Carbon dioxide separation system

Abstract

To provide a carbon dioxide separation system that can reduce pressure loss of at least either of object gas and gas for drying.SOLUTION: The carbon dioxide separation system is provided with an adsorbing device that makes adsorbent adsorb carbon dioxide in object gas, a regeneration device that makes the adsorbent discharge carbon dioxide by contacting water vapor therewith, and a drying device that dries the adsorbent by contacting gas for drying therewith. At least either of the adsorbing device and the drying device is constituted of a specific structure 60A. The specific structure 60A comprises a processing container 61A in which the adsorbent moves downward by own weight. In the processing container 61A, opposing regions on both side surfaces opposing to each other in a thickness direction of the processing container 61A, in a main portion 61AM whose horizontal cross section is formed in a thin / long shape and which extends in a vertical direction are gas passage regions 64 and 65 through which the adsorbent cannot pass but gas can pass, and gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is passed through the processing container 61A, in a thickness direction of the processing container 61A, through the gas passage regions 64 and 65.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a carbon dioxide separation system for separating carbon dioxide from a target gas containing carbon dioxide such as combustion exhaust gas.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for separating carbon dioxide in a target gas using an adsorbent has been known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a carbon dioxide separation system including a treatment tower composed of a tower-shaped treatment vessel into which an adsorbent is introduced from the top and discharged from the bottom. In this system, the internal space of the tower-shaped treatment vessel is virtually divided into a regeneration treatment chamber, a drying treatment chamber, and an adsorption treatment chamber from above by a plurality of obstacles that maintain a laminar flow of the adsorbent and prevent the downward movement of the adsorbent. In the regeneration treatment chamber, water vapor is brought into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. In the drying treatment chamber, a drying gas is brought into contact with the adsorbent after contact with water vapor to dry the adsorbent. In the adsorption treatment chamber, the target gas is brought into contact with the adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent.

[0003] In the above adsorption treatment chamber, a jet outlet for jetting the target gas upward is provided at the lower part of the treatment chamber, and a discharge port for discharging the target gas is provided at the upper part of the treatment chamber, and the target gas flows from the bottom to the top in the tower-shaped treatment vessel filled with the adsorbent. Also, in the drying treatment chamber, a jet outlet for jetting the drying gas upward is provided at the lower part of the treatment chamber, and a discharge port for discharging the drying gas is provided at the upper part of the treatment chamber, and the drying gas flows from the bottom to the top in the tower-shaped treatment vessel filled with the adsorbent.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, in the adsorption treatment chamber, since the flow distance of the target gas flowing from the bottom to the top in the tower-shaped treatment container filled with the adsorbent becomes long, the pressure loss of the target gas increases, and there is a problem that the energy cost for supplying the target gas also increases.

[0006] Also, in the drying treatment chamber, since the flow distance of the drying gas flowing from the bottom to the top in the tower-shaped treatment container filled with the adsorbent becomes long, the pressure loss of the drying gas increases, and there is a problem that the energy cost for supplying the drying gas also increases.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a carbon dioxide separation system capable of reducing the pressure loss of at least one of the target gas and the drying gas.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To achieve the above object, a carbon dioxide separation system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes an adsorption device configured to supply a target gas containing carbon dioxide and bring the target gas into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent, a regeneration device configured to bring steam into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent, and a drying device configured to supply a drying gas and bring the drying gas into contact with the adsorbent after contact with the steam to dry the adsorbent. At least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure. The specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The gas supplied to the specific structure passes through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container.

[0009] Further, a carbon dioxide separation system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an adsorption device configured to supply a target gas containing carbon dioxide and bring the target gas into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent, and a regeneration drying device configured to bring steam into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent and then dry the adsorbent by performing vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure. The specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The target gas supplied to the specific structure passes through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container.

[0010] In addition, a carbon dioxide separation system according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes an adsorption device configured to supply a target gas containing carbon dioxide and bring the target gas into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent, a regeneration device configured to bring steam into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent, and a drying device configured to dry the adsorbent after the contact with the steam by performing vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure, and the specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions on both opposing side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The target gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the opposing gas passage regions on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] The present disclosure has the configuration described above, and has an effect of being able to provide a carbon dioxide separation system capable of reducing the pressure loss of at least one of a target gas and a drying gas.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements throughout all the drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted. In addition, for ease of understanding, the drawings schematically show each component, and the shape, dimensional ratio, etc. may not be accurately shown.

[0014] (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of a carbon dioxide separation system according to the first embodiment. The carbon dioxide separation system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a series of systems that selectively separates carbon dioxide from a target gas containing carbon dioxide using an adsorbent and regenerates the adsorbent used for the separation. The target gas is, for example, combustion exhaust gas from a thermal power plant or the like. As the adsorbent, for example, a granular solid absorbent in which an amine is supported on a porous body can be used. As the porous body, silica gel, activated alumina, metal oxides, etc. can be used.

[0015] The carbon dioxide separation system 1 includes an adsorption device 2, a regeneration device 3, a drying device 4, an adsorbent transfer device 5, and fans 6, 7, etc. The adsorbent circulates and moves through the adsorption device 2, the regeneration device 3, and the drying device 4 via the adsorbent transfer device 5. During the operation of the carbon dioxide separation system 1, the adsorption device 2, the regeneration device 3, and the drying device 4 always have an adsorbent present. As the adsorbent transfer device 5, for example, a conveyor such as a bucket conveyor may be used, or an air transportation device or the like may be used.

[0016] The adsorption device 2 is a device in which a target gas such as combustion exhaust gas is supplied, and carbon dioxide in the target gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent by bringing the target gas into contact with the adsorbent. The target gas is supplied to the adsorption device 2 through the target gas supply path 21 by the fan 7. The treated target gas, which is the target gas from which carbon dioxide has been removed by the adsorbent in the adsorption device 2, is discharged through the target gas discharge path 22.

[0017] Desorbed steam, which is steam for desorbing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent, is supplied to the regeneration device 3 through the steam supply path 31. The regeneration device 3 is a device that releases carbon dioxide from the adsorbent by bringing the desorbed steam into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption, which has been conveyed from the adsorption device 2 by the adsorbent transfer device 5.

[0018] In the regeneration device 3, water vapor in the desorption water vapor condenses on the adsorbent due to contact between the adsorbent and the desorption water vapor, and as a result, carbon dioxide is released from the adsorbent. Note that the amount of water vapor in the desorption water vapor is such that almost all of the water vapor in the desorption water vapor condenses on the adsorbent. The carbon dioxide desorbed and released from the adsorbent is discharged through the carbon dioxide recovery path 32. For example, the carbon dioxide sucked by a vacuum pump and discharged through the carbon dioxide recovery path 32 is stored in a carbon dioxide holder. The adsorbent with condensed water attached thereto in the regeneration device 3 is supplied to the drying device 4.

[0019] The drying device 4 is a device that dries the adsorbent by supplying a drying gas and bringing the drying gas into contact with the adsorbent after contact with the desorption water vapor. The drying gas is supplied to the drying device 4 through the drying gas supply path 41 by a fan 6. The treated drying gas, which is the used drying gas that has passed through the drying device 4, is discharged to the outside through the drying gas discharge path 42. Note that the drying gas supplied to the drying device 4 is outside air, and it is preferable that the outside air has its moisture removed by a condenser to adjust the humidity and its temperature increased by a heater to adjust the temperature. The adsorbent dried in the drying device 4 is supplied to the adsorption device 2.

[0020] Next, the details of this embodiment will be described. The regeneration device 3 can employ a known configuration, such as a tower-type device having a columnar processing container.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first configuration example of a specific structure applied to the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4. FIG. 3 is a side view of the processing container 61A of the specific structure 60A shown in FIG. 2.

