or open or closed positions of valves.

[0151] In some embodiments, the flow control systems may be operated automatically. For example, the flow control systems may be connected to a computer or control system (e.g., control system 999) for operating the flow control systems. The control system may include a computer-readable medium storing instructions (e.g., flow control instructions and other instructions) executable by one or more processors to perform operations (e.g., flow control operations). An operator may use the control system to set the flow rates and open or closed positions of valves for all flow control systems distributed throughout the facility. In such embodiments, an operator may manually vary the flow conditions by providing input through the control system. Also, in such embodiments, the control system may automatically (i.e., without manual intervention) control one or more of the flow control systems, e.g., using a feedback system connected to the control system. For example, sensors (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, or other sensors) may be connected to piping through which the process stream flows. The sensors may monitor and provide flow conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature, or other flow conditions) of the process stream to the control system. In response to the flow conditions exceeding a threshold (e.g., pressure threshold, temperature threshold, or other threshold), the control system may automatically execute an operation. For example, if the pressure or temperature in the piping exceeds a pressure or temperature threshold, respectively, the control system can provide a signal to the pump to slow down the flow rate, open a valve to relieve pressure, stop the flow of the process stream, or other signal.

[0152] The gas liquid contactor 100 has a gas circulation device that functions to move or circulate a gas flow to and from the gas liquid contactor 100. In the gas liquid contactor implementation of FIG. 1, the gas circulation device of the gas liquid contactor 100 is a fan 212. The fan 212 functions to circulate a gas, such as ambient air, such that the fan 212 causes the CO2-containing air 101 to flow to the gas liquid contactor 100 and the fan 212 causes the CO2-lean gas 105 to exit the gas liquid contactor 100. Thus, the fan 212 functions to circulate the CO2-containing air 101 and the CO2-lean gas 105 in the manner described herein. With reference to FIG. 1, the fan 212 is rotatable about a fan axis formed by the fan shaft. In the implementation of the fan 212 illustrated in FIG. 1, the fan axis has an upright or vertical orientation. As will be described in more detail below, other orientations of the shaft and the fan axis are possible. 1, the fan 212 is located upstream of the end of the fan stack 107 that functions to form the exhaust 103O and induce the flow of the CO2-lean gas 105 through the exhaust 103O. In another possible configuration, the fan 212 is located elsewhere between the opposite vertical end of the fan stack 107 and upstream of the exhaust 103O, so that the fan 212 flows the CO2-lean gas 105 through the exhaust 103O. Rotation of the fan 212 about the fan axis circulates the gas to the inlet 103I and through the gas-liquid contactor 100. For example, in the gas-liquid contactor implementation of FIG. 1, rotation of the fan 212 draws the CO2-containing air 101 into the gas-liquid contactor 100 and induces the CO2-lean gas 105 to be exhausted from the gas-liquid contactor 100.

[0153] Other configurations of the gas liquid contactor 100 are possible, some of which are described in more detail herein.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 2A, the gas liquid contactor 100a may have an upright body and an air inlet 2103 along the bottom through which the CO2-containing air 101 enters the gas liquid contactor 100a. A fan 2112 rotates to draw the CO2-containing air 101 upward through the inlet 2110 and into contact with the packing section 2106. In the configuration of FIG. 2A, the gas liquid contactor 100a may be referred to as a "single-cell" gas liquid contactor 100a since it only has one packing section 2106. The CO2 capture solution 114 circulates down within the packing 2106, for example, by gravity flow, uniform flow, or laminar flow, and eventually flows into one or more lower basins 2110. As the CO2 capture solution 114 circulates through and over the packing 2106, the CO2-containing air 101 flows up through the packing 2106 (e.g., by the action of the fan 2112) and contacts the CO2 capture solution 114. Thus, the flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 through the packing 2106 in FIG. 2A is opposite (or countercurrent) to the flow of the CO2-containing air 101 through the packing 2106. A portion of the CO2 in the CO2-containing air 101 is transferred to (e.g., absorbed by) the CO2 capture solution 114, and the fan 2112 moves the CO2-lean gas 105 from the gas-liquid contactor 100a to the surrounding environment. The CO2-rich solution flows into at least one lower basin 2110.

[0155] Referring to FIG. 2B, the gas liquid contactor 100b has an upright body and an inlet 3103 along an upright side through which the CO2-containing air 101 enters the gas liquid contactor 100b. A fan 3112 rotates about a horizontal fan axis to draw the CO2-containing air 101 through the inlet 3103 in a substantially horizontal direction into contact with a section of packing 3106. In the configuration of FIG. 2B, the gas liquid contactor 100b may be referred to as a "single-cell" gas liquid contactor 100b since it only has one section of packing 3106. The CO2 capture solution 114 circulates down within the packing 3106, for example, by gravity flow, uniform flow, or laminar flow, and eventually flows to one or more lower basins 3110. As the CO2 capture solution 114 circulates through the packing 3106, the CO2-containing air 101 flows substantially horizontally through the packing 3106 (e.g., by the action of the fan 3112), thereby contacting the CO2 capture solution 114. Thus, the flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 through the packing 3106 in FIG. 2B is substantially perpendicular to the flow of the CO2-containing air 101 through the packing 3106. Such a flow configuration may be referred to as a "cross-flow" configuration. A portion of the CO2 in the CO2-containing air 101 is transferred to the CO2 capture solution 114, and the fan 3112 moves the CO2-lean gas 105 from the gas-liquid contactor 100b to the surrounding environment. The CO2-rich solution flows into at least one lower basin 3110.

[0156] Referring to FIG. 3, the gas liquid contactor 100c has an upright body and an inlet 4103 along an upright side through which the CO2-containing air 101 enters the gas liquid contactor 100c. The gas liquid contactor 100c of FIG. 3 does not have a fan or other gas flow device. The gas liquid contactor 100c is exposed to the prevailing wind direction, which causes the air (including the CO2-containing air 101) to blow through the inlet 4103 in a substantially horizontal direction and contact the section of the packing 4106. In the configuration of FIG. 3, the gas liquid contactor 100c may be referred to as a "single cell" gas liquid contactor 100c since it only has one section of the packing 4106. The CO2 capture solution 114 circulates down in the packing 4106, for example, by gravity flow, uniform flow, or laminar flow, and eventually flows to one or more lower basins 4110. As the CO2 capture solution 114 circulates through the packing 4106, the CO2-containing air 101 is blown substantially horizontally through the packing 4106, thereby contacting the CO2 capture solution 114. Thus, the flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 through the packing 4106 in FIG. 3 is substantially perpendicular to the flow of the CO2-containing air 101 through the packing 4106. Such a flow configuration may be referred to as a "cross-flow" configuration. A portion of the CO2 in the CO2-containing air 101 is transferred to the CO2 capture solution 114, and the CO2-lean gas 105 is blown out of the gas-liquid contactor 100c to the surrounding environment. The CO2-rich solution flows into at least one lower basin 4110. Thus, at least in the configuration of the gas-liquid contactor 100c in FIG. 3, no fan or other gas flowing device is required to circulate the gas flow through the packing 4106. One, some or all of the descriptions of the features and advantages and functions of the gas liquid contactor 100 of FIG. 1 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3 apply mutatis mutandis to the features of FIGS. 2A through 3.

[0157] Different configurations of the packing 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 are possible for the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. One example of the packing 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 includes or is a perforated packing. The perforated packing may include a perforated structure that allows the CO2 capture solution 114 to flow (e.g., leak) through the perforations in the perforated structure and form a liquid film on the surface of the packing 106, 2106, 3106, 4106. The liquid film of the CO2 capture solution 114 can contact the CO2-containing air 101 to produce the CO2-lean gas 105. The perforated gasket can promote wetting of the gasket surface by allowing the CO2 capture solution 114 to leak through the perforations so that droplets can coalesce and form a liquid film on the surface of the gasket 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 exposed to the CO2-containing air 101, which is maintained by surface tension.

[0158] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary perforated structure 900 that may be used in a perforated packing configuration to capture CO2 from CO2-containing air 101 in any one of the gas liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated structure 900 includes a body 908 that forms a part of the entire perforated structure 900 and provides structure thereto. The perforated structure 900 is elongated in that the body 908 extends along a longitudinal axis 901. The length of the body 908 defined along the longitudinal axis 901 is greater than any other dimension of the body (e.g., width, diameter, thickness, etc.). In other words, the body 908 is longer than it is wide. The perforated structure 900 is partially or completely hollow in that the body 908 has one or more walls 903 that form an interior volume 902 of the body 908. The one or more walls 903 may have any configuration to form an interior volume 902 of any shape or size. For example, in the configuration of the perforated structure 900 of FIG. 4, the body 908 has one tubular wall 903 to form a cylindrical or tubular perforated structure 900, the wall 903 bounding and surrounding the cylindrical interior volume 902. In FIG. 4, the perforated structure 900 may be in the form of a perforated piping. In other rolled or unrolled configurations of the perforated structure 900, examples of which are described in more detail below, the body 908 has multiple walls 903 that form any desired shape for the interior volume 902. Regardless of the shape of the wall 903 or the number of walls 903, the wall 903 forms a partial barrier to the exchange of fluid between the interior volume 902 and the surrounding environment (e.g., the flow of CO2-containing air 101).

