Method of treating gas, and method of treating carbon dioxide

Abstract

To provide a method of treating gas which is easily handled during its transportation and is excellent in energy efficiency.SOLUTION: The method of treating gas, includes (a) a step of reacting gas including caron monoxide, and a hydrocarbon compound comprising a hydroxy group to obtain a formate, (b) a step of transporting the formate from a first site to a second site, (c) a step of subjecting the transported formate to hydrolysis to obtain a mixture including formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound comprising a hydroxy group, and water, (d) a step of decomposing formic acid present in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen, and (e) a step of immobilizing carbon dioxide.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas processing method and a carbon dioxide processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Formic acid (HCOOH) has an extremely high carbon dioxide (CO2) density per molecule of approximately 96% by mass, and is therefore attracting attention as a carbon dioxide carrier for transporting carbon dioxide to storage sites (carbon dioxide storage sites).

[0003] For example, carbon monoxide discharged from a steelworks or the like may be reacted with methanol and water to produce formic acid, which may then be transported to a carbon dioxide storage site using the formic acid as a carbon dioxide carrier. In order to decompose formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide and suppress an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide produced by the decomposition may be captured and stored underground (CCS; Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage). In CCS, for example, carbon dioxide is absorbed into an alkaline aqueous solution of an amine or the like, and the aqueous solution that has absorbed the carbon dioxide is heated to capture a gas containing a high concentration of carbon dioxide, and the captured gas is stored underground. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method and an apparatus for capturing carbon dioxide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-110805 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, formic acid has attracted attention as a carbon dioxide carrier. However, since formic acid is highly toxic and corrosive, it is necessary to appropriately select a container for transporting formic acid and to handle it with care.

[0006] The reaction of carbon monoxide with water to obtain formic acid is carried out in the following two steps, and although the conversion rate of carbon monoxide in step 1 is high, the conversion rate of methyl formate in step 2 is generally low, and a large amount of water, about 2 to 10 times the reaction equivalent, is required to promote the reaction in step 2. However, since the formic acid produced by the reaction in step 2 forms an azeotrope with water, a huge amount of energy is required to concentrate formic acid from a mixture of formic acid and water. (Step 1) CO+CH3OH⇔HCOOCH3 (Step 2) HCOOCH3+H2O⇔HCOOH+CH3OH

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, one aspect of the present invention aims to provide a gas treatment method that is easy to handle during transportation and has excellent energy efficiency. Another aspect of the present invention aims to provide a gas treatment method and a carbon dioxide treatment method that constitute part of the above method. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A gas processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes the following steps. (a) A step of reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester. (b) transporting the formate from the first location to a second location. (c) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester after transportation to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water. (d) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (e) fixing the carbon dioxide.

[0009] Moreover, a gas processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes the following steps. (a) A step of reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester. (b) transporting the formate from the first location to a second location. (c) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester after transportation to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water. (d) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (e) producing valuable materials using the carbon dioxide.

[0010] According to the gas processing method of one aspect of the present invention, since a formic acid ester, which is less toxic and corrosive than formic acid, is transported, handling during transportation is easy. Furthermore, according to the gas processing method of one aspect of the present invention, since a formic acid ester is hydrolyzed to obtain formic acid, and then the formic acid in a mixture containing formic acid and water is decomposed, there is no need to concentrate formic acid, and energy efficiency is excellent. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas treatment method that is easy to handle during transportation and has excellent energy efficiency. Also, according to another aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas treatment method and a carbon dioxide treatment method that constitute a part of the above-mentioned method. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a gas processing facility according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted.

[0014] [Gas processing equipment] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a gas processing facility according to the present invention. Gas processing facility 100 shown in Fig. 1 is divided into a first location side and a second location side.

[0015] The processing equipment 10 is present at the first location side. The processing equipment 10 includes a reaction device 11 and separation devices 12 and 13.

[0016] The gas containing carbon monoxide is transferred to the reactor 11 through the transfer pipe L11. The reactor 11 is a device that contacts carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group in the presence of a catalyst to produce a formic acid ester from the carbon monoxide contained in the gas. Examples of the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group include monohydric alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, and propanol, and dihydric alcohols such as methanediol and ethylene glycol. Examples of the formic acid ester include methyl formate, ethyl formate, and propyl formate. The formic acid ester is preferably methyl formate from the viewpoint of its excellent function as a carbon dioxide carrier. When the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group is methanol, the reactor 11 produces methyl formate by the following reaction (A). CO+CH3OH⇔HCOOCH3…(A)

[0017] The gas may be, for example, exhaust gas from an ironworks or the like. The gas contains at least carbon monoxide. The gas may contain components other than carbon monoxide (for example, sulfur oxides (SO X ), nitrogen oxides (NO X When the gas contains sulfur oxides and / or nitrogen oxides, a device for absorbing the sulfur oxides and / or nitrogen oxides in the gas may be provided before the reaction device 11.