[0022] The specific structure 60A of the first configuration example includes a processing container 61A having a main portion 61AM with an elongated horizontal cross-section and extending in the vertical direction. At the upper end of the processing container 61A, there is an inlet 62 for receiving an adsorbent supplied from above as indicated by the arrow Sa. At the lower end of the processing container 61A, there is a discharge device 63 for discharging the adsorbent downward as indicated by the arrow Sd. The discharge device 63 is composed of, for example, a rotary valve or the like.

[0023] The discharge device 63 is driven intermittently or continuously. As the adsorbent is discharged from the lower end of the processing container 61A by the discharge device 63, the adsorbent inside the processing container 61A moves downward by its own weight.

[0024] In the main portion 61AM of the processing container 61A, predetermined regions of the opposing both side surfaces 61a, 61b that oppose each other in the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A are gas passage regions 64, 65 where the adsorbent cannot pass through and the gas can pass through. The gas passage regions 64, 65 are formed of, for example, a net-like component such as a wire mesh. In FIG. 3, one side surface 61a is shown, but the other side surface 61b is the same. Note that the thickness direction a of the processing container 61A is the direction indicated by the arrow a, which is equal to the thickness direction of the main portion 61AM and is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elongated horizontal cross-section in the main portion 61AM.

[0025] The processing container 61A is provided with a gas supply port 66 so as to surround one gas passage region 64, and a gas discharge port 67 so as to surround the other gas passage region 64.

[0026] Further, in the processing container 61A, the adsorbent is circulated and moved so that the adsorbent always exists up to a position above the upper ends of the gas passage regions 64 and 65. The gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is supplied into the processing container 61A from the gas supply port 66 of the processing container 61A through the gas passage region 64 as shown by the arrows S1 and S2, passes through the inside of the processing container 61A while contacting the adsorbent, and is discharged from the gas discharge port 67 through the gas passage region 65. That is, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A passes through the inside of the processing container 61A in the thickness direction a through the horizontally opposed gas passage regions 64 and 65.

[0027] When this specific structure 60A is applied to the adsorption device 2, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is the target gas, the target gas supply path 21 is connected to the gas supply port 66, and the target gas discharge path 22 is connected to the gas discharge port 67.

[0028] When the specific structure 60A is applied to the drying device 4, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is the drying gas, the drying gas supply path 41 is connected to the gas supply port 66, and the drying gas discharge path 42 is connected to the gas discharge port 67.

[0029] In the specific structure 60A of this first configuration example, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60A is passed through the inside of the processing container 61A in the thickness direction a through the opposing gas passage regions 64, 65 on both side surfaces 61a, 61b of the main part 61AM of the processing container 61A. Thereby, the passing distance of the gas in the processing container 61A supplied to the specific structure 60A can be shortened, and the pressure loss of the gas passing through the processing container 61A where the adsorbent exists can be reduced. Further, by increasing the areas of the gas passage regions 64, 65 on both side surfaces 61a, 61b of the processing container 61A, the gas flow rate can be increased. Therefore, when the adsorption device 2 is the specific structure 60A, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device 2 can be reduced, and when the drying device 4 is the specific structure 60A, the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device 4 can be reduced. In this way, by reducing the pressure losses of the target gas and the drying gas, the energy cost required to supply the target gas and the drying gas can be reduced. For example, the power consumption of a fan 7 or the like used to supply the target gas to the adsorption device 2 can be reduced. Also, the power consumption of a fan 6 or the like used to supply the drying gas to the drying device 4 can be reduced.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a second configuration example of the specific structure applied to the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4. FIG. 5 is a side view of the processing container 61B of the specific structure 60B shown in FIG. 4.

[0031] The specific structure 60B of the second configuration example includes a processing container 61B having a main part 61BM whose horizontal cross-section is elongated and extends in the vertical direction. This processing container 61B has different gas passage regions from the aforementioned processing container 61A. In the main part 61BM of the processing container 61B, a plurality of gas passage regions 64a, 64b, 65a, 65b vertically separated are provided on both side surfaces 61a, 61b. The gas passage regions 64a, 64b on one side surface 61a and the gas passage regions 65a, 65b on the other side surface 61b are arranged to face each other.

[0032] This processing container 61B is provided with a gas supply port 68 so as to surround the gas passage region 64a on one side surface 61a, and a gas discharge port 70 so as to surround the gas passage region 64b. Further, the processing container 61B is provided with a gas return lid 69 that collectively surrounds and covers the two gas passage regions 65a and 65b on the other side surface 61b and the region between these two regions 65a and 65b.

[0033] Also, in the processing container 61B, the adsorbent is circulated and moved so that the adsorbent always exists up to a position above the upper ends of the uppermost gas passage regions 64b and 65b. The gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is supplied into the processing container 61B from the gas supply port 68 of the processing container 61B through the gas passage region 64a as shown by the arrow S3, passes through the inside of the processing container 61B while contacting the adsorbent, and is supplied into the gas return lid 69 through the gas passage region 65a. Further, as shown by the arrows S4 and S5, the gas changes direction in the gas return lid 69, is supplied again into the processing container 61B through the gas passage region 65b, passes through the inside of the processing container 61B while contacting the adsorbent, and is discharged from the gas discharge port 70. That is, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B passes through the inside of the processing container 61B twice in the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B. The thickness direction a of the processing container 61B is the direction indicated by the arrow a, is equal to the thickness direction of the main part 61BM, and is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elongated horizontal cross section in the main part 61BM.

[0034] Here, it is preferable to provide a predetermined interval D1 (FIG. 5) between the gas passage regions 64a, 65a and the gas passage regions 64b, 65b so that the gas before the direction change and the gas after the direction change do not interfere with each other in the processing container 61B. This interval D1 is preferably set to be larger than, for example, twice the thickness T1 (FIG. 4) of the inside of the processing container 61B where the adsorbent exists.

[0035] In this example, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is caused to change direction once and pass through the inside of the processing container 61B twice, but it may be caused to change direction two or more times and pass through the inside of the processing container 61B three or more times.

[0036] When this specific structure 60B is applied to the adsorption device 2, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is the target gas, the target gas supply path 21 is connected to the gas supply port 68, and the target gas discharge path 22 is connected to the gas discharge port 70.

[0037] Also, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the drying device 4, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is the drying gas, the drying gas supply path 41 is connected to the gas supply port 68, and the drying gas discharge path 42 is connected to the gas discharge port 70.

[0038] Also in the specific structure 60B of this second configuration example, the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B is passed through the inside of the processing container 61B in the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B via the opposing gas passage regions 64a, 64b, 65a, 65b on both side surfaces 61a, 61b of the main part 61BM of the processing container 61B. Therefore, the same effect as in the case of the specific structure 60A of the first configuration example can be obtained.

[0039] Furthermore, in the case of the second configuration example, by changing the direction of the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B and passing it through the inside of the processing container 61B a plurality of times, the performance of the specific structure 60B by bringing the gas into contact with the adsorbent can be improved. That is, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the adsorption device 2, more of the carbon dioxide contained in the target gas can be adsorbed by the adsorbent, and the carbon dioxide adsorption performance in the adsorption device 2 can be improved. Also, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the drying device 4, the adsorbent can be dried more, and the drying performance of the adsorbent in the drying device 4 can be improved.

[0040] Also, in the second configuration example, when redirecting the gas, as indicated by arrow S4, it is folded upward, but it may also be folded downward. That is, the gas outlet 70 may be used as the gas supply port, and the gas supply port 68 may be used as the gas outlet. Here, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the adsorption device 2, if the gas is folded downward when redirecting the gas, the adsorbent moves from top to bottom. Therefore, the adsorbent that has adsorbed a large amount of carbon dioxide from the target gas with a high carbon dioxide concentration before the redirection moves downward and adsorbs carbon dioxide from the target gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration after the redirection. In this case, the adsorption performance of carbon dioxide from the target gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration after the redirection by the adsorbent that has adsorbed a large amount of carbon dioxide decreases.