[0159] With reference to FIG. 4, the cross-sectional shape of the body 908 (and thus the perforated structure 900) may be formed relative to a plane 909 of the body 908 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 901. The cross-sectional shape of the body 908 lies in the plane 909 and is circular in FIG. 4. In other implementations, the cross-sectional shape may be regular or irregular, or may be polygonal. The perforated structure 900 may have a cross-sectional shape that varies along its length or along another dimension. An example of a perforated structure 900 whose cross-sectional shape varies along its length is a tapered perforated structure 900, where the area of ​​the cross-sectional shape increases or decreases along the length of the perforated structure 900. Another example of a cross-sectional shape of the perforated structure 900 is one that is formed by a wall 903 having an irregular shape that forms a number of points, peaks, valleys, or other variations. The perforated structure 900 is shown in FIG. 4 as being an outwardly wound body defined about the longitudinal axis 901. In other implementations, the shape of the perforated structure 900 is not defined relative to the longitudinal axis. For example, the perforated structure 900 may be in the shape of a plate with holes drilled into one or more of its planar walls. In another example, the perforated structure 900 may be a block. Other possible non-limiting shapes or forms for the perforated structure 900 include a tube, a plate, and a sphere. It will be appreciated that the perforated structure 900 may have any suitable shape or form.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 4 , the walls 903 form one or more exterior surfaces 906. The exterior surfaces 906 face the environment outside the perforated structure 900, and thus form part or all of the outermost surface of the perforated structure 900. The walls 903 include an interior surface 907 that faces the interior volume 902 of the body 908. The thickness of the walls 903 may be defined as the distance between the exterior surface 906 and the interior surface 907. As will be explained in more detail below, the exterior surface 906 is exposed to the CO2-containing air 101 that flows around the perforated structure 900. The shape, size, texture, number, and configuration of the exterior surfaces 906 of the perforated structure 900 may vary and depend on the configuration of the walls 903. As will be explained in more detail below, the exterior surfaces 906 may be formed by or in contact with the structure of the walls 903.

[0161] The perforated structure 900 includes a plurality of perforations 904. Each perforation 904 is an opening or through-hole extending through the wall 903 between the interior surface 907 and the exterior surface 906. The perforations 904, individually and collectively, allow for exchange of fluids (e.g., gases and liquids) between the interior volume 902 and the environment surrounding the perforated structure 900. The size and arrangement of the perforations 904 are such as to allow the CO2 capture solution 114 to leak from the interior volume 902 to the exterior surface 906, thereby causing a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution 114 to form on the exterior surface 906. The size, arrangement, and / or shape of the perforations 904 may be such as to promote the formation of the liquid film. In implementations in which the perforations are round (e.g., circular or elliptical), the perforations 904 may be sized to have a diameter ranging from less than 0.1 mm to 10 mm. In implementations where the perforations are round, the perforations 904 may be sized such that the diameter ranges from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. For example, perforations 904 with a diameter of about 1 mm may form a liquid film. In some implementations, the perforations 904 have variable diameters in that a first group of perforations 904 has a first diameter and at least one other group of perforations 904 has a second diameter that is different from the first diameter. The perforations 904 may also have other shapes. Non-limiting examples of different shapes of the perforations 904 include regular and irregular shapes and polygonal shapes (e.g., triangles, squares, pentagons, etc.). For such various shapes of the perforations 904, the largest dimension (e.g., width) of a given perforation 904 may range from 0.1 mm to 10 mm.

[0162] The perforations 904 may be spaced apart to promote the formation of a liquid film. The spacing of the perforations may be characterized by a pitch (e.g., center-to-center hole spacing). In implementations where the perforations are round, the pitch may range from 1.0 to 10 times the diameter of the perforations. In implementations where the perforations are round, the pitch may range from 1.25 to 5 times the diameter of the perforations. In implementations where the perforations are round, the pitch may range from 2 to 10 times the diameter of the perforations. For example, the perforations 904 may be spaced apart from one another by at least 0.5 mm to promote the formation of a liquid film. In some implementations, the perforations 904 may be spaced apart from one another in a grid-like arrangement. For example, the perforations 904 may be spaced apart in a hexagonal shape, a square shape, or a combination thereof.

[0163] The effective spacing of the perforations 904 may depend on several factors, including the size of the perforations 904, the orientation or placement of the perforated structure 900, maintaining the structural integrity of the material used for the perforated structure 900, the surface tension and viscosity of the CO2 capture solution 114, or the pressure drop and velocity of the gas / liquid phase. In some implementations, the size or spacing of the perforations 904 may be on the order of less than the characteristic dimension of a typical droplet to allow for the formation of a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution 114. For example, the size or spacing of the perforations 904 may be such as to increase the surface area wetted via capillary action or surface tension of the CO2 capture solution 114. In some implementations, the size or spacing of the perforations 904 may be on the order of more than the characteristic dimension of a typical droplet to allow for the rupture of the film and dispersion of the droplets. In some implementations, the perforated structure 900 may further include other structures forming part of the exterior surface 906, as described in more detail below. These structures, together with the perforations 904, may allow the formation of a liquid film of the CO2 capture solution 114.

[0164] The number, pattern / arrangement, and extent of the perforations 904 of a given perforated structure 900 may vary. For example, in the implementation of the perforated structure 900 of FIG. 4, the perforations 904 are disposed along the entire length of the wall 903, such that the entire perforated structure 900 is perforated. In another possible implementation, an example of which is shown in FIG. 10, the perforated structure 5900 is only partially perforated along its length, in that the perforations 904 are present along only a portion of the length of the body 5908. The perforated structures 5900 have an upright orientation and are perforated only along the top of their body 5908. In such a configuration of the perforated structure 5900, the CO2 capture solution 114 is configured to flow into the interior volume 5902 and leak through the perforations 904 at the top of the body 5908. This forms a film of CO2 capture solution 114 along the top of the body 5908, which may form along the entire length of the perforated structure 5900 as gravity flows from the top of the body 5908 to the non-perforated bottom. In another possible implementation of the perforated structure, the perforations 904 are only present in the perforated sections of the perforated structure, which are adjacent to or alternate with non-perforated sections of the perforated structure. The perforations 904 may be arranged on the exterior wall 903 to form a pattern or shape. The pattern or shape may include, but is not limited to, a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle. Any suitable configuration of perforations 904 is possible, and the configuration of perforations may be selected based on the size of the perforations 904, the orientation or placement of the perforated structure 900, maintaining the structural integrity of the material used for the perforated structure 900, the surface tension and viscosity of the CO2 capture solution 114, or the gas / liquid phase pressure drop and velocity. Similarly, the configuration of perforations 904 may vary within a single perforated structure, and they may be evenly or unevenly spaced to achieve a desired flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 film along the exterior surface 906.

[0165] 5 shows an example of a perforated packing 1000 that may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 1000 of FIG. 5 includes a plurality of perforated structures 1002.

[0166] Referring to FIG. 5, the perforated structures 1002 are spaced apart from one another to form an arrangement 1009 of perforated structures 1002. In FIG. 5, the perforated structures 1002 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 flowing through the perforated packing 1000. The perforated structures 1002 may also be spaced apart from one another in other directions, such as a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D (i.e., perpendicular to the page of FIG. 5). Each perforated structure 1002 has a unique outer wall 1903 that is a separate structure from the outer wall 1903 of an adjacent perforated structure 1002. Each perforated structure 1002 has a unique perforation 904 that is separate from the perforations 904 of an adjacent perforated structure 1002. The perforated packing 1000 has a flow gap 1012 formed between adjacent perforated structures 1002. The flow gap 1012 constitutes a portion of the volume of the interior 113 in which the perforated packing 1000 is located and is in fluid communication with the plenum 108. The CO2-containing air 101 flows between the perforated structures 1002 through the flow gap 1012, thereby allowing the CO2 in the CO2-containing air 101 to be absorbed by a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 on the exterior surface 1906 of the perforated structure 1002.

[0167] Referring to the perforated packing 1000 in FIG. 5, the orientation of the perforated structures 1002 is vertical. This orientation of the perforated structures 1002 allows the CO2 capture solution 114 to fill each perforated structure 1002. In steady state operation of the perforated packing 1000, the perforated structures 1002 are filled with the CO2 capture solution 114, creating a liquid film 1007 along the outer surface 1906. In initial start-up operation or pulsed flow operation of the perforated packing 1000, the perforated structures 1002 are filled with the CO2 capture solution 114 simultaneously, sequentially, or a combination of both. The vertical orientation of the perforated structures 1002 allows the liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 to flow down along the outer surface 1906 of the perforated structures 1002 by gravity. Thus, the perforated structure 1002 is oriented such that the average flow direction of the CO 2 capture solution 114 is along the longitudinal axis 1901 of the perforated structure 1002 .

[0168] 5, the perforated packing 1000 includes one or more feed structures 1004. The feed structures 1004 are fluidly coupled to the perforated structures 1002 such that the CO2 capture solution 114 can flow from the feed structures 1004 to the internal volume 1902 of each perforated structure 1002. When the CO2 capture solution 114 flows through the perforated packing 1000, the feed structures 1004 are operable to flow (e.g., through pumping or gravity flow or both) the CO2 capture solution 114 through the body 1903 and perforations 904 of each perforated structure 1002. Thus, the CO2 capture solution 114 leaks from the internal volume 1902 through the perforations 904 to the external surface 1906 of the perforated structure 1002. The supply structure 1004 is in fluid communication with one or more features of the liquid distribution system 120, such as one or more of the basin 109, piping, and pump 122, to receive the CO2 capture solution 114 before flowing it to the perforated structure 1002.