[0018] The reaction in the reaction apparatus 11 may be carried out under heated and pressurized conditions. For example, the reaction may be carried out under conditions of a reaction temperature of 70 to 90° C. and a pressure of 3 to 6 GPa.

[0019] A transfer pipe L12 and a transfer pipe L13 are connected to the reaction apparatus 11. The transfer pipe L12 transfers a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and the transfer pipe L13 transfers a catalyst. The catalyst transferred through the transfer pipe L13 is, for example, sodium methoxide.

[0020] The formic ester produced in the reaction apparatus 11 is transferred to the separation apparatus 12 through the transfer pipe L14. The formic ester transferred through the transfer pipe L14 may be in the form of a liquid or gas. In the reaction apparatus 11, the unreacted hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group is also transferred to the separation apparatus 12 through the transfer pipe L14.

[0021] The separation device 12 is a device that separates the formate ester produced in the reaction device 11 from components other than the formate ester (e.g., a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, a catalyst). The separation device 12 may be, for example, a gas-liquid distillation device. A transfer pipe L15 is connected to the separation device 12. In addition, a device (not shown) that separates the unreacted carbon monoxide from the formate ester may be provided. For example, when the formate ester is methyl formate, a separation device may be provided before the T1 line of the separation device 12.

[0022] The formic ester separated in the separation device 12 is transported from the first location to the second location by a transport means T1. Examples of the transport means T1 include a ship, a diesel locomotive, a railway, and a truck. The formic ester may be transported at room temperature and normal pressure, at room temperature and under pressure, at low temperature and normal pressure, or at low temperature and under pressure. The first location may be, for example, a carbon dioxide recovery location. The second location may be a carbon dioxide fixation location, or a location where valuable materials generated from carbon dioxide are used or consumed. The first location may be a region, country, etc. that emits more carbon dioxide than the second location, or may be a region, country, etc. that emits less carbon dioxide. The second location may be a region, country, etc. that can fix a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the first location.

[0023] The hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, the catalyst, and the like separated in the separation device 12 are transferred through a transfer pipe L15 to a separation device 13. The hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group transferred through the transfer pipe L15 may be a liquid.

[0024] The separation device 13 is a device that separates the hydrocarbon compounds having hydroxyl groups transferred through the transfer pipe L15 from components other than the hydrocarbon compounds having hydroxyl groups (e.g., a catalyst). The separation device 13 may be, for example, a membrane separation device. The separation device 13 is connected to a transfer pipe L16 and a transfer pipe L17. The transfer pipe L16 mainly transfers the hydrocarbon compounds having hydroxyl groups, and the transfer pipe L17 mainly transfers the components other than the hydrocarbon compounds having hydroxyl groups.

[0025] The hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group transported through the transfer pipe L16 is mixed with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group supplied through the transfer pipe L18 and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group transported by the transport means T2 described below, and then transported to the reaction apparatus 11 through the transfer pipe L12 and recycled.

[0026] The formic ester transported by the transport means T1 is transported, for example, to a treatment facility 20 at a second location. The treatment facility 20 includes a reaction device 21 and separation devices 22 to 26. After being transported to the treatment facility 20, the formic ester transported by the transport means T1 is mixed with a catalyst transported through a transfer pipe L19 and water transported through a transfer pipe L20. The mixture of the formic ester, the catalyst and the water is transported to the reaction facility 21 through a transfer pipe L21. The amount of the catalyst transported through the transfer pipe L19 may be adjusted according to the amount of the catalyst to be recycled.

[0027] The reactor 21 is an apparatus for hydrolyzing a formic acid ester to produce formic acid and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and at the same time, decomposing the formic acid into carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst. When the formic acid ester is methyl formate, the reactor 21 produces methanol, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen from the methyl formate through the following reactions (B) and (C). HCOOCH3+H2O⇔CH3OH+HCOOH …(B) HCOOH → H2 + CO2 … (C)

[0028] In the reactor 21, reaction (C) progresses as formic acid is produced by hydrolysis of the formic ester. In particular, the use of a catalyst promotes reaction (C), shifting the equilibrium state toward the side where the formic ester is consumed and formic acid is produced (the right side in reaction (B)), promoting the hydrolysis reaction of the formic ester. Furthermore, promotion of the hydrolysis reaction of the formic ester makes it easier for the hydrolysis reaction to proceed without the need for an excessive supply of water.