[0041] On the other hand, as exemplified above, when redirecting the gas and folding it upward, the adsorbent that has adsorbed a small amount of carbon dioxide from the target gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration after the redirection moves downward and adsorbs carbon dioxide from the target gas with a high carbon dioxide concentration before the redirection. When the adsorbent that has adsorbed such a small amount of carbon dioxide adsorbs carbon dioxide from the target gas with a high carbon dioxide concentration before the redirection, a decrease in the adsorption performance of carbon dioxide can be suppressed. Therefore, when redirecting the gas upward, the adsorption performance of carbon dioxide in the adsorption device 2 can be improved compared to when redirecting it downward.

[0042] Also, when the specific structure 60B is applied to the drying device 4, if the gas is folded downward when redirecting the gas, the adsorbent moves from top to bottom. Therefore, the adsorbent that has been dried to some extent by the drying gas with a high degree of dryness before the redirection moves downward and is dried by the drying gas with a lower degree of dryness after the redirection. In this case, the drying performance of the adsorbent that has been dried to some extent by the drying gas with a lower degree of dryness decreases.

[0043] On the one hand, as exemplified above, when redirecting the gas, if it is folded back upward, the adsorbent that has been dried to some extent by the drying gas with a lower dryness degree after the redirection moves downward, and the adsorbent that has been dried to some extent is dried by the drying gas with a higher dryness degree before the redirection. Therefore, when redirecting the gas, when folding it back upward, the drying performance of the adsorbent in the drying device 4 can be improved compared to the case of folding it back downward.

[0044] As described above, when redirecting the gas, it is more preferable to fold it back upward. Also, when redirecting the gas multiple times, it is more preferable to fold it back upward sequentially. That is, when n is an integer of 1 or more, when the gas supplied to the specific structure 60B passes through the processing container 61B for the nth time, it is preferable that the gas passage region through which the gas passes when passing through the processing container 61B for the (n + 1)th time is arranged above the gas passage region.

[0045] In the first embodiment exemplifying the above first and second configuration examples, the regeneration device 3, the drying device 4, and the adsorption device 2 are arranged in this order from above, and the adsorbent discharged from the adsorption device 2 is supplied to the regeneration device 3 by the adsorbent transfer device 5, but it is not limited to this. It is only necessary that the adsorbent is configured to circulate and move in the order of the adsorption device 2, the regeneration device 3, and the drying device 4. Since the adsorbent discharged from the regeneration device 3 has condensed water attached and is not easy to handle, it is preferably supplied directly from the regeneration device 3 to the drying device 4 without passing through the adsorbent transfer device 5.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the specific structures 60A and 60B are applied to both the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4, but the specific structures 60A and 60B may be applied to only one of the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4. Also, one of the specific structure 60A and the specific structure 60B may be applied to the adsorption device 2 and the other may be applied to the drying device 4. For the adsorption device 2 and the drying device 4 to which the specific structures 60A and 60B are not applied, a known configuration, such as a tower-type device, may be applied.

[0047] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example carbon dioxide separation system according to the second embodiment.

[0048] The carbon dioxide separation system 100 shown in FIG. 6 is a system in which a plurality of individual systems 10 are arranged and connected in the direction of arrow b. The plurality of individual systems 10 have the same configuration. In FIG. 6, an example in which two individual systems 10 are connected is illustrated, but three or more individual systems 10 may be arranged and connected in the direction of arrow b. Note that the direction of arrow b, which is the arrangement direction of the plurality of individual systems 10, is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing container 71 described later.

[0049] The individual system 10 is one of the modified examples of the carbon dioxide separation system 1 shown in FIG. 1, and includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration device 13, a drying device 14, an adsorbent transfer device 15, and the like. In this individual system 10, the regeneration device 13, the drying device 14, and the adsorption device 12 are arranged in this order from above. The adsorbent is conveyed in the direction of arrow S6 through the adsorbent transfer device 15, and circulates and moves through the adsorption device 12, the regeneration device 13, and the drying device 14 via the adsorbent transfer device 15. For the adsorbent transfer device 15, similar to the adsorbent transfer device 5 in FIG. 1, for example, a conveyor such as a bucket conveyor may be used, or an air transportation device or the like may be used.

[0050] Here, the regeneration device 13 includes two columnar regeneration processing containers 13a for one vertically long processing container 71. The adsorbent transfer device 15 is provided with a supply device 18 for distributing the adsorbent to a plurality of regeneration processing containers 13a arranged for the two vertically long processing containers 71. In addition, at the lower part of the two regeneration processing containers 13a, a discharge device 13b for discharging the adsorbent of the two regeneration processing containers 13a to the inlet 72 (FIG. 7) of the vertically long processing container 71 in sequence is provided. In this example, two regeneration processing containers 13a are installed for one vertically long processing container 71, but one or three or more regeneration processing containers 13a may be installed for one vertically long processing container 71.

[0051] A steam supply passage 31 for supplying desorption steam is connected to the regeneration processing container 13a. Inside the regeneration processing container 13a, the desorption steam is brought into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption that has been conveyed from the adsorption device 12 by the adsorbent conveying device 15, thereby releasing carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. The carbon dioxide released from the adsorbent is sucked by a vacuum pump through a carbon dioxide recovery passage 32 connected to the regeneration processing container 13a and stored in a carbon dioxide holder.

[0052] The adsorbent may be finely crushed during use. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a sorting device 19 is connected to the adsorbent conveying device 15, and the adsorbent is supplied to the sorting device 19 at a predetermined timing. Here, the supply device 18 can be switched between a case where it receives the adsorbent conveyed by the adsorbent conveying device 15 and supplies it to the regeneration processing container 13a, and a case where it does not receive it and flows it to the downstream side. By switching the supply device 18 so that the adsorbent flows to the downstream side, the adsorbent is supplied to the sorting device 19. In the sorting device 19, the adsorbent having a size less than a predetermined size is removed, and the adsorbent having a size greater than or equal to the predetermined size is discharged to the adsorbent buffer tank 16. The adsorbent buffer tank 16 has a discharge device 17 such as a rotary valve at the lower end. The adsorbent stored in the adsorbent buffer tank 16 can be supplied to the adsorbent conveying device 15 by operating the discharge device 17 at an appropriate timing, and the adsorbent can be replenished or the like.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a front view of the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 shown in FIG. 6. Further, FIG. 8 is a side view showing an example of the vertically long processing container 71 used in the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] In this individual system 10, the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 are provided with a vertically long processing container pair 71P in which two vertically long processing containers 71 are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing container 71. Here, the processing containers of the specific structure 60B as shown in FIG. 4 are applied to the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12, and further, the processing containers of two specific structures 60B are integrated to form the vertically long processing container 71. Specifically, the vertically long processing container 71 is configured by integrating the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12 via a connecting portion 71C. The processing container 71A has a main portion 71AM whose horizontal cross section is an elongated shape and extends in the vertical direction, and the processing container 71B has a main portion 71BM whose horizontal cross section is an elongated shape and extends in the vertical direction. Note that the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing container 71 is the direction indicated by the arrow a, which is the thickness direction of the processing containers 71A and 71B, equal to the thickness direction of the main portions 71AM and 71BM of the processing containers 71A and 71B, and is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the elongated horizontal cross section of the main portions 71AM and 71BM.