[0169] The CO2 capture solution 114 then forms a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 on the exterior surface 1906. The fluid dynamics that cause the formation of the liquid film 1007 can vary. For example, in one possible configuration, the liquid film 1007 begins to form as droplets of the CO2 capture solution 114 emerge from the perforations 904 on the exterior surface 1906 and begin to coalesce into the liquid film 1007. The liquid film 1007 remains substantially stationary (e.g., does not flow along the exterior surface 1906) until the accumulation of CO2 capture solution 114 on the liquid film 1007 is sufficient to allow the CO2 capture solution 114 to flow along the exterior surface 1906. This flowing CO2 capture solution 114 is maintained as a liquid film 1007 by the surface tension of the exterior surface 1906. 5, the liquid film 1007 flows down along the exterior surface 1906 of the perforated structure 1002 due to gravity. In an implementation, the liquid film 1007 is continuous across a given extent of the exterior surface 1906 of the perforated structure 1002 in that it is uninterrupted across said extent. In other possible implementations, the liquid film 1007 is discontinuous across said extent in that there may be portions of the extent of the exterior surface 1906 of a given perforated structure 1002 where the liquid film 1007 is not present.

[0170] The exposed surface of the liquid film 1007 is the gas-liquid interface between the CO2-containing air 101 and the CO2 capture solution 114 flowing between the external surface 1906 and the external surface 1906. The CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 is absorbed into the liquid film 1007 to form the CO2-containing capture solution 111 and the CO2-lean gas 105. The CO2-lean gas 105 is exhausted from the perforated packing 1000, and the CO2-containing capture solution 111 can be included in a mixed solution with the unreacted CO2 capture solution 114. The solution of the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing capture solution 111 flows along the external surface 1906 (downward in FIG. 5) as a liquid film 1007. The liquid film 1007 eventually breaks at the bottom end of the perforated structure 1002 to form droplets of solution that are collected in the lower basin 1010. From the lower basin 1010, the solution can be processed as described above. The liquid film 1007 may have any suitable properties that may be similar to the properties of the CO2 capture solution 114 described above. The thickness of the liquid film 1007 may vary over the extent of the perforated structure 1002.

[0171] Thus, the perforated structures disclosed herein (e.g., perforated structures 900, 1002) allow for the formation of a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114. Thus, the perforated packings disclosed herein (e.g., perforated packing 1000) promote wetting of the packing surface by allowing the CO2 capture solution 114 to leak through the perforations so that droplets can coalesce to form a liquid film 1007 that is maintained by surface tension. The perforated packings disclosed herein (e.g., perforated packing 1000) allow for the formation of a liquid film 1007 on all packing surfaces regardless of the orientation of the perforated structure, as the CO2 capture solution 114 leaks in and out through the perforations. Thus, the perforated packings disclosed herein may be suitable for increasing the substantial mass transfer of CO2 from the ambient air to the CO2 capture solution 114 over most, if not all, of the surface area of ​​the perforated packing by forming a continuous liquid film 1007.

[0172] The supply structure 1004 may have various configurations to achieve the functions ascribed to it herein. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the supply structure 1004 is fluidly coupled to the body 1903 of each perforated structure 1002. In the implementation of FIG. 5, the supply structure 1004 is fluidly coupled directly to the body 1903 of each perforated structure 1002, so that the CO2 capture solution 114 flows directly from the supply structure 1004 to the internal volume 1902 of the perforated structure 1002. In other implementations, examples of which are described below, the supply structure 1004 is indirectly coupled to the perforated structure 1002. The supply structure 1004 includes one or more supply pipes or supply conduits 1005. The supply conduits 1005 are elongated and at least partially hollow bodies with one or more walls that enclose a supply conduit internal volume 1011. The supply conduit internal volume 1011 is in fluid communication with the internal volume 1902 of each body 1903 via one or more conduit openings 1013 in the wall of the supply conduit 1005. The supply conduit 1005 is configured to supply the CO2 capture solution 114 to each perforated structure 1002 sequentially (e.g., by filling one perforated structure 1002 before completely filling the next perforated structure 1002) or simultaneously (e.g., by filling all perforated structures 1002 substantially simultaneously). The supply conduit 1005 is in fluid communication with one or more features of the liquid distribution system 120, such as one or more of the basin 109, piping, and pump 122, to receive the CO2 capture solution 114 before flowing it to the perforated structures 1002.

[0173] In the supply structure 1004 of FIG. 5, the supply conduit 1005 is a solid body that does not form a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 along its exterior surface. In another configuration of the supply structure 4004, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9, one or more supply conduits 4005 are at least partially perforated. With reference to FIG. 9, the orientation of the supply conduit 4005 is horizontal and the supply conduit 4005 has supply conduit perforations 4007 that extend through at least a lower portion of the supply conduit 4005. Such a perforated supply conduit 4005 allows the CO2 capture solution 114 to flow or leak through the supply conduit 4005 and form a liquid film 1007 on the horizontally extending exterior surface of the supply conduit 4005, thereby providing a larger wetted surface area between the perforated structure 1002 and the perforated structure 1002 that can participate in absorbing CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101. If desired, supply conduit perforations 4007 may also be present in the upper portion of the supply conduit 4005 .

[0174] Referring to FIG. 5, the supply conduit 1005 is an elongated body that defines a supply conduit axis 1015. The perforated structures 1002 are coupled to the supply conduit 1005 at a non-parallel angle. The supply conduit axis 1015 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1901 of each of the perforated structures 1002. By "orthogonal," it is understood that the supply conduit axis 1015 is perpendicular to a first plane, and the longitudinal axis 1901 is perpendicular to a second plane that intersects the first plane and is not parallel to it. In the perforated packing 1000 of FIG. 5, the first and second planes are perpendicular to each other, so that the perforated structure 1002 is perpendicular to the supply conduit 1005. Thus, the CO2 capture solution 144 is flowed through the supply conduit 1005 along a first direction and within the perforated structure 1002 along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The CO2 capture solution 114 flows through the perforated structure 1002 along a liquid direction perpendicular to the flow direction D. In another possible configuration of the relationship between the supply conduit 1005 and the perforated structure 1002, the supply conduit 1015 and the longitudinal axis 1901 are parallel, and the supply conduit 1005 has a bifurcated end that feeds the perforated structure 1002. Referring to FIG. 5, each perforated structure 1002 is spaced apart from adjacent perforated structures 1002 in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis 1015. Similarly, the inlets 1017 of the perforated structures 1002 that are fluidly coupled to the supply conduit interior volume 1011 are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis 1015. In the perforated packing 1000 of FIG. 5, the end of each perforated structure 1002 opposite its inlet 1017 is closed so that the CO2 capture solution 114 can fill the internal volume 1902 of each perforated structure 1002 and generate the hydrostatic pressure necessary for the CO2 capture solution 114 to leak through the perforations 904 to the exterior surface 1906. Thus, the flow or leakage of the CO2 capture solution 114 through the perforations 904 can be caused by a pressure differential. In other configurations of perforated packings disclosed herein, examples of which are described below, the perforated structures are at least partially open at their end opposite their inlets. In the perforated packing 1000 of FIG. 5, the perforated structures 1002 have a vertical orientation and the perforations 904 are disposed below the inlets 1017 of the perforated structures 1002.Thus, the inlet 1017 is located directly above and vertically aligned with the perforations 904. One, some or all of the descriptions of the perforated structures 900, 5900 given above, and advantages, features and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated structure 1002 of FIG.

[0175] FIG. 6 shows another example of a perforated packing 1100, which may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 1100 of FIG. 6 includes a plurality of perforated structures 1102. The description of the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002 given above, as well as one, some, or all of the advantages, features, and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated structure 1102 of FIG. 6. The description of the perforated packing 1000 given above, as well as one, some, or all of the advantages, features, and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated packing 1100 of FIG. 6.

[0176] Referring to FIG. 6, the perforated structures 1102 are spaced apart from each other to form an arrangement 1109 of the perforated structures 1102. In FIG. 6, the perforated structures 1102 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 flowing through the perforated packing 1100, which is a direction into the page of FIG. 6. The perforated structures 1102 may also be spaced apart from each other in other directions, such as a direction parallel to the flow direction D (i.e., a direction into the page of FIG. 6). The orientation of the perforated structures 1102 is horizontal. This orientation of the perforated structures 1102 allows a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 to form along the external surface 1106 of the perforated structures 1102 due to a pressure differential between the CO2 capture solution 114 accumulated in the internal volume 2902 and the external surface 1106. Thus, the perforated structure 1102 is oriented such that the average flow direction of the CO2 capture solution 114 is along the longitudinal axis 2901 of the perforated structure 1102. In the horizontally oriented perforated structure 1102 configuration of FIG. 6, the liquid film 1007 forms along the top, bottom, and sides of the external surface 1106 until enough CO2 capture solution 114 accumulates at the bottom of the external surface 1106 to form droplets of solution of the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing capture solution 111. The liquid film 1007 eventually breaks along the bottom of the external surface 1106 to form droplets of solution that are collected in the basin 1110. The thickness of the liquid film 1007 can vary over the extent of the perforated structure 1102.