[0029] The reaction in the reaction device 21 may be carried out at room temperature and pressure, at room temperature and pressure, under heating and pressure, or under heating and pressure. For example, the reaction may be carried out at a reaction temperature of room temperature to 100° C. and under pressure. When the reaction device is sealed, hydrogen and carbon dioxide are produced as the decomposition reaction of formic acid proceeds, and the pressure inside the reaction device is increased. However, the hydrolysis of the formic acid ester and the decomposition of formic acid may be carried out in a reaction device pressurized by hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

[0030] In the reaction device 21, the hydrolysis of the formic acid ester and the decomposition of formic acid progress, whereby carbon dioxide and hydrogen are generated, and the pressure inside the reaction device 21 is increased. In particular, the use of a catalyst promotes the reaction (C), and therefore the pressure inside the reaction device 21 is more likely to be increased. For this reason, the reaction device 21 may be a pressure-resistant container. The pressure in the reaction device 21 may be used when fixing carbon dioxide.

[0031] As the catalyst, for example, the catalysts described in Japanese Patent No. 5390389, Japanese Patent No. 4572393, International Publication No. 2012-070620, and Japanese Patent No. 6502091 can be used.

[0032] A transfer pipe L22 is connected to the reaction apparatus 21. The transfer pipe L22 transfers, for example, the formic acid ester, the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, water, and the catalyst to the separation apparatus 22.

[0033] The separator 22 is a device that separates the carbon dioxide and hydrogen generated in the reaction device 21 from components other than carbon dioxide and hydrogen (e.g., formate esters, etc.). The separator 22 may be, for example, a gas-liquid distillation device. The separator 22 is connected to a transfer pipe L23 and a transfer pipe L24.

[0034] The transfer pipe L23 transfers the carbon dioxide and hydrogen to the separation device 23. The separation device 23 is a device that separates carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The separation device 23 may be, for example, a membrane separation device. The separation device 23 is connected to a transfer pipe L25 and a transfer pipe L26. The transfer pipe L25 mainly transfers carbon dioxide, and the transfer pipe L26 mainly transfers hydrogen.

[0035] The carbon dioxide transferred through the transfer pipe L25 is transported, for example, by a pipeline (not shown) or the like and appropriately processed. For example, the carbon dioxide may be fixed underground, in minerals, or the like. In addition, valuable materials such as carbon and carbonates may be produced using the carbon dioxide.

[0036] Known methods can be applied as the method for fixing carbon dioxide and the method for producing valuable materials using carbon dioxide. In these methods, the carbon dioxide transferred through the transfer pipe L26 may be supplied to a separator (not shown) or the like in order to increase the purity of the carbon dioxide before fixing it.

[0037] The transfer pipe L24 transfers the formate ester, the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, water, and the catalyst to the separation device 24. The separation device 24 is a device that separates the formate ester, the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water from the water and the catalyst. The separation device 24 may be, for example, a gas-liquid distillation device. The separation device 24 is connected to a transfer pipe L27 and a transfer pipe L28. The transfer pipe L27 mainly transfers the formate ester, the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water, and the transfer pipe L28 mainly transfers the water and the catalyst.

[0038] The transfer pipe L27 transfers the formate ester, the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water to the separation device 25. The separation device 25 is a device that separates the formate ester, the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water. The separation device 25 may be, for example, a membrane separation device. The separation device 25 is connected to a transfer pipe L29 and a transfer pipe L30. The transfer pipe L29 mainly transfers the formate ester and the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and the transfer pipe L30 mainly transfers the water.

[0039] The transfer pipe L29 transfers the formate ester and the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to the separation device 26. The separation device 26 is a device that separates the formate ester and the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group. The separation device 26 may be, for example, a gas-liquid distillation device. The separation device 26 is connected to the transfer pipe L31. The transfer pipe L31 mainly transfers the formate ester. The formate ester transferred through the transfer pipe L31 is mixed with the water transferred through the transfer pipe L28, the catalyst, and the water transferred through the transfer pipe L30, and then transferred through the transfer pipe L20, mixed with the water transferred through the transfer pipe L32, and then recycled. The amount of water transferred through the transfer pipe L32 may be adjusted according to the amount of water to be recycled.