[0055] At the upper end of the vertically long processing container 71, there is a receiving port 72 for receiving an adsorbent supplied from above as indicated by the arrow Sa. At the lower end of the vertically long processing container 71, a discharging device 73 for discharging the adsorbent downward as indicated by the arrow Sd is provided. The discharging device 73 is composed of, for example, a rotary valve or the like. In this case, the discharging device for discharging the adsorbent from the drying device 14 to the adsorption device 12 can be omitted.

[0056] On both side surfaces 71a and 71b of the processing container 71B portions of the adsorption device 12 of the two vertically long processing containers 71 and 71, there are a plurality of gas passage regions 74 and 75 separated in the vertical direction. The gas passage regions 74 and 75 on one side surface 71a and the gas passage regions 74 and 75 on the other side surface 71b are arranged to face each other. The gas passage regions 74 and 75 have the same configuration as the gas passage regions 64a, 65a, 64b, and 65b shown in FIG. 4.

[0057] Further, in the treatment vessel 71B, 71B portions of the adsorption devices 12 of the two vertically long treatment vessels 71, 71, there are provided gas return lids 81, 82 that together surround and cover the two gas passage regions 74, 75 on the other side surface 71b and the region between these two regions 74, 75. And, between the two vertically long treatment vessels 71, a target gas common supply passage 91 for supplying the target gas to the gas passage region 74 is arranged, and a target gas common discharge passage 92 for discharging the target gas that has passed through the gas passage region 75 is arranged.

[0058] The target gas common supply passage 91 is a supply passage for the target gas common to a plurality of individual systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b. Similarly, the target gas common discharge passage 92 is a discharge passage for the target gas common to a plurality of individual systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b.

[0059] As shown by the arrow S7 in FIG. 6, the target gas such as combustion exhaust gas is supplied to the target gas common supply passage 91. And, the target gas passes through the inside of the vertically long treatment vessel 71 while contacting the adsorbent through the gas passage region 74 of the vertically long treatment vessels 71 arranged on both sides from the target gas common supply passage 91, and changes direction within the gas return lids 81, 82 as shown by the arrows S8, S9 in FIG. 7. This redirected target gas passes through the inside of the vertically long treatment vessel 71 again while contacting the adsorbent through the gas passage region 75 and is discharged to the target gas common discharge passage 92, and further, as shown by the arrow S10 in FIG. 6, is discharged to the outside through the target gas common discharge passage 92.

[0060] On the other hand, on both side surfaces 71a, 71b of the treatment vessel 71A, 71A portions of the drying devices 14 of the two vertically long treatment vessels 71, 71, there are provided a plurality of gas passage regions 76, 77 spaced apart in the vertical direction. The gas passage regions 76, 77 on one side surface 71a and the gas passage regions 76, 77 on the other side surface 71b are arranged opposite to each other. The gas passage regions 76, 77 have the same configuration as the gas passage regions 64a, 65a, 64b, 65b shown in FIG. 4.

[0061] Further, in the processing vessel 71A, 71A portions of the drying device 14 of the two vertically long processing vessels 71, 71, there are provided gas turning lids 83, 84 that together surround and cover the two gas passage regions 76, 77 on the other side surface 71b and the region between these two regions 76, 77. And, between the two vertically long processing vessels 71, a common drying gas supply path 93 for supplying drying gas to the gas passage region 76 is arranged, and a common drying gas discharge path 94 for discharging the drying gas that has passed through the gas passage region 77 is arranged.

[0062] The common drying gas supply path 93 is a supply path for drying gas common to a plurality of individual systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b. Similarly, the common drying gas discharge path 94 is a discharge path for drying gas common to a plurality of individual systems 10 arranged in the direction of arrow b.

[0063] As shown by the arrow S11 in FIG. 6, the drying gas is supplied to the common drying gas supply path 93. Then, the drying gas passes through the inside of the vertically long processing vessel 71 while contacting the adsorbent through the gas passage region 76 of the vertically long processing vessels 71 arranged on both sides from the common drying gas supply path 93, and changes direction within the gas turning lids 83, 84 as shown by the arrows S12, S13 in FIG. 7. This drying gas that has changed direction passes through the inside of the vertically long processing vessel 71 again while contacting the adsorbent through the gas passage region 77 and is discharged to the common drying gas discharge path 94, and further, as shown by the arrow S14 in FIG. 6, is discharged to the outside through the common drying gas discharge path 94. In this example, there is provided a cover 85 that covers the gap between the two gas turning lids 81, 83, and a cover 85 that covers the gap between the two gas turning lids 82, 84, but these covers 85 may be omitted.

[0064] Note that the adsorbent is supplied from the regeneration device 13 to the vertically long processing vessel 71 so that the adsorbent always exists at a position above the upper end of the uppermost gas passage region 77.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8, in each of the target gas and the drying gas, it is preferable to provide a predetermined interval D1 between the gas passage regions 74 and 75 and between the gas passage regions 76 and 77 so that the gas before the direction change and the gas after the direction change do not interfere with each other in the vertically long processing container 71. This interval D1 is preferably set to be larger than, for example, twice the internal thickness T1 (FIG. 7) of the vertically long processing container 71 which is the region where the adsorbent exists. Note that the two intervals D1 shown in FIG. 8 do not have to be equal intervals.

[0066] Also, in this example, in the connection portion 71C between the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, a non-flow path region E that does not allow the adsorbent and the gas to pass through is arranged to divide the flow path of the adsorbent into a plurality of flow paths F. As a result, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of the plurality of flow paths F is made smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the processing container 71B passing through the gas passage region 75, and the total horizontal cross-sectional area of the plurality of flow paths F is made smaller than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the processing container 71A passing through the gas passage region 76. Thereby, the pressure loss when the gas passes through the connection portion 71C in the vertical direction increases, preventing the inflow of the target gas passing through the gas passage region 75 into the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and preventing the inflow of the drying gas passing through the gas passage region 76 into the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, and enabling the drying process in the processing container 71A and the adsorption process in the processing container 71B to be performed well. Here, the non-flow path region E can prevent the target gas and the drying gas from interfering with each other. Further, by arranging the non-flow path region E as described above in a portion corresponding to the portion between the gas passage regions 74 and 75, it is possible to prevent the target gases passing in opposite directions to each other from interfering with each other in the vertically long processing container 71. Also, by arranging the non-flow path region E as described above in a portion corresponding to the portion between the gas passage regions 76 and 77, it is possible to prevent the drying gases passing in opposite directions to each other from interfering with each other in the vertically long processing container 71.

[0067] FIG. 9 is a side view showing another example of the vertically long processing container 71. In the example of FIG. 9, in the connecting portion 71C between the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, the flow path of the adsorbent is not divided into a plurality of flow paths F as in FIG. 8. In the example of FIG. 9, the vertical length of the connecting portion 71C, that is, the interval D2 between the gas passage region 75 of the target gas and the gas passage region 76 of the drying gas is increased. This interval D2 is preferably set to be larger than, for example, twice the thickness T1 (FIG. 7) inside the vertically long processing container 71 which is the existing region of the adsorbent. Also in this case, the pressure loss when the gas passes through the connecting portion 71C in the vertical direction increases, preventing the inflow of the target gas through the gas passage region 75 into the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and preventing the inflow of the drying gas through the gas passage region 76 into the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12, and enabling the drying process in the processing container 71A and the adsorption process in the processing container 71B to be performed well.

[0068] Note that, in the above, mainly for the individual system 10, the regeneration device 13, the drying device 14, the adsorption device 12, etc. have been described, but in the carbon dioxide separation system 100, a plurality of individual systems 10 are arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 in the carbon dioxide separation system 100 are configured to include a plurality of vertically long processing container pairs 71P arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b, which is the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing container 71.