[0177] 6, the supply structure 1104 is fluidly coupled to the body 2903 of each perforated structure 1102. In the implementation of FIG. 6, the supply structure 1104 is fluidly coupled directly to the body 2903 of each perforated structure 1102 such that the CO2 capture solution 114 flows directly from the supply structure 1104 to the interior volume 2902 of the perforated structure 1102. The supply conduit 2005 is in fluid communication with one or more features of the liquid distribution system 120, such as one or more of the basin 109, piping, and pump 122, to receive the CO2 capture solution 114 prior to flowing it to the perforated structure 1102.

[0178] 6, the perforated structures 1102 are coupled to the supply conduit 2005 at a non-parallel angle. The supply conduit axis 1115 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 2901 of each of the perforated structures 1102. In the perforated packing 1100 of FIG. 6, the perforated structures 1102 are perpendicular to the supply conduit 2005. In FIG. 6, each perforated structure 1102 is spaced apart from the adjacent perforated structure 1102 in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis 1115. In the perforated packing 1100 of FIG. 6, the end of each perforated structure 1102 opposite its inlet 1128 is closed, so that the CO2 capture solution 114 can fill the internal volume 2902 of each perforated structure 1102 and generate the hydrostatic pressure necessary for the CO2 capture solution 114 to leak through the perforations 904 to the exterior surface 1106. Thus, flow or leakage of the CO2 capture solution 114 through the perforations 904 may be caused by a pressure differential. In the perforated packing 1100 of Figure 6, the perforated structure 1102 is horizontally oriented and the perforations 904 are horizontally spaced from the inlet 1128 of the perforated structure 1102. Thus, the perforations 904 are horizontally spaced from the supply conduit 2005.

[0179] 6, the supply conduit 2005 is configured to supply the CO2 capture solution 114 to each perforated structure 1102. In steady state operation of the perforated packing 1100, the perforated structures 1102 are filled with the CO2 capture solution 114, creating a liquid film 1007 along the outer surface 1106. In an initial start-up operation or pulsed flow operation of the perforated packing 1100, the perforated structures 1102 are filled with the CO2 capture solution 114 simultaneously (e.g., by filling all perforated structures 1102 substantially simultaneously), sequentially (e.g., by at least partially filling one perforated structure 1102 before filling the next perforated structure 1102), or a combination of both. In the implementation of FIG. 6, the CO2 capture solution 114 can be supplied from the top of the supply structure 1104 (e.g., by gravity or a pump). In some implementations, the CO2 capture solution 114 may be pumped out of the bottom of the supply structure 1104. The CO2 capture solution 114 may flow or drip from the upper perforated structure 1102 to the lower perforated structure 1102. This may be beneficial because the top of the lower perforated structure 1102 may get wet with the dripping CO2 capture solution 114, which may increase the wettability and therefore the efficiency of capturing CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101.

[0180] Other configurations of the supply structures 1004, 1104 are possible. For example, in another possible configuration of the supply structures 1004, 1104, the supply structures 1004, 1104 do not have a supply conduit 1005. In such a configuration, the supply structures 1004, 1104 may be or include a basin, such as an upper basin 104 or a fluid manifold. The perforated structures 1002, 1102 may be fluidly coupled directly to such supply structures 1004, 1104 to receive the CO2 capture solution 114. In another possible configuration of the supply structures 1004, 1104, the supply conduit 1005, 2005 supplies only some of the perforated structures 1002, 1102, and the CO2 capture solution 114 flows from the perforated structures 1002, 1102 to which it is supplied to the other perforated structures 1002, 1102. In some cases, the perforated structures 1002, 1102 are coupled to more than one supply structure 1004, 1104. In some possible configurations of the perforated packing 1000, 1100, the perforated structures 1102, 1102 are both vertically and horizontally oriented. Although shown as cylindrical troughs in some drawings, the perforated structures 900, 1002, 1102 and supply structures 1004, 1104 may be in the form of plates, spheres, blocks, tubes, or combinations thereof.

[0181] The perforated packing 1000, 1100 of Figures 5 and 6 may be implemented in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein in any one of a cross-flow configuration, a concurrent flow configuration, and a counter-flow configuration. In a cross-flow configuration, the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the CO2 capture solution 114 flows through the perforated packing 1000, 1100. In some cases, the perforated packing 1000, 1100 may be implemented in a counter-flow configuration. In a counter-flow configuration, the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 is substantially parallel to the direction in which the CO2 capture solution 114 flows through the perforated packing 1000, 1100, and the flow direction D is toward the feed structure 1004, 1104. Structural integrity may be a consideration in the overall design of the perforated packing 1000, 1100 and may be influenced by a number of design factors, such as the diameter and length of the perforated structure, the material of construction of the perforated structure, the size and placement and spacing of the perforations, and the operating conditions (e.g., pressure, temperature). Structural integrity may also be influenced by the addition of support or structural members. In some cases, the nominal perforation diameter may be reduced and / or the perforation spacing may be increased to increase structural stability.

[0182] FIG. 7 shows another example of a perforated packing 2000, which may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 2000 of FIG. 7 includes a plurality of perforated structures 2002. The description of the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102 given above, as well as one, some, or all of the advantages, features, and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated structure 2002 of FIG. 7. The description of the perforated packings 1000, 1100 given above, as well as one, some, or all of the advantages, features, and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated packing 2000 of FIG. 7.

[0183] Referring to Fig. 7, the perforated structures 2002 are spaced apart from each other to form an arrangement 2009 of the perforated structures 2002. In Fig. 7, the perforated structures 2002 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 flowing through the perforated packing 2000. The perforated structures 2002 are also spaced apart from each other in other directions, such as a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D (i.e., parallel to the feed conduit axis 2015 of the multiple feed conduits 2005 of the feed structure 2004). The perforated structures 2002 are vertically oriented and positioned immediately above the lower basin 2010 of the gas-liquid contactor, so that the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing capture solution 111 can be collected in the lower basin 2010. The multiple feed conduits 2005 extend vertically from the feed manifold 2007 of the feed structure 2004. A plurality of perforated structures 2002 extend vertically and plumb down from each supply conduit 2005. The longitudinal axis 2001 of each perforated structure 2002 is orthogonal (eg, vertical) to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101.

[0184] 7, the arrangement 2009 of perforated structures 2002 includes rows 2011 of perforated structures 2002. Each row 2011 includes a plurality of perforated structures 2002 fed by a single supply conduit 2005. The perforated structures 2002 in a row 2011 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to a supply conduit axis 2015 of the supply conduit 2005 of the row 2011. The rows 2011 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the flow direction D. The spacing of the perforated structures 2002 in the row 2011 and each row 2011 forms a flow gap 2012 between the perforated structures 2002 of the perforated packing 2000 and the perforated structures 2002. The depth 2013 of the arrangement 2009 is measured in a direction parallel to the flow direction D. The depth 2013 can vary. Non-limiting example values ​​for depth 2013 are between 2 meters and 10 meters. Depth 2013 of arrangement 2009 can be equal to or less than the air movement depth (e.g., packing depth) through packing 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 in the gas liquid contactor 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein.

[0185] FIG. 8 shows another example of a perforated packing 3000, which may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 3000 of FIG. 8 includes a plurality of perforated structures 3002. The description of the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002 given above, as well as one, some or all of the advantages, features and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated structure 3002 of FIG. 8. The description of the perforated packings 1000, 1100, 2000 given above, as well as one, some or all of the advantages, features and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated packing 3000 of FIG. 8.

[0186] Referring to Fig. 8, the perforated structures 3002 are spaced apart from each other to form an arrangement 3009 of the perforated structures 3002. In Fig. 8, the perforated structures 3002 are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 flowing through the perforated packing 3000. The perforated structures 3002 are also spaced apart from each other in other directions, such as a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D (i.e., vertical in the page of Fig. 8, also parallel to the feed conduit axis 3015 of the multiple feed conduits 3005 of the feed structure 3004). The perforated structures 3002 are oriented horizontally, some of which are located above one or more other perforated structures 3002, and all of which are located just above the lower basin 3010 of the gas-liquid contactor, so that the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing capture solution 111 can be collected in the lower basin 3010. A plurality of supply conduits 3005 extend vertically from a supply manifold 3007 of the supply structure 3004. A plurality of perforated structures 3002 extend vertically and horizontally from each supply conduit 3005. The longitudinal axis 3001 of each perforated structure 3002 is orthogonal (e.g., vertical) to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101.

[0187] 8, the arrangement 3009 of perforated structures 3002 includes rows 3011 of perforated structures 3002. In the perforated packing 3000 of FIG. 8, each row 3011 includes a plurality of perforated structures 3002, each fed by a different feed conduit 3005. The rows 3011 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the feed conduit axis 3015 of the feed conduit 3005. The perforated structures 3002 in each row 3011 are spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the flow direction D. The spacing of the perforated structures 3002 in the rows 3011 and each row 3011 forms a flow gap 3012 between the perforated structures 3002 of the perforated packing 3000. The depth 3013 of the arrangement 3009 is measured in a direction parallel to the flow direction D. The depth 3013 can vary. Non-limiting example values ​​for the depth 3013 are between 2 meters and 10 meters. The depth 3013 of the arrangement 3009 can be equal to or less than the air movement depth (e.g., packing depth) through the packing 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 of the gas liquid contactor 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein.