[0040] The hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group separated in the separation device 26 is transported from the second location to the first location by a transport means T2. Examples of the transport means T2 include a ship, a diesel locomotive, a railway, a truck, and the like. The transport of the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group may be performed under normal temperature and pressure. The first location may be, for example, a carbon dioxide recovery location. The second location may be a carbon dioxide fixation location, or may be a location where valuable materials generated from carbon dioxide are used or consumed. The first location may be a region, country, etc. that emits more carbon dioxide than the second location, or may be a region, country, etc. that emits less carbon dioxide. The second location may be a region, country, etc. that can fix a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the first location.

[0041] According to the gas processing equipment 100, since the formic acid ester, which is less toxic and corrosive than formic acid, is transported, it is easy to handle during transportation. Furthermore, according to the gas processing equipment 100, since the formic acid ester is hydrolyzed to obtain formic acid, and then the formic acid in the mixture containing formic acid and water is decomposed, there is no need to concentrate the formic acid, and energy efficiency is excellent.

[0042] [Gas treatment method] A method for recovering carbon monoxide in gas and fixing carbon dioxide will be described below using gas processing equipment 100. That is, one embodiment of the present invention is a gas processing method including at least the following steps. (a) A step of reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester. (b) transporting the formate ester obtained in (a) from the first location to a second location. (c) A step of hydrolyzing the formic acid ester transported in the step (b) to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water. (d) A step of decomposing the formic acid in the mixture obtained in step (c) to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (e) A process for fixing the carbon dioxide obtained in process (d).

[0043] Gas processing equipment 100 may also be used to recover carbon monoxide in the gas and generate valuable materials using carbon dioxide. That is, another embodiment of the present invention is a gas processing method including at least the following steps. For these gas processing methods, the above description of the gas processing equipment may be referred to. (a) A step of reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester. (b) transporting the formate ester obtained in (a) from the first location to a second location. (c) A step of hydrolyzing the formic acid ester transported in the step (b) to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water. (d) A step of decomposing the formic acid in the mixture obtained in step (c) to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (e) A process for producing valuable materials using the carbon dioxide obtained in the process (d).

[0044] According to the gas processing method of the present embodiment, since the formic acid ester, which is less toxic and corrosive than formic acid, is transported, it is easy to handle during transportation. Furthermore, according to the gas processing method, since the formic acid ester is hydrolyzed to obtain formic acid, and then the formic acid in the mixture containing formic acid and water is decomposed, it is not necessary to concentrate the formic acid, and energy efficiency is excellent.

[0045] <(a) Process> The step (a) is a step of obtaining a formic ester by reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group. The step (a) can also be said to be a step of removing carbon monoxide from the gas. The step (a) may include the following steps: (a1) A step of reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group to obtain a mixture of a formate ester and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group. (a2) A step of separating the mixture obtained in step (a1) into a formate ester and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group to obtain a formate ester.

[0046] Step (a1) is a step of contacting carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group in a reaction device 11 to react the carbon monoxide in the gas with the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group to obtain a mixture of a formate ester and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group. In step (a1), a catalyst may be added in order to promote the reaction between carbon monoxide and the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group. The mixture may be in a liquid or gas state. When the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group is methanol, the following reaction (A) proceeds in step (a1). CO+CH3OH⇔HCOOCH3…(A)

[0047] Step (a2) is a step of obtaining a formate ester by separating the mixture into a formate ester and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group in a separation device 12. The separation method may be gas-liquid distillation.

[0048] <(b) Process> Step (b) is a step of transporting the formic acid ester from a first location to a second location. The first location may be a carbon dioxide recovery location, and the second location may be a carbon dioxide fixation location. The first location may be a region, country, etc. that emits more carbon dioxide than the second location. The second location may be a carbon dioxide fixation location, or a location where valuable materials generated from carbon dioxide are used or consumed. The second location may be a region, country, etc. that can fix a larger amount of carbon dioxide than the first location. The formic acid ester may be transported by ship, diesel locomotive, railroad, truck, etc. Since the formic acid ester is less corrosive and toxic than formic acid, the gas treatment method of the present invention is safer than the case of transporting formic acid, and can reduce the management burden during transportation.