[0069] In the present embodiment, by providing a plurality of vertically long processing container pairs 71P in which two vertically long processing containers 71 are arranged side by side with an interval in the thickness direction a, an increase in the processing amount in the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14 can be achieved. Also, a plurality of vertically long processing container pairs 71P are arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b, that is, the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing container 71. And by arranging a common target gas supply path 91, a common target gas discharge path 92, a common drying gas supply path 93, and a common drying gas discharge path 94 that are common to the vertically long processing containers 71 of the plurality of vertically long processing container pairs 71P between the two vertically long processing containers 71 constituting the vertically long processing container pair 71P, the configuration can be simplified.

[0070] Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of regeneration processing containers 13a are provided for one vertically long processing container 71, and by sequentially supplying the adsorbent from the plurality of regeneration processing containers 13a to the vertically long processing container 71, while continuously discharging the adsorbent from the lower end of the vertically long processing container 71, it becomes easy to continuously perform the processes as the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12.

[0071] In the present embodiment, each of the target gas and the drying gas is passed through the inside of the vertically long processing container 71 twice by changing the direction once, but it may be passed through the inside of the vertically long processing container 71 three times or more by changing the direction two or more times. In this way, by changing the direction of each of the target gas and the drying gas and passing them through the inside of the vertically long processing container 71 a plurality of times, the carbon dioxide adsorption performance in the adsorption device 2 can be improved, and the drying performance of the adsorbent in the drying device 4 can be improved. Further, in this case, as described in the second configuration example of the first embodiment, it is more preferable to fold back upward when changing the direction of the gas. That is, for the target gas, when n is an integer of 1 or more, the gas passage region through which the target gas supplied to the processing container 71B portion of the adsorption device 12 of the vertically long processing container 71 passes when passing through the processing container 71B for the nth time is located above the gas passage region through which the gas passes when passing through the processing container 71B for the (n + 1)th time. Also, for the drying gas, when n is an integer of 1 or more, the gas passage region through which the drying gas supplied to the processing container 71A portion of the drying device 14 of the vertically long processing container 71 passes when passing through the processing container 71A for the nth time is located above the gas passage region through which the gas passes when passing through the processing container 71A for the (n + 1)th time.

[0072] When, as described above, the target gas and the drying gas are redirected and passed through the inside of the vertically long processing vessel 71 a plurality of times, by passing them through the inside of the vertically long processing vessel 71 an even number of times, in addition to the target gas common supply passage 91 and the drying gas common supply passage 93, a target gas common discharge passage 92 and a drying gas common discharge passage 94 can be arranged between the two vertically long processing vessels 71 that make up the vertically long processing vessel pair 71P.

[0073] Also, in the present embodiment, the processing vessels of the specific structure 60B as shown in FIG. 4 are applied to the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12, and further, the processing vessels of the two specific structures 60B are integrated to form the vertically long processing vessel 71. Here, instead of the specific structure 60B, the specific structure 60A as shown in FIG. 2 may be applied to form the vertically long processing vessel 71. In this case, the target gas and the drying gas are configured to pass through the inside of the vertically long processing vessel 71 only once.

[0074] Also, in the present embodiment, the regeneration device 13 is arranged above the vertically long processing vessel 71, but the regeneration device 13 may be arranged below the vertically long processing vessel 71, and the adsorbent discharged from the regeneration device 13 may be supplied to the receiving port 72 at the upper end of the vertically long processing vessel 71 by the adsorbent transfer device. When the regeneration device 13 is arranged above the vertically long processing vessel 71 as in the present embodiment, the adsorbent supplied from the regeneration device 13 to the vertically long processing vessel 71 has condensed water attached thereto, but is dried by the drying gas inside the vertically long processing vessel 71. Therefore, since the adsorbent discharged from the discharge device 73 at the lower end of the vertically long processing vessel 71 is dry, it is easy to handle, which is preferable for the adsorbent transfer device 15 to perform good conveyance.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, the individual system 10 is configured to include two vertically long processing vessels 71, but it may be configured to include one vertically long processing vessel 71. In this case, the carbon dioxide separation system formed by connecting a plurality of individual systems has a configuration in which a plurality of vertically long processing vessels 71 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing vessel 71. Also, the arrangement and configuration of the adsorbent transfer device 15 may be appropriately changed according to the arrangement and number of the vertically long processing vessels 71 and the like.

[0076] In addition, in the present embodiment, although the carbon dioxide separation system 100 formed by connecting a plurality of individual systems 10 has been described, one individual system 10 may be configured as a carbon dioxide separation system. In this case, the individual system 10 configured as a carbon dioxide separation system may have a configuration including two vertically long processing vessels 71, or may have a configuration including one vertically long processing vessel 71.

[0077] In the above-described second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of individual systems 10 each having a configuration in which two vertically long processing vessels 71 are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction a are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing vessel 71. That is, a pair of vertically long processing vessels 71P formed by arranging two vertically long processing vessels 71 side by side with a gap in the thickness direction a are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the vertically long processing vessel 71. Similarly, in the first embodiment, the specific structure applied to at least one of the adsorption device and the drying device may be configured as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a third configuration example of the specific structure in the first embodiment. The specific structure 60C shown in FIG. 10 has a plurality of pairs of processing vessels 61BP formed by arranging two processing vessels 61B shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 side by side with a gap in the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61B arranged side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61B. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61B is the depth direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 10.

[0079] This specific structure 60C has a gas common supply path 95 that serves as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the processing vessels 61B of a plurality of processing vessel pairs 61BP between the two processing vessels 61B that make up the processing vessel pair 61BP, and a gas common discharge path 96 that serves as a common discharge path for the gas discharged from the processing vessels 61B of the plurality of processing vessel pairs 61BP, which are arranged to extend in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61B. Further, on the outer side surfaces 61b of the two processing vessels 61B that make up the processing vessel pair 61BP, there is provided a gas return lid 69 that encloses and covers together the two gas passage regions 65a, 65b and the region between these two regions 65a, 65b.

[0080] In this specific structure 60C, the gas supplied to the two processing vessels 61B through the gas common supply path 95 passes through the gas passage regions 64a, 65a, 65b, 64b as indicated by the arrows S15, S16 and is discharged through the gas common discharge path 96. Also, in the processing vessel 61B, by arranging a non-flow path region E as shown in FIG. 8 in a portion corresponding to the region between the gas passage regions 64a, 64b, it is possible to prevent the gases passing in opposite directions from interfering with each other inside the processing vessel 61B. This also applies to the case of the processing vessel 61B shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0081] Note that in this specific structure 60C, a plurality of processing vessel pairs 61BP each consisting of two processing vessels 61B are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61B, but it may also be configured to include only one processing vessel pair 61BP. Further, it may also be configured such that a plurality of processing vessels 61B are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61B.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a fourth configuration example of the specific structure in the first embodiment. The specific structure 60D shown in FIG. 11 has a plurality of processing vessel pairs 61AP formed by arranging the two processing vessels 61A shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 side by side with a gap in the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A, arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A. The horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A is the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 11.

[0083] This specific structure 60D has a gas common supply path 97, which serves as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the processing vessels 61A of a plurality of processing vessel pairs 61AP, extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A, between the two processing vessels 61A that make up the processing vessel pair 61AP. On the outer side surfaces 61b of the two processing vessels 61A that make up the processing vessel pair 61AP, there is a gas common discharge path 98, which serves as a common discharge path for the gas discharged from the processing vessels 61A of the plurality of processing vessel pairs 61AP, extending in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A.

[0084] In this specific structure 60D, the gas supplied to the two processing vessels 61A through the gas common supply path 97 passes through the gas passage regions 64 and 65 as indicated by the arrows S17 and S18, and is discharged through the gas common discharge path 98.