[0188] FIG. 11 shows another example of a perforated packing 6000, which may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 6000 of FIG. 11 includes a plurality of perforated structures 6002. The description of the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002 given above, as well as one, some or all of the advantages, features and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated structure 6002 of FIG. 11. The description of the perforated packings 1000, 1100, 2000, 3000 given above, as well as one, some or all of the advantages, features and functions, apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated packing 6000 of FIG. 11.

[0189] Referring to FIG. 11, the perforated structures 6002 are spaced apart from one another to form an arrangement 6009 of perforated structures 6002. In FIG. 11, the perforated structures 6002 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 flowing through the perforated packing 6000. In FIG. 11, the perforated structures 6002 are equally spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D. In other possible implementations, the spacing between the perforated structures 6002 varies. The perforated structures 6002 are in the form of a plate or block with perforations 904 extending through one or more planar walls of the perforated structures 6002. A single supply conduit 6005 extends perpendicular to the extent of the perforated structures 6002 formed along the flow direction D.

[0190] Figure 12 shows another example of a perforated packing 7000 which may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 7000 of Figure 12 includes a single perforated structure 7002. One, some or all of the descriptions and advantages, features and functions of the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002 given above apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated structure 7002 of Figure 12. One, some or all of the descriptions and advantages, features and functions of the perforated packings 1000, 1100, 2000, 3000, 6000 given above apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated packing 7000 of FIG.

[0191] 12, a single perforated structure 7002 includes perforated structural segments 7004 interconnected by supports 7006. The perforated structural segments 7004 are spaced apart from one another to form an arrangement 7009 of perforated structures 7002. In FIG. 12, the perforated structural segments 7004 are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction D of the CO2-containing air 101 flowing through the perforated packing 7000. The perforated structural segments 7004 are in the form of a plate or block with perforations 904 extending through one or more planar walls of the perforated structural segments 7004. A single supply conduit 7005 extends perpendicular to the extent of the perforated structural segments 7004 formed along the flow direction D. 12 has perforations 904 and therefore contributes to the surface area of ​​the perforated packing 7000 that can be wetted by the CO2 capture solution 114 for mass transfer of CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101. The support 7006 may provide more turbulence in the flow of the CO2-containing air 101 through the perforated packing 7000, which may also improve mass transfer of CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 to the CO2 capture solution 114.

[0192] In at least some implementations, the perforated packing may allow some or all of the mass transfer of CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 to the CO2 capture solution 114 to occur within the perforated structure. In some implementations, a lean gas mixture is provided to the interior volume of the perforated structure, and the CO2 capture solution 114 flows or leaks from the exterior surface to the interior volume through the perforations 904. In such implementations, the CO2 in the lean gas mixture is transferred (e.g., absorbed) to the capture solution in the interior volume. In some implementations, the supply structure provides the CO2-containing air 101 to the interior volume of the perforated structure. The CO2 capture solution 114 flows against the exterior surface of the perforated structure, flows (e.g., leaks) through the perforations 904, and can form a liquid film on the interior surface of the perforated structure where it contacts the second fluid CO2-containing air 101. In such cases, CO2-lean gas 105 is produced in the interior volume. The CO2 lean gas 105 and CO2 capture solution 114 can exit the interior volume of the perforated structure, for example, by being drawn through at least one exhaust port.

[0193] FIG. 13 provides an example of a perforated packing 8000 in which mass transfer of CO2 from the CO2-laden air 101 to the CO2 capture solution 114 occurs within the perforated structure 8002. FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a perforated packing 8000, which may constitute some or all of the packings 106, 2106, 3106, 4106 used in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. The perforated packing 8000 of FIG. 13 includes a plurality of perforated structures 8002. One, some, or all of the descriptions of the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002, 7002, and advantages, features, and functions given above apply to the perforated structure 8002 of FIG. 13, mutatis mutandis. One, some or all of the descriptions and advantages, features and functions of the perforated packings 1000, 1100, 2000, 3000, 6000, 7000 given above apply mutatis mutandis to the perforated packing 8000 of FIG.

[0194] Referring to Fig. 13, the perforated structures 8002 are spaced apart from one another to form an arrangement 8009 of perforated structures 8002. In Fig. 13, the perforated structures 8002 are submerged in a container 8011 of CO2 capture solution 114 and are thus immersed in the CO2 capture solution 114. The container 8011 may be a component of the supply structure of the perforated packing 8000. The perforated structures 8002 are oriented horizontally and extend from an inlet 8004 in fluid communication with an air supply conduit 8006. The air supply conduit 8006 supplies CO2-containing air 101 to the perforated structures 8002. The perforated structures 8002 have an outlet 8008 in fluid communication with an outlet conduit 8010. The perforated structures 8002 of Fig. 13 are open at both ends. The exhaust conduit 8010 helps to vent or exhaust the CO2 lean gas 105 to the atmosphere and also collects the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2 containing capture solution 111 solution, which flows through the exhaust conduit 810 and is processed as described above.

[0195] 13, perforated structures 8002 are vertically spaced apart. Perforated structures 8002 have a plurality of perforations 904. Perforations 904 may be present only along the top of perforated structure 8002, such that the bottom of perforated structure 8002 is not perforated. Alternatively, both the top and bottom of perforated structure 8002 may have perforations 904.

[0196] Due to the pressure difference between the CO2 capture solution 114 in the vessel 8011 and the internal volume 8001 of the perforated structure 8002, the CO2 capture solution 114 leaks into the internal volume 8001 and forms a liquid film 1007 along the internal surface 8013 of the perforated structure 8002. The surface of the liquid film 1007 is the gas-liquid interface between the CO2-containing air 101 and the CO2 capture solution 114 flowing along the internal surface 8013. The CO2 from the CO2-containing air 101 is absorbed by the liquid film 1007 to form a solution of the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing capture solution 111, forming the CO2-lean gas 105 that is exhausted through the exhaust conduit 8010. The solution finally flows through the internal volume 8001 to the exhaust conduit 8010. The level of the CO2 capture solution 114 in the vessel 8011 can be selected to generate enough hydrostatic pressure to cause the CO2 capture solution 114 to leak into the perforated structure 8002, but not enough to cause the perforated structure 8002 to collapse under its own weight. Thus, in the perforated packing 8000 of FIG. 13, mass transfer of CO2 from the CO2-laden air 101 to the CO2 capture solution 114 occurs within the perforated structure 8002.

[0197] The arrangements of perforated structures disclosed herein (such as arrangements 1009, 1109, 2009, 3009, 6009, 7009, and 8009) may position the perforated structures in any suitable configuration. Non-limiting examples include hexagonal, square, rectangular, triangular, circular, staggered, or combinations thereof arrangements of perforated structures.

[0198] The perforated structures (such as the perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002, 7002, 8002 disclosed herein) may include structures adjacent to the walls forming the exterior surface of the perforated structure, which may promote the formation of a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 and increase the mass transfer area. These structures may be used to tailor the contact angle of the CO2 capture solution 114 on the surface of the perforated structure to allow for tailoring of the surface roughness and increase the wetted surface area. The shape of the surface of the perforated structure may affect the apparent contact angle θ A can be used to adjust

[0199] Poor wettability and hydrophobicity (e.g., tendency to repel or not mix with liquids) are usually associated with a large contact angle θ. As shown in FIG. 14B, the contact angle θ is defined as the angle between the solid-liquid interface 308 and the gas-liquid interface 309 measured through the solution 114. The contact angle θ can affect the flow regime of the CO2 capture solution 114 flowing against the surface of the perforated structure. For example, a large contact angle θ (e.g., greater than 70 degrees and less than 150 degrees) can result in riblet flow along the surface and a low wetting fraction ε (e.g., wetted surface area), which can reduce the gas-liquid interfacial area of ​​the surface available for mass transfer from the CO2-laden air 101 to the CO2 capture solution 114. In contrast, a low contact angle θ (e.g., greater than 20 degrees and less than 50 degrees) can result in a liquid film flow along the surface of the perforated structure and a high wetting fraction ε. Referring to FIG. 14C, the apparent contact angle θ A is the angle between the apparent solid surface 305 (not the actual solid surface 906) and the gas-liquid interface 309. γ is the angle between the actual solid surface 906 and the gas-liquid interface 309.

[0200] The structure can affect the "macroscopic" flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 over the surface and can affect the contact angle θ of the CO2 capture solution 114 at the surface. The structure may include patterns such as ridges, tubes, flutes, herringbones, or channels, which affect the tendency of the liquid film 1007 to move backwards, forwards, or in a straight line along the exterior surface, depending on the speed of the air and the stiffness of the perforated structure. The structure can affect the apparent contact angle θ A It may be a small scale pattern or structure that may reduce the pressure and allow the liquid film 1007 to flow.

[0201] 14A and 14D, the wall 903 of the perforated structure 900 includes a plurality of structures 1405. The structures 1405 may be arranged in any regular or irregular arrangement or pattern on the wall 903. The structures 1405 and the wall 903 collectively form the exterior surface 906 of the perforated structure 900. Non-limiting examples of the structures 1405 include bumps, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers. In some implementations, the perforated structure 900 may include pores or is a porous material. The porous material may be amorphous or non-uniform and include grooves or depressions that may have characteristic dimensions (e.g., about 1 mm). The porous material may enable the formation of a larger liquid film 1007 by increasing the wettable surface area of ​​the perforated structure 900.