[0049] <(c) Process> In step (c), the transported formate ester is brought into contact with water in a reaction apparatus 21 for hydrolysis, thereby obtaining formic acid and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group. When the formate ester is methyl formate, in step (c), formic acid and methanol are obtained from the transported methyl formate. When the formate ester is methyl formate, the following reaction (B) proceeds in step (c). HCOOCH3+H2O⇔CH3OH+HCOOH …(B)

[0050] <(d) Process> Step (d) is a step of obtaining carbon dioxide and hydrogen by decomposing the formic acid obtained in step (c) in a reaction apparatus 21. In step (d), the following reaction (C) proceeds. HCOOH → H2 + CO2 … (C)

[0051] In the step (d), a catalyst may be used from the viewpoint of promoting the reaction (C). As the catalyst, for example, the catalysts described in Japanese Patent No. 5390389, Japanese Patent No. 4572393, International Publication No. 2012-070620, and Japanese Patent No. 6502091 can be used. When the formic acid ester is hydrolyzed in the step (c) to generate formic acid, the reaction (C) proceeds. In particular, the use of a catalyst promotes the reaction (C), so that the equilibrium state shifts to the side where the formic acid ester is consumed and formic acid is generated (the right side in the reaction (B)), and the hydrolysis reaction in the step (c) is promoted. In addition, the promotion of the hydrolysis reaction in the step (c) makes it easier to proceed with the hydrolysis reaction without supplying excess water. Since the reactions (B) and (C) proceed in a chain reaction, it is preferable to carry out the steps (c) and (d) in the same reactor.

[0052] <(e) Process> In one embodiment, the step (e) is a step of fixing the carbon dioxide obtained in the step (d). In another embodiment, the step (e) is a step of producing valuable materials using the carbon dioxide obtained in the step (d). Known methods can be applied as the method for fixing carbon dioxide and the method for producing valuable materials using carbon dioxide.

[0053] The gas processing method according to this embodiment may further include the following steps. (f) A step of transporting the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group obtained in the step (c). (g) A step of reacting the transported hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group with a gas containing carbon monoxide to obtain a formic ester.

[0054] <(f) Process> Step (f) is a step of transporting the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group obtained in step (c) above. The transportation of the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group may be, for example, from the second location to the first location, or from the second location to a third location different from the first location. The hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group may be transported by ship, diesel locomotive, railroad, truck, etc.

[0055] <(g) Process> Step (g) is a step of reacting the transported hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group with a gas containing carbon monoxide to obtain a formic ester. For example, the transported hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group may be used in step (a), or the transported hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group may be transferred to a reaction device 11 and reacted with a gas containing carbon monoxide to obtain a formic ester. That is, a gas processing method according to another embodiment of the present invention is a gas processing method comprising a step of reacting a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, which is transported from a second place to a first place, with a gas containing carbon monoxide to obtain a formic ester, and a step of transporting the formic ester from the first place to the second place.

[0056] [Method of carbon dioxide treatment] Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating carbon dioxide, comprising at least the following steps: (x) A step of hydrolyzing the formic acid ester and water to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, and water. (y) Decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (z) A process for fixing carbon dioxide.

[0057] Another embodiment of the present invention is the following carbon dioxide processing method, which includes at least the following steps: For these carbon dioxide processing methods, the above-mentioned descriptions regarding the gas processing facility and the gas processing method may be referred to. (x) A step of hydrolyzing the formic acid ester and water to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, and water. (y) Decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (z) A process for producing valuable materials using carbon dioxide.

[0058] <(x) Process> Step (x) is a step of hydrolyzing the transported formate ester by contacting it with water in a reaction apparatus 21 to obtain formic acid and a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group. When the formate ester is methyl formate, step (x) obtains formic acid and methanol from the transported methyl formate. When the formate ester is methyl formate, the following reaction (B) proceeds in step (x). HCOOCH3+H2O⇔CH3OH+HCOOH …(B)

[0059] <(y) Process> Step (y) is a step of obtaining carbon dioxide and hydrogen by decomposing the formic acid obtained in step (x) in a reaction apparatus 21. In step (y), the following reaction (C) proceeds. HCOOH → H2 + CO2 … (C)

[0060] In the step (y), a catalyst may be used from the viewpoint of promoting the reaction (C). As the catalyst, for example, the catalysts described in Japanese Patent No. 5390389, Japanese Patent No. 4572393, International Publication No. 2012-070620, and Japanese Patent No. 6502091 can be used. When the formic acid ester is hydrolyzed in the step (c) to generate formic acid, the reaction (C) proceeds. In particular, the use of a catalyst promotes the reaction (C), so that the equilibrium state shifts to the side where the formic acid ester is consumed and formic acid is generated (the right side in the reaction (B)), and thus the hydrolysis reaction in the step (c) is promoted. In addition, the promotion of the hydrolysis reaction in the step (x) makes it easier to proceed with the hydrolysis reaction without supplying excess water. Since the reactions (B) and (C) proceed in a chain reaction, it is preferable to carry out the steps (x) and (y) in the same reactor.