[0085] Note that in this specific structure 60D, a plurality of processing vessel pairs 61AP each consisting of two processing vessels 61A are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A. However, it may also be configured to include only one processing vessel pair 61AP. Further, it may also be configured such that a plurality of processing vessels 61A are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing vessel 61A.

[0086] (Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of the carbon dioxide separation system according to the third embodiment. In FIG. 12, the parts corresponding to those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 6.

[0087] The carbon dioxide separation system 101 shown in FIG. 12 is a system in which a plurality of individual systems 10A are connected side by side in the direction of arrow b. The plurality of individual systems 10A have the same configuration. Further, in FIG. 12, an example in which two individual systems 10A are connected is illustrated, but three or more individual systems 10A may be connected side by side in the direction of arrow b.

[0088] The carbon dioxide separation system 101 shown in Fig. 12 mainly differs from the carbon dioxide separation system 100 shown in Fig. 6 in the configuration of the individual system 10A. The individual system 10A will be described below.

[0089] The individual system 10A includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration device 13, a drying device 14, an adsorbent conveying device 15, etc. Different from the individual system 10 in Fig. 6, this individual system 10A is arranged in the order of the adsorption device 12, the regeneration device 13, and the drying device 14 from top to bottom. And the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14 are each configured using the processing container pair 61BP shown in Fig. 10.

[0090] A supply switching device 20 is connected to each receiving port of the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12. The supply switching device 20 can switch between the case of receiving the adsorbent conveyed by the adsorbent conveying device 15 and supplying it to the processing container 61B, and the case of not receiving it and flowing it to the downstream side. With the two supply switching devices 20, the adsorbent can be alternately supplied to the two processing containers 61B, and the adsorbent can be supplied to the sorting device 19 at a predetermined timing. Between the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12, a target gas common supply path 91 and a target gas common discharge path 92 common to a plurality of individual systems 10A are arranged.

[0091] The regeneration device 13 is provided with two regeneration processing containers 13a for one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12. At the lower end of each of the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12, a supply device 18a is installed for distributing and supplying the adsorbent discharged from the lower end to the two regeneration processing containers 13a. Also, at the lower part of the two regeneration processing containers 13a, a discharge device 13b is provided for discharging the adsorbent of the two regeneration processing containers 13a to the receiving port of the processing container 61B of the drying device 14 in sequence. Note that one or three or more regeneration processing containers 13a may be installed for one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12.

[0092] Between two processing containers 61B of the drying device 14, a common supply path 93 for drying gas and a common discharge path 94 for drying gas that are common to a plurality of individual systems 10A are arranged. At the lower end of each of the two processing containers 61B of the drying device 14, a discharge device 63 for discharging the adsorbent downward is provided. The adsorbent discharged by the discharge device 63 is supplied to the adsorbent transfer device 15.

[0093] In the above description, the adsorption device 12, the regeneration device 13, the drying device 14, etc. have been mainly described for the individual system 10A. However, in the carbon dioxide separation system 101, a plurality of individual systems 10A are arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, each of the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14 in the carbon dioxide separation system 101 includes a specific structure 60C (FIG. 10) having a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b, which is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B.

[0094] In the present embodiment, in each of the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14, by providing a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP in which two processing containers 61B are arranged side by side at intervals in the thickness direction a, it is possible to increase the processing amount in the adsorption device 12 and the drying device 14. Further, by arranging a common supply path 91 for target gas and a common discharge path 92 for target gas that are common to the processing containers 61B of the plurality of processing container pairs 61BP constituting the adsorption device 12, the configuration can be simplified. Further, by arranging a common supply path 93 for drying gas and a common discharge path 94 for drying gas that are common to the processing containers 61B of the plurality of processing container pairs 61BP constituting the drying device 14, the configuration can be simplified. Further, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device 12 and the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device 14.

[0095] (Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the appearance of a carbon dioxide separation system according to the fourth embodiment. In FIG. 13, parts corresponding to those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 12.

[0096] The carbon dioxide separation system 102 shown in FIG. 13 is a system in which a plurality of individual systems 10B are connected in a row in the direction of arrow b. The plurality of individual systems 10B have the same configuration. In FIG. 13, an example in which two individual systems 10B are connected is illustrated, but three or more individual systems 10B may be connected in a row in the direction of arrow b.

[0097] The carbon dioxide separation system 102 shown in FIG. 13 differs from the carbon dioxide separation system 101 shown in FIG. 12 in the configuration of the individual system 10B. Hereinafter, the individual system 10B will be described, mainly focusing on the differences from FIG. 12.

[0098] The individual system 10B includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration and drying device 130, an adsorbent transfer device 15, etc. In this individual system 10B, it is different from the individual system 10A in FIG. 12 in that it is provided with a regeneration and drying device 130 instead of the regeneration device 13 and the drying device 14 in FIG. 12.

[0099] The regeneration and drying device 130 is provided with two cylindrical processing containers 13A for one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12. Note that one or three or more processing containers 13A may be installed for one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12.

[0100] The adsorption device 12 has the same configuration as the adsorption device 12 in FIG. 12. Also, as in the case of FIG. 12, between the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12, a target gas common supply path 91 and a target gas common discharge path 92 common to the plurality of individual systems 10B are arranged.

[0101] In the processing container 13A, similar to the regeneration processing container 13a in FIG. 12, a regeneration process is performed to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent by bringing the desorption water vapor supplied through the water vapor supply path 31 into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide has been adsorbed by the adsorption device 12. Further, after this, a drying process is performed on the adsorbent in the processing container 13A. In the drying process, vacuum drying is performed after stopping the supply of the desorption water vapor in the regeneration process. This vacuum drying is performed, for example, by continuing the operation of a vacuum pump for sucking and recovering carbon dioxide in the regeneration process and maintaining the state where the processing container 13A is depressurized for a predetermined time. Here, a separate vacuum pump from the above-mentioned vacuum pump used in the regeneration process may be installed to further depressurize the inside of the processing container 13A.

[0102] Also, in addition to the above-mentioned vacuum drying, the drying process may be performed using a drying gas. In this case, a drying gas supply path 41 and a drying gas discharge path 42 shown in FIG. 1, for example, are connected to the processing container 13A. The drying using the drying gas in this case is performed, for example, by supplying the drying gas to the processing container 13A for a predetermined time.

[0103] A discharge device 13b is provided at the lower part of the processing container 13A, and the adsorbent dried in the processing container 13A is supplied to the adsorbent transfer device 15.

[0104] In the above, the adsorption device 12, the regeneration and drying device 130, etc. have been mainly described for the individual system 10B. However, in the carbon dioxide separation system 102, a plurality of individual systems 10B are arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the adsorption device 12 in the carbon dioxide separation system 102 includes a specific structure 60C (FIG. 10) having a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b, which is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B.

[0105] In this embodiment, in the adsorption device 12, by providing a plurality of pairs of processing containers 61BP in which two processing containers 61B are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction a, it is possible to increase the processing amount in the adsorption device 12. Further, by arranging a common target gas common supply path 91 and a common target gas common discharge path 92 in the processing containers 61B of the plurality of pairs of processing containers 61BP that make up the adsorption device 12, the configuration can be simplified. Further, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device 12 can be reduced.

[0106] (Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing the appearance of an example of a carbon dioxide separation system in the fifth embodiment. In FIG. 14, parts corresponding to FIGS. 12 and 13 are given the same reference numerals as in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0107] The carbon dioxide separation system 103 shown in FIG. 14 is a system in which a plurality of individual systems 10C are connected side by side in the direction of arrow b. The plurality of individual systems 10C have the same configuration. Further, in FIG. 14, an example in which two individual systems 10C are connected is illustrated, but three or more individual systems 10C may be connected side by side in the direction of arrow b.