[0202] The structure 1405 of the perforated structure 900 has an apparent contact angle θ A (Actual contact angle θ γ The structures 1405 may be very small scale features that improve wetting of the CO2 capture solution 114 through the effect of contact angle θ (rather than θ). The size of the structures 1405 may be on the order of millimeters. In configurations where the structures 1405 include ridges, they have a low apparent contact angle θ A In some implementations, the ridges may have a width of less than 10 mm. For example, the ridges may be on the order of 1 mm to 2 mm. The ridges may be used to achieve better wetting by the CO2 capture solution 114 compared to a surface 906 without these structures 1405.

[0203] Some structures 1405 may protrude from the wall 903. In some implementations, the structures 1405 protruding from the wall 903 may comprise a material different from the material of the wall 903. For example, the structures 1405 may comprise granules or fibers that are introduced into the wall 903 during manufacturing to increase the surface roughness of the initially smooth exterior surface 906. Adding fibers to a perforated structure can achieve a tactile feel similar to a fiberglass sheet. Some structures 1405 may be recessed into the wall 903. For example, the structures 1405 may comprise dimples, etches, pores, perforations, or combinations thereof that may be introduced to increase the surface roughness of the initially smooth exterior surface 906. The size, spacing, and shape of these structures 1405 may be, for example, 0 L / m 2 s to 10 L / m 2 For liquid fill flow rates of the CO2 capture solution 114 in the range of s, the apparent contact angle θ A (e.g., to 50 degrees or less). In some cases, the structure 1405 may be selected to have a lateral cross section of 0.5 L / m 2 s to 2.5 L / m 2 The contact angle is designed to be small for low liquid fill rates in the range of s.

[0204] 14A and 14E, the wall 903 of the perforated structure 900 includes a number of structures 1407. The wall 903 may be corrugated or may include structures to form a corrugated exterior surface 906. For example, the structures 1407 may be ridges that form a cross-sectional shape with peaks 1409 and valleys 1411. Exemplary structures 1407 include ridges having trapezoidal and / or triangular shapes. The ridges may also form other cross-sectional shapes. Other examples of structures 1407 for the perforated structure 900 include channels or flutes. In some implementations, the structures 1407 may include dimensions larger than the structures 1405.

[0205] 14A and 14F, the wall 903 of the perforated structure 900 includes a hydrophilic surface 1415. Since the wetted area of ​​the surface 906 of the perforated structure 900 determines the amount of exposure of the CO2 capture solution 114 to the CO2 in the air, the hydrophilic surface 1415 increases the wetted area for a given volume of the CO2 capture solution 114, and a hydrophilic material can be used for the surface 906 of the perforated structure 900. To form the hydrophilic surface 1415, for example, a hydrophilic coating is used to increase the surface energy and reduce the contact angle. A hydrophilic surface 1415, which may result from a surface treatment that exposes a material to change its bonding to the surface, can also achieve similar results. By exhibiting hydrophilic rather than hydrophobic properties, the perforated structure may be able to increase the contact between the liquid CO2 capture solution 114 and the flow of CO2-containing air 101 across the surface 906 of the perforated structure 900. Design criteria for the hydrophilic surface 1415 that reflect good performance may include, but are not limited to, low hydrostatic pressure design, ability to distribute liquid evenly throughout the extent of the perforated structure 900, low fouling capability, improved air contact efficiency, lower material requirements, and manufacturability. The hydrophilic surface 1415 may be formed, for example, by applying a coating. Instead of or in addition to a coating, the hydrophilic surface 1415 may be formed by exposing the exterior surface 906 to some surface treatment, which may result in changes to the bonds at the surface 906 to improve hydrophilicity. Examples of such surface treatments are plasma treatment, flame treatment, and corona treatment, as well as some chemical treatment with an oxidizing agent. Some examples of surface treatments may be mechanical treatments such as bead blasting or embossing. The surface treatment may be applied directly to the exterior surface 906. In some cases, the surface treatment may be applied to a coating on the exterior surface 906, especially if the coating responds to the surface treatment (e.g., the contact angle is reduced, improving the hydrophilic properties of the coating). Instead of, or in addition to, coatings and surface treatments, the hydrophilic surface 1415 may be formed from a material composition of the wall 903 selected to improve hydrophilicity.For example, certain PVC resins and / or vinyl compounds may have a higher surface energy and wettability than some of the thermal plastics (e.g., acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, and Teflon) used to form commercially available cooling tower packings.

[0206] The wall 903 of the perforated structure 900 may include structures 1405, structures 1407, and hydrophilic surfaces 1415 in any combination to form the exterior surface 906. For example, structures 1405 may be overlaid on structures 1407 to increase the wetted surface area. The perforated structure 900 may include larger features (examples of structures 1407) that affect the tendency of the CO2 capture solution 114 to flow in a particular direction, and structures 1405 to allow the formation of a liquid film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114. Thus, structures 1407, structures 1405, and / or hydrophilic coatings may be used independently or in combination with each other to increase the wetted surface area of ​​the perforated structure 900. Some structures 1407 and structures 1405 may be used to increase the wetted surface area of ​​the perforated structure 900 when the CO2 capture solution 114 is less than, for example, 0 L / m 2 s to 10 L / m 2 s, and may be suitable for improving mass transfer for DAC applications, such as dispensing into perforated packing having a packing depth of 2 to 10 meters. In some cases, structure 1407 and structure 1405 may be suitable for improving mass transfer for DAC applications, such as dispensing into perforated packing having a packing depth of 2 to 10 meters, and may be suitable for improving mass transfer for DAC applications, such as dispensing into perforated packing having a packing depth of 2 to 10 meters. In some cases, structure 1407 and structure 1405 may be suitable for improving mass transfer for DAC applications, such as dispensing into perforated packing having a packing depth of 0.5 L / m 2 s to 2.5 L / m 2 s. In some cases, it may be advantageous to coat a surface of perforated structure 900 with a rate-enhancing material that includes a rate-enhancing additive, such as an accelerator or catalyst, that is fixed to a solid support by an immobilization method. For example, at least one of structure 1405, structure 1407, or the smooth surface of wall 903 may be coated with the rate-enhancing material.

[0207] The perforated structures disclosed herein (such as perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002, 7002, 8002) may be constructed from rigid materials. In some implementations, the perforated structures may comprise PVC, polyethylene, ceramic, metal, plastic, steel, or combinations thereof. Similarly, the feed structure and its features may be made from rigid materials, such as PVC, polyethylene, ceramic, metal, plastic, steel, or combinations thereof. In other implementations, the perforated structures disclosed herein (such as perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002, 7002, 8002) may be flexible or elastic. The perforated structures may include flexible materials that allow them to deform in response to the flow of the CO2 capture solution 114 and the CO2-containing air 101. In one implementation, the bodies of the perforated structures are expandable so that they expand and become rigid when filled with CO2 capture solution 114 and flexible when emptied of CO2 capture solution 114. In other implementations, the perforated structures disclosed herein (such as perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002, 7002, 8002) are porous materials, such as sponge-like materials, that allow the CO2 capture solution 114 to flow through the perforations 904, at least in part by capillary action.

[0208] 15, the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c with perforated packings 1000, 1100, 2000, 3000, 6000, 7000, 8000 disclosed herein are part of a direct air capture (DAC) system 1200 for capturing CO2 directly from the atmosphere, according to one possible non-limiting example of the use for the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, and 100c. The gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c absorb a portion of the CO2 from the atmosphere 1202 using a CO2 capture solution 114 to form a CO2-rich solution 1208. The CO2 capture solution 114 may need to be regenerated from the CO2-rich capture solution 1208, which may be done in a regeneration system 1230 of the DAC system 1200. The regeneration system 1230 functions to process the CO2-rich capture solution 1208 (eg, spent capture solution) to recapture and / or concentrate the CO2 content contained in the CO2-rich capture solution 1208.

[0209] A CO2-rich solution 1208 (e.g., CO2-containing capture solution 111) flows from the gas-liquid contactor 100, 100a, 100b, 100c to a pellet reactor 1210 of the DAC system 1200. A slurry of calcium hydroxide 1224 is injected into the pellet reactor 1210. A reaction between the CO2-rich solution 1208 and calcium hydroxide 1224 occurs in the pellet reactor. 2+ is the CO3 in the pellet reactor 1210 2- to form calcium carbonate solids and an alkaline aqueous solution as the CO2 capture solution 114 (e.g., hydroxide), thereby regenerating the CO2 capture solution 114. For example, potassium carbonate in the CO2 rich solution 1208 can react with calcium hydroxide to form calcium carbonate and potassium hydroxide, thereby regenerating the CO2 capture solution 114 with potassium hydroxide.

[0210] Reaction of the CO2-rich solution with Ca(OH)2 causes precipitation of calcium carbonate into calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles in the pellet reactor 1210. Further processing of the calcium carbonate solids, including but not limited to filtering, dewatering, or drying, may be performed before sending the calcium carbonate solids to downstream processing units. A calcium carbonate solids stream 1214 is transported from the pellet reactor 1210 to a calciner 1216 of the DAC system 1200. The calciner 1216 calcines the calcium carbonate in stream 1214 from the pellet reactor 1210 to produce a gaseous CO2 stream 1218 and a calcium oxide (CaO) stream 1220, possibly by oxy-combustion of a fuel source in the calciner 1216. The gaseous CO2 stream 1220 is processed for sequestration and other uses, thereby removing a portion of the CO2 from the air 1202 being treated in the gas-liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c. A calcium oxide (CaO) stream 1220 is slaked with water in a slaker 1222 of the DAC system 1200 to produce a calcium hydroxide slurry 1224 that is provided to the pellet reactor 1210. The DAC system 1200 may include a plurality of gas liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c, each of which forms a cell in a row / bank of gas liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c.