[0061] <(z) process> In one embodiment, the step (z) is a step of fixing the carbon dioxide obtained in the step (y). In addition, in one embodiment, the step (e) is a step of producing valuable materials using the carbon dioxide obtained in the step (d). Known methods can be applied as the method for fixing carbon dioxide and the method for producing valuable materials using carbon dioxide.

[0062] The present invention includes, for example, the following inventions [1] to

[11] . [1] (a) a step of reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester; (b) transporting the formate from a first location to a second location; (c) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester after transportation to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water; (d) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (e) fixing the carbon dioxide; A method for processing a gas comprising: [2] (a) reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester; (b) transporting the formate from a first location to a second location; (c) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester after transportation to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water; (d) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (e) generating valuable materials using the carbon dioxide; A method for processing a gas comprising: [3] The gas processing method according to [1] or [2], wherein the steps (c) and (d) are carried out in the same reactor. [4] The gas treatment method according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the step (d) is a step of decomposing the formic acid using a catalyst. [5] The gas processing method according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a step of transporting the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group obtained in the step (c) from the second location to the first location. [6] The gas processing method according to [5], wherein the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group transported from the second place to the first place is used in the reaction in the step (a). [7] reacting the hydroxyl group-containing hydrocarbon compound transported from the second location to the first location with a gas containing carbon monoxide to obtain a formic acid ester; transporting the formate from the first location to the second location; A gas processing method comprising: [8] (x) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, and water; (y) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (z) fixing the carbon dioxide; A method for treating carbon dioxide, comprising: [9] (x) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, and water; (y) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (z) generating valuable materials using the carbon dioxide; A method for treating carbon dioxide, comprising:

[10] The method for treating carbon dioxide according to [8] or [9], wherein the step (x) and the step (y) are carried out in the same reactor.

[11] The method for treating carbon dioxide according to [8] or [9], wherein the step (y) is a step of decomposing the formic acid using a catalyst. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 10, 20...treatment equipment, 11, 21...reactors, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26...separation equipment, T1, T2...transportation means, 100...gas treatment equipment.

Claims

1. (a) reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester; (b) transporting the formate from a first location to a second location; (c) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester after transportation to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water; (d) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (e) fixing the carbon dioxide; A method for processing a gas comprising:

2. (a) reacting a gas containing carbon monoxide with a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group to obtain a formic acid ester; (b) transporting the formate from a first location to a second location; (c) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester after transportation to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxyl group, and water; (d) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (e) generating valuable materials using the carbon dioxide; A method for processing a gas comprising:

3. 3. The gas processing method according to claim 1, wherein the steps (c) and (d) are carried out in the same reactor.

4. 3. The gas processing method according to claim 1, wherein the step (d) is a step of decomposing the formic acid using a catalyst.

5. 3. The gas processing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transporting the hydroxyl group-containing hydrocarbon compound obtained in step (c) from the second location to the first location.

6. 6. The gas processing method according to claim 5, wherein the hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group transported from the second place to the first place is used in the reaction in the step (a).

7. reacting the hydroxyl-containing hydrocarbon compound transported from the second location to the first location with a gas containing carbon monoxide to obtain a formic acid ester; transporting the formate from the first location to the second location; A gas processing method comprising:

8. (x) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, and water; (y) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (z) fixing the carbon dioxide; A method for treating carbon dioxide, comprising:

9. (x) hydrolyzing the formic acid ester to obtain a mixture containing formic acid, a hydrocarbon compound having a hydroxy group, and water; (y) decomposing the formic acid in the mixture to obtain carbon dioxide and hydrogen; (z) generating valuable materials using the carbon dioxide; A method for treating carbon dioxide, comprising:

10. The method for treating carbon dioxide according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the step (x) and the step (y) are carried out in the same reactor.

11. The method for treating carbon dioxide according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the step (y) is a step of decomposing the formic acid using a catalyst.

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