[0108] The carbon dioxide separation system 103 shown in FIG. 14 has a different configuration of the individual system 10C from the carbon dioxide separation systems 101 and 102 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Hereinafter, the individual system 10C will be described, mainly focusing on the differences from FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0109] The individual system 10C includes an adsorption device 12, a regeneration device 13, a drying device 14A, an adsorbent conveying device 15, etc. In this individual system 10C, it is different from the individual system 10A in FIG. 12 in that it is equipped with a drying device 14A that performs vacuum drying instead of the drying device 14 in FIG. 12. Also, the individual system 10C is different from the individual system 10B in FIG. 13 in that it is equipped with a regeneration device 13 and a drying device 14A instead of the regeneration and drying device 130 in FIG. 13. The regeneration device 13 in FIG. 14, similar to the case of FIG. 12, includes a plurality of columnar regeneration processing containers 13a. Also, the drying device 14A includes a plurality of columnar drying processing containers 14a.

[0110] In the individual system 10C, the regeneration device 13 is arranged below the adsorption device 12, and the drying device 14A is arranged below the regeneration device 13. For one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12, two columnar regeneration processing containers 13a of the regeneration device 13 are arranged below it via a supply device 18a, and further below that, two columnar drying processing containers 14a of the drying device 14A are arranged via a discharge supply device 25. Note that for one processing container 61B of the adsorption device 12, one or three or more processing containers 13a, 14a may be installed.

[0111] The adsorption device 12 has the same configuration as the adsorption device 12 in FIGS. 12 and 13. Between the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12 in the individual system 10C, a target gas common supply path 91 and a target gas common discharge path 92 common to a plurality of individual systems 10C are arranged.

[0112] In the individual system 10C, the adsorbent discharged from the lower end of the processing container 61B is supplied to the regeneration processing container 13a by the supply device 18a installed at the lower end of each of the two processing containers 61B of the adsorption device 12.

[0113] In the regeneration processing container 13a of the regeneration device 13, similar to the regeneration processing container 13a in FIG. 12, a regeneration process is performed to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent by bringing the desorption water vapor supplied through the water vapor supply path 31 into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide has been adsorbed by the adsorption device 12. At the lower part of the regeneration processing container 13a, a discharge supply device 25 is provided for discharging the adsorbent from the regeneration processing container 13a and supplying it to the drying processing container 14a of the drying device 14A.

[0114] In the drying processing container 14a of the drying device 14A, a drying process is performed to dry the adsorbent by vacuum drying. This vacuum drying is performed by maintaining the state in which the drying processing container 14a is depressurized by a vacuum pump for a predetermined time. The vacuum pump used here may be the same vacuum pump for regeneration used to suck and recover carbon dioxide in the regeneration device 13, or a different vacuum pump from the vacuum pump for regeneration may be used. Also, a different vacuum pump from the vacuum pump for regeneration and the vacuum pump for regeneration may be used in order to perform stepwise depressurization.

[0115] Also, in addition to the above-described vacuum drying, the drying process in the drying device 14A may be performed using a drying gas. In this case, for example, a drying gas supply path 41 and a drying gas discharge path 42 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to the drying processing container 14a. The drying using the drying gas in this case is performed, for example, by supplying the drying gas to the drying processing container 14a for a predetermined time.

[0116] Discharge devices 14b are provided at the lower parts of the two drying processing containers 14a, and the adsorbent dried in the two drying processing containers 14a is sequentially supplied to the adsorbent conveying device 15 by the discharge devices 14b.

[0117] In the above description, the individual system 10C has been mainly described. However, in the carbon dioxide separation system 103, a plurality of individual systems 10C are arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b. Therefore, the adsorption device 12 in the carbon dioxide separation system 103 includes a specific structure 60C (FIG. 10) having a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP arranged side by side in the direction of arrow b, which is a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction a of the processing container 61B.

[0118] Also in this embodiment, similar to the case of the fourth embodiment, in the adsorption device 12, by providing a plurality of processing container pairs 61BP in which two processing containers 61B are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the thickness direction a, an increase in the processing amount in the adsorption device 12 can be achieved. Further, by arranging a common target gas supply path 91 and a common target gas discharge path 92 common to the processing containers 61B of the plurality of processing container pairs 61BP constituting the adsorption device 12, the configuration can be simplified. Also, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device 12 can be reduced.

[0119] FIG. 15 is a side view showing another example of the processing container 61B of the specific structure 60B shown in FIG. 4 and the like.

[0120] In the processing container 61B shown in FIG. 15, a plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 are arranged at intervals allowing the adsorbent to pass through in a portion R1 corresponding to between the gas passage regions 64a and 64b that are vertically adjacent to each other and are arranged on both side surfaces 61a and 61b (see FIG. 4) facing the thickness direction a of the main portion 61BM inside the processing container 61B. The plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 are installed across both side surfaces 61a and 61b facing the thickness direction a of the main portion 61BM. The plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 are preferably arranged in a plurality of stages in a side view and more preferably arranged in a staggered manner, as shown in FIG. 15, in order to prevent the passage of gas in the vertical direction. Further, the rod-shaped objects 80 arranged in a plurality of stages are preferably arranged densely such that the rod-shaped objects 80 in the vertically adjacent stages overlap in a plan view.

[0121] By arranging a plurality of rod-shaped members 80 in this manner, it is possible to increase the pressure loss of the gas attempting to pass vertically through the processing container 61B and prevent the gas from passing vertically. Therefore, in the processing container 61B, it is possible to prevent the gases passing in opposite directions from interfering with each other. As a result, the distance between the adjacent gas passage regions 64a and 64b can be shortened, and the height of the processing container 61B can be reduced. Consequently, the height of the entire carbon dioxide separation system apparatus can be kept low. Further, by arranging a large number of rod-shaped members 80 in a staggered pattern as shown in FIG. 15, the downward flow of the adsorbent can be divided into multiple streams, and the uniform downward flow of the adsorbent can be achieved without being hindered. In addition, since the plurality of rod-shaped members 80 only need to be installed in the internal space of the processing container 61B, they are easy to manufacture.

[0122] FIG. 16 is a side view showing another example of the vertically long processing container 71 used in the drying device 14 and the adsorption device 12 shown in FIG. 6 and the like.

[0123] In the vertically long processing container 71 shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of rod-shaped members 80 are arranged at intervals allowing the adsorbent to pass through, inside the connection portion 71C (R2) between the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 and the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12.

[0124] Further, a plurality of rod-shaped members 80 are arranged at intervals allowing the adsorbent to pass through, in portions R3 corresponding to the spaces between the vertically adjacent gas passage regions 76 and 77, on both side surfaces 71a and 71b (see FIG. 7) facing each other in the thickness direction a of the main portion 71AM inside the processing container 71A.

[0125] Further, a plurality of rod-shaped members 80 are arranged at intervals allowing the adsorbent to pass through, in portions R4 corresponding to the spaces between the vertically adjacent gas passage regions 76 and 77, on both side surfaces 71a and 71b (see FIG. 7) facing each other in the thickness direction a of the main portion 71BM inside the processing container 71B.

[0126] The installation and arrangement method of the plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 in the above-mentioned portions R2, R3, and R4 inside the vertically long processing container 71 is the same as the installation and arrangement method of the plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 installed inside the processing container 61B shown in FIG. 15. Preferably, they are arranged in multiple stages in a side view, and more preferably, they are arranged in a staggered pattern. Further, the rod-shaped objects 80 arranged in multiple stages are preferably arranged densely so that the rod-shaped objects 80 in adjacent upper and lower stages overlap in a plan view.