[0211] In some implementations, the CO2 capture solution 114 can be regenerated using a different regeneration system. The regeneration system 1230 can be part of the gas-liquid contactor 100, 100a, 100b, 100c or can be separate from them. In one exemplary regeneration system 1230, the CO2 rich solution 1208 can flow to an electrochemical system including a cell stack, which can include one or more sets of membranes and a set of electrodes. The electrochemical system can regenerate the CO2 capture solution 114 from the CO2 rich solution 1208 by applying a potential to the electrodes that contain the CO2 rich solution 1208. The difference in potential causes an ion exchange, thereby forming recaptured CO2 1218 and regenerating the CO2 capture solution 114. In one exemplary regeneration system 1230, the CO2-rich solution 1208 flows through a thermal stripping column that utilizes steam to release CO2 from the CO2-rich solution 1208, thereby forming a recaptured CO2 stream 1218 and regenerating a CO2 capture solution (e.g., a CO2-lean liquid).

[0212] The regeneration system 1230 may include intermediate components such as liquid distribution piping, solids handling equipment, filtration systems, reservoirs, and / or a collection of components that work in concert to regenerate the CO2 capture solution 114. The regeneration system 1230 also includes pumps that flow liquids to and from the regeneration system 1230.

[0213] Referring to FIG. 16, a method 1500 for capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a lean gas mixture is disclosed. At 1501, the method 1500 includes flowing a lean gas mixture (e.g., CO2-containing air 101) between a plurality of perforated structures (e.g., perforated structures 900, 5900, 1002, 1102, 2002, 3002, 6002, 7002, 8002) along an outer surface 906 of the perforated structures. At 1502, the method 1500 includes flowing a CO2 capture solution 114. Flowing the CO2 capture solution 114 at 1502 includes flowing the CO2 capture solution 114 within the perforated structures at 1503. Flowing the CO2 capture solution 114 at 1502 includes flowing the CO2 capture solution 114 through the perforations 904 of the perforated structure at 1504. Flowing the CO2 capture solution 114 at 1502 includes flowing the CO2 capture solution 114 along the exterior surface 906 at 1505 to form a film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114 along at least a portion of the exterior surface 906 and absorbing CO2 from the lean gas mixture into the film 1007 of the CO2 capture solution 114.

[0214] 17 is a schematic diagram of a control system (or controller) 1600 for a gas liquid contactor, such as gas liquid contactors 100, 100a, 100b, 100c disclosed herein. System 1600 may be used, for example, as part of or as part of control system 999 or other controllers described herein, and for operations described in connection with any of the computer-implemented methods previously described.

[0215] System 1600 is intended to include various forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other suitable computers. System 1600 may also include mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cell phones, smart phones, and other similar computing devices. In addition, the system may include portable storage media, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive. For example, a USB flash drive may store an operating system and other applications. A USB flash drive may include input / output components, such as a wireless transmitter or a USB connector that may be inserted into a USB port of another computing device.

[0216] The system 1600 includes a processor 1610, a memory 1620, a storage device 1630, and an input / output device 1640. Each of the components 1610, 1620, 1630, and 1640 are interconnected using a system bus 1650. The processor 1610 is capable of processing instructions for execution within the system 1600. The processor may be designed using any of a number of architectures. For example, the processor 1610 may be a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer) processor, a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor, or a MISC (Minimum Instruction Set Computer) processor.

[0217] In one implementation, the processor 1610 is a single-threaded processor. In some implementations, the processor 1610 is a multi-threaded processor. The processor 1610 is capable of processing instructions stored in the memory 1620 or storage device 1630 to display graphical information for a user interface on the input / output device 1640.

[0218] The memory 1620 stores information in the system 1600. In one implementation, the memory 1620 is a computer-readable medium. In one implementation, the memory 1620 is a volatile memory unit. In some implementations, the memory 1620 is a non-volatile memory unit.

[0219] The storage device 1630 is capable of providing mass storage for the system 1600. In one implementation, the storage device 1630 is a computer-readable medium. In various different implementations, the storage device 1630 can be a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device.

[0220] The input / output devices 1640 provide input / output operations for the system 1600. In one implementation, the input / output devices 1640 include a keyboard and / or a pointing device. In some implementations, the input / output devices 1640 include a display unit for displaying a graphical user interface.

[0221] Some of the features described may be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or in combinations thereof. An apparatus may also be implemented as a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier, for example in a machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable processor, and the method steps may be performed by the programmable processor executing a program of instructions to perform the functions of the described implementation by manipulating input data and generating output. The features described may be advantageously implemented in one or more computer programs executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used directly or indirectly in a computer to perform an activity or bring about a result. A computer program may be written in any type of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment.

[0222] Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general purpose and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors of any type of computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files, such devices including magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including those by way of exemplary semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices, magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0223] To facilitate interaction with a user, these features may be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. In addition, such activity may be implemented via touch screen flat panel displays and other suitable mechanisms.

[0224] These features may be implemented in a control system that includes back-end components such as data servers, or includes middleware components such as application servers or Internet servers, or includes front-end components such as client computers with graphical user interfaces or Internet browsers, or includes any combination thereof. The components of the system may be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication, such as a communications network. Examples of communications networks include a local area network ("LAN"), a wide area network ("WAN"), a peer-to-peer network (with ad-hoc or static members), a grid computing infrastructure, and the Internet.

[0225] Several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description should be construed as illustrative only. It should be understood that the forms shown and described herein should be construed as examples of embodiments. Alternative elements and materials to those shown and described herein may be used, parts and processes may be reversed, and some features may be utilized independently, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description. Changes may be made to the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope as described in the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0226] 100 Gas-liquid contactor 101 CO2-containing air 102 Housing 103 Inlet 104 Upper Basin 105 CO2 Lean Gas 106 Gasket 107 Funstack 108 Plenum 109 Water Basin 110 Lower Basin 111 CO2-containing recovery solution 114 CO2 capture solution 120 DAC System 122 Pump 212 Fan 900 Perforated Construction 901 Longitudinal axis 902 Internal volume 903 Wall 904 Perforation 906 External Surface 907 Internal surface 908 Main Unit 909 plane 999 Control System 1000 Perforated Packing 1002 Perforated structure 1004 Supply structure 1005 Supply conduit 1007 Liquid film 1009 Placement 1010 Lower water basin 1011 Supply conduit internal volume 1012 Flow gap 1013 Conduit opening 1015 Supply conduit shaft 1017 Inlet 1100 Perforated packing 1102 Perforated structure 1104 Supply structure 1106 External Surface 1109 Placement 1110 Water Basin 1115 Supply conduit shaft 1128 Inlet 1200 DAC System 1202 Atmosphere 1208 CO2 rich solution 1210 Pellet Reactor 1214 Stream 1216 Calciner 1218 Stream 1220 Stream 1224 Slaker 1230 Slurry 1405 Structure 1407 Structure 1409 Mountain 1411 Valley 1415 Hydrophilic surface 1600 System 1610 Processor 1620 Memory 1630 Storage Device 1640 Input / Output Devices 1650 System Bus 1901 Longitudinal axis 1902 Internal volume 1903 Wall 1906 External Surfaces 2000 Perforated Packing 2001 Longitudinal axis 2002 Perforated structure 2004 Supply structure 2005 Supply Conduit 2007 Supply Manifold 2009 placement 2010 Lower Basin 2011 column 2012 Flow gap 2013 Depth 2015 Supply conduit shaft 2103 Air inlet 2106 Packing Section 2110 Inlet 2112 Fan 2901 Longitudinal axis 2902 Internal volume 3000 Perforated Packing 3001 Longitudinal axis 3002 Perforated structure 3004 Supply structure 3005 Supply Conduit 3007 Supply Manifold 3009 Placement 3010 Lower water basin Column 3011 3012 Flow gap 3013 Depth 3015 Supply conduit shaft 3103 Inlet 3106 Packing 3110 Lower Basin 3112 Fan 4004 Supply structure 4005 Supply Conduit 4007 Supply conduit drilling 4103 Inlet 4106 Packing 4110 Lower Basin 5900 Perforated Construction 5902 Internal volume 5908 Main unit 6000 Perforated Packing 6002 Perforated structure 6005 Supply conduit 6009 Placement 7000 Perforated Packing 7002 Perforated structure 7004 Perforated structural segment 7005 Supply Conduit 7006 Support material 7009 Placement 8000 Perforated Packing 8001 Internal volume 8002 Perforated structure 8004 Inlet 8006 Air supply duct 8008 Outlet 8009 Placement 8010 Discharge conduit 8011 Container 8013 Internal surface

Claims

1. Carbon dioxide (CO) from a dilute gas mixture ２ A perforated packing for recovering the the perforated packing comprises at least one perforated structure and a feed structure; At least one of the perforated structures comprises: a body having at least one wall defining an interior volume of the body and an exterior surface exposed to the lean gas mixture; a plurality of perforations extending through at least one of the walls between the interior volume and the exterior surface; It is equipped with The supply structure is fluidly coupled to the body and configured to supply CO along at least a portion of the exterior surface. ２ The CO 2 is then introduced along the exterior surface through the plurality of perforations to form a liquid film of recovery solution. ２ configured to flow a recovery solution into the interior volume of the body; ２ The liquid film of recovery solution removes CO from the dilute gas mixture. ２ a perforated packing configured to absorb

2. The perforated packing of claim 1 , wherein the supply structure comprises at least one supply conduit defining a supply conduit interior volume fluidly coupled to the body.

3. 3. The perforated packing of claim 2, wherein at least one of the supply conduits includes at least one conduit opening, and the supply conduit interior volume is fluidly coupled to the interior volume of the body by the at least one conduit opening.

4. 4. A perforated packing according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the body extends along a longitudinal axis and at least one of the supply conduits extends along a supply conduit axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

5. at least one of the perforated structures comprises a plurality of perforated structures; 5. The perforated packing of claim 4, wherein the body of each of the plurality of perforated structures has an inlet fluidly coupled to the supply conduit interior volume, and the inlets of the plurality of perforated structures are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the supply conduit axis.

6. The perforated packing of claim 5 , wherein a plurality of the perforations in each of a plurality of the perforated structures are disposed below the inlet of each of the perforated structures.

7. 7. The perforated packing of claim 2, wherein at least one of the supply conduits has a horizontal orientation and wherein at least one of the supply conduits comprises a plurality of supply conduit perforations extending through at least a lower portion of the at least one supply conduit.

8. 7. The perforated packing of claim 2, wherein at least one of the supply conduits has a horizontal orientation and at least one of the perforated structures extends vertically downward from at least one of the supply conduits.

9. 3. The perforated packing of claim 2, wherein at least one of said supply conduits has a vertical orientation and at least one of said perforated structures extends horizontally from at least one of said supply conduits.

10. 10. A perforated packing according to claim 1, wherein the distance between adjacent ones of the plurality of perforations is greater than twice the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations and less than ten times the diameter of each of the plurality of perforations.

11. The perforated packing of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the perforated structures is coupled to the supply structure at a non-parallel angle.

12. 12. Perforated packing according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of said perforations are disposed along the entire length of at least one said wall.

13. 13. A perforated packing according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the maximum dimension of each of the plurality of perforations is less than 1.5 mm.

14. 14. Perforated packing according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least some of the plurality of perforations are arranged in at least one of the walls to form a shape comprising a hexagon, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, or a circle.

15. 2. The perforated packing of claim 1, wherein the at least one perforated structure comprises a plurality of perforated structures, the plurality of perforated structures forming an arrangement that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

16. The body extends along a longitudinal axis; 2. The perforated packing of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the body defined in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is rounded.

17. The perforated packing of claim 1 , wherein the at least one perforated structure comprises at least one of a tube, a flat plate, a sphere, or a block.

18. 18. The perforated packing of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of at least one of the walls is formed by a plurality of structures comprising at least one of the following: ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

19. 19. Perforated packing according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the external surface of at least one of the walls comprises a hydrophilic surface.

20. 2. The perforated packing of claim 1, wherein the at least one perforated structure includes a plurality of perforated structures spaced apart from one another to form a plurality of flow gaps for the lean gas mixture between respective bodies of the plurality of perforated structures.

21. 21. Perforated packing according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the body of at least one of the perforated structures is rigid.

22. 21. Perforated packing according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the body of at least one of the perforated structures is resilient.

23. Carbon dioxide (CO ２ 3. A gas-liquid contactor for recovering The gas-liquid contactor comprises: At least one inlet; at least one outlet spaced apart from the at least one inlet; At least one perforated packing disposed between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the at least one perforated packing comprising a plurality of perforated structures spaced apart from one another, each of the plurality of perforated structures comprising: at least one wall defining an interior volume and an exterior surface; a plurality of perforations extending through at least one of said walls; At least one of the perforated packings comprises: one or more water basins including a lower water basin at least partially disposed below at least one of said perforated packings, ２ one or more of said basins configured to hold a recovery solution; a fan configured to flow the ambient air in a flow direction (1) from at least one of the inlets to at least one of the outlets and (2) along the exterior surface of each of the plurality of perforated structures; a liquid distribution system fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, the liquid distribution system distributing the CO 2 along at least a portion of the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures; ２ and directing the CO 2 through the perforations of at least one of the perforated structures and along the exterior surface of at least one of the perforated structures to form a liquid film of recovery solution. ２ configured to flow a recovery solution into the interior volume of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures; ２ The film of recovery solution removes CO from the ambient air. ２ the liquid distribution system configured to absorb A gas liquid contactor comprising:

24. 24. The gas liquid contactor of claim 23, wherein each perforated structure extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the flow direction of the ambient air.

25. 25. The gas liquid contactor of claim 23 or 24, further comprising a housing forming an interior at least partially exposed to the ambient air and disposed between at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets, wherein a plurality of the perforated structures are spaced apart in the interior to form an arrangement of perforated structures that is at least one of a hexagonal arrangement, a square arrangement, a rectangular arrangement, a triangular arrangement, or a circular arrangement.

26. 26. The gas liquid contactor of claim 25, wherein said arrangement of perforated structures comprises a plurality of rows of perforated structures spaced apart in a direction parallel to said flow direction.

27. 26. The gas liquid contactor of claim 25, wherein said arrangement of perforated structures has a depth measured in a direction parallel to said flow direction, said depth being between 2 meters and 10 meters.

28. Carbon dioxide (CO) from a dilute gas mixture ２ 2. A method for recovering a soluble amine salt comprising the steps of: flowing the lean gas mixture between a plurality of perforated structures and along an exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures; CO is introduced through at least one perforation of the plurality of perforated structures, along the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, and within the interior of at least one of the perforated structures of the plurality of perforated structures. ２ and flowing a recovery solution along at least a portion of the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures. ２ A liquid film of recovery solution is formed and the CO is separated from the dilute gas mixture. ２ The CO ２ and absorbing the A method for providing the same.

29. The CO ２ The method further comprises the step of flowing a recovery solution; The CO ２ The step of flowing a recovery solution includes flowing the CO 2 through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. ２ 30. The method of claim 28, comprising flowing a recovery solution.

30. The CO ２ The step of flowing the recovery solution comprises: ２ 30. The method of claim 29, comprising underflowing a recovery solution.

31. The CO ２ The step of flowing the recovery solution comprises: ２ 30. The method of claim 29, comprising flowing the recovery solution horizontally.

32. flowing the lean gas mixture comprises flowing the lean gas mixture along a flow direction; The CO ２ The step of flowing a recovery solution includes: flowing the CO 2 solution through at least one of the plurality of perforated structures along a liquid direction perpendicular to the flow direction. ２ 32. The method of any one of claims 28 to 31, comprising flowing a recovery solution.

33. 33. The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the perforations of at least one of a plurality of the perforated structures are disposed along the entire length of each of the perforated structures.

34. 34. The method of any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures comprises at least one of ridges, depressions, pores, etchings, granules, or fibers.

35. The CO 2 is introduced along the outer surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures. ２ The step of flowing a recovery solution comprises: ２ 35. The method of any one of claims 28 to 34, comprising flowing a recovery solution.

36. 36. The method of any one of claims 28 to 35, wherein the plurality of perforated structures comprises one or more elastic perforated structures.

37. The CO ２ The step of flowing the recovery solution comprises: ２ 37. The method of any one of claims 28 to 36, comprising filling the entirety of at least one of the perforated structures with a recovery solution.

38. The CO ２ The step of flowing the recovery solution comprises: ２ 38. The method of any one of claims 28 to 37, comprising flowing a recovery solution.

39. The CO ２ The recovery solution flow step is 0.5 L / m ２ s or more than 10 L / m ２ At a liquid filling rate less than s, ２ 39. The method of any one of claims 28 to 38, comprising flowing a recovery solution.

40. Carbon dioxide (CO ２ 1. A direct air capture (DAC) system for recovering airborne contaminants, comprising: a housing defining an interior, the housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; At least one perforated packing disposed in the housing between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the at least one perforated packing comprising a plurality of spaced apart perforated structures, each perforated structure of the plurality of perforated structures comprising: at least one wall defining an interior volume and an exterior surface; a plurality of perforations extending through at least one of said walls; At least one perforated packing comprising: one or more water basins including a lower water basin disposed at least partially below at least one of said perforated packings, ２ one or more basins configured to hold a recovery solution; a fan operable to circulate the ambient air in a flow direction (1) from at least one of the inlets to at least one of the outlets and (2) along the exterior surface of each of the plurality of perforated structures; a CO 2 gas supply device that is fluidly coupled to at least one of the plurality of perforated structures and that supplies the CO 2 gas through a plurality of the perforations of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures and along the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures; ２ A recovery solution is flowed through the interior volume of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures, and the CO 2 recovery solution is flowed along at least a portion of the exterior surface of at least one of the plurality of perforated structures. ２ Operable to form a liquid film of recovery solution, ２ The film of recovery solution removes CO from the ambient air. ２ a liquid distribution system configured to absorb an air contactor comprising: The CO ２ a regeneration system in fluid communication with the liquid distribution system to receive a recovery solution, the regeneration system comprising: ２ CO to be recycled and returned to the air contactor ２ and a regeneration system configured to form a lean liquid.

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