[0127] By arranging a plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 inside the R2 of the connecting portion 71C in this way, it is possible to increase the pressure loss of the gas attempting to pass vertically through the inside R2 of the connecting portion 71C and prevent the gas from passing vertically. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the target gas from flowing into the processing container 71A of the drying device 14 through the gas passage region 75 and prevent the drying gas from flowing into the processing container 71B of the adsorption device 12 through the gas passage region 76, and the drying process in the processing container 71A and the adsorption process in the processing container 71B can be performed well. Further, the vertical length of the connecting portion 71C can be shortened, and the height of the vertically long processing container 71 can be reduced. Also, by arranging a large number of rod-shaped objects 80 in a staggered pattern, the downward flow of the adsorbent can be divided into multiple streams, and it is not necessary to prevent the uniform downward flow of the adsorbent. Further, since the plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 only need to be installed in the internal space of the vertically long processing container 71, the production is easy.

[0128] Also, by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 in the above-mentioned portion R3 inside the processing container 71A, the same effect as when a plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 are arranged in a predetermined portion R1 inside the processing container 61B as shown in FIG. 15 can be obtained. Similarly, by arranging a plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 in the above-mentioned portion R4 inside the processing container 71B, the same effect as when a plurality of rod-shaped objects 80 are arranged in a predetermined portion R1 inside the processing container 61B as shown in FIG. 15 can be obtained.

[0129] In FIGS. 15 and 16, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped object 80 is shown as a quadrilateral, but it is not limited to this, and it may be a polygon such as a triangle or a hexagon, or it may be a circle. When the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped object 80 is a polygon such as a quadrilateral, it is preferable to arrange the upper surface of the rod-shaped object 80 to be an inclined surface so that the adsorbent can easily move downward along the surface of the rod-shaped object 80. Further, the rod-shaped object 80 may be a solid one with a clogged interior, or it may be a hollow cylindrical one.

[0130] From the above description, many improvements and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description should be construed as illustrative only and provided for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure. Without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure, the details of its structure and / or function can be substantially changed.

[0131] (Summary of the Present Disclosure) The carbon dioxide separation system according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an adsorption device that supplies a target gas containing carbon dioxide, brings the target gas into contact with a granular adsorbent, and adsorbs carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent; a regeneration device that brings steam into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent; and a drying device that supplies a drying gas, brings the drying gas into contact with the adsorbent after contact with the steam, and dries the adsorbent. At least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure. The specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, a predetermined region of opposite sides facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container is a gas passage region where the adsorbent cannot pass through and the gas can pass through. The gas supplied to the specific structure passes through the interior of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions of opposite sides of the main portion of the processing container.

[0132] According to this configuration, at least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure, and the specific structure includes a processing container in which an adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. This processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction, and in the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and the gas can pass through. Then, the gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the processing container. Thereby, the passing distance of the gas in the processing container of the gas supplied to the specific structure can be shortened, and the pressure loss of the gas passing through the processing container where the adsorbent exists can be reduced. Also, by increasing the area of the gas passage regions on both side surfaces of the processing container, the gas flow rate can be increased. Therefore, when the adsorption device is the specific structure, the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device can be reduced, and when the drying device is the specific structure, the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device can be reduced. Thus, by reducing the pressure loss of the target gas and the drying gas, the energy cost required to supply the target gas and the drying gas can be reduced. For example, the power consumption of a fan or the like used to supply the target gas and the drying gas can be reduced.

[0133] In the carbon dioxide separation system according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the carbon dioxide separation system according to the first aspect, in the specific structure, two of the processing containers are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction of the processing container, and a gas common supply path serving as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the two processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers.

[0134] According to this configuration, by providing two processing containers in the specific structure, the processing amount in the specific structure can be increased, and by arranging the gas common supply path between the two processing containers, the configuration can be simplified.

[0135] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the first aspect, wherein the specific structure has a plurality of the processing containers arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container, and further includes a gas common supply path that serves as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the plurality of the processing containers, and a gas common discharge path that serves as a common discharge path for the gas discharged from the plurality of the processing containers.

[0136] According to this configuration, by providing the specific structure with a plurality of processing containers, it is possible to increase the processing amount in the specific structure, and by providing a common gas supply path and a common gas discharge path common to the plurality of processing containers, the configuration can be simplified.

[0137] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the first aspect, wherein the specific structure includes a plurality of pairs of processing containers arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container, and in each of the plurality of pairs of processing containers, two of the processing containers are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction of the processing container, and a gas common supply path that serves as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers that constitute the pair of processing containers, and a gas common discharge path that serves as a common discharge path for the gas discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers that constitute the pair of processing containers.

[0138] According to this configuration, by providing the specific structure with a plurality of pairs of processing containers in which two processing containers are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction, it is possible to increase the processing amount in the specific structure. Further, since the plurality of pairs of processing containers are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container, and a common gas supply path and a common gas discharge path common to the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers are arranged between the two processing containers that constitute the pair of processing containers, the configuration can be simplified.

[0139] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the regeneration device is disposed below the adsorption device, the drying device is disposed below the regeneration device, and both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure.

[0140] According to this configuration, since both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device and the pressure loss of the drying gas supplied to the drying device.

[0141] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the first aspect, wherein the adsorption device is disposed below the drying device, both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure, and the treatment container of the drying device and the treatment container of the adsorption device are integrally formed by a vertically long treatment container integrated via a connecting portion.

[0142] According to this configuration, the configuration can be simplified by being constituted by a vertically long treatment container in which the treatment container of the drying device and the treatment container of the adsorption device are integrated via a connecting portion. For example, a discharging device for discharging the adsorbent from the treatment container of the drying device to the treatment container of the adsorption device can be omitted.

[0143] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the connecting portion is configured to prevent the drying gas supplied to the drying device from flowing into the adsorption device and prevent the target gas supplied to the adsorption device from flowing into the drying device.

[0144] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the target gas from flowing into the treatment container of the drying device and prevent the drying gas from flowing into the treatment container of the adsorption device, and the drying treatment of the adsorbent by the drying gas and the adsorption treatment of carbon dioxide contained in the target gas by the adsorbent can be performed satisfactorily.

[0145] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, in which the two vertically long processing vessels are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the thickness direction of the vertically long processing vessel, and a common supply path for the drying gas, which serves as a common supply path for the drying gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing vessels of the drying device of the two vertically long processing vessels, is arranged between the two vertically long processing vessels, and a common supply path for the target gas, which serves as a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing vessels of the adsorption device of the two vertically long processing vessels, is arranged between the two vertically long processing vessels.

[0146] According to this configuration, by providing two vertically long processing vessels, it is possible to increase the processing capacity in the adsorption device and the drying device, and the configuration can be simplified by arranging the common supply path for the drying gas and the common supply path for the drying gas between the two vertically long processing vessels.

[0147] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the ninth aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, in which a plurality of the vertically long processing vessels are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the vertically long processing vessel, and a common supply path for the drying gas, which serves as a common supply path for the drying gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing vessels of the drying device of the plurality of vertically long processing vessels, a common supply path for the target gas, which serves as a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing vessels of the adsorption device of the plurality of vertically long processing vessels, a common discharge path for the drying gas, which serves as a common discharge path for the drying gas discharged from the portions corresponding to the processing vessels of the drying device of the plurality of vertically long processing vessels, and a common discharge path for the target gas, which serves as a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the portions corresponding to the processing vessels of the adsorption device of the plurality of vertically long processing vessels, are further provided.

[0148] According to this configuration, by providing a plurality of vertically long processing containers, it is possible to increase the processing capacity in the adsorption device and the drying device. Further, the configuration can be simplified by providing a common supply path for the target gas, a common discharge path for the target gas, a common supply path for the drying gas, and a common discharge path for the drying gas that are common to the plurality of vertically long processing containers.

[0149] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the tenth aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the sixth or seventh aspect, and includes a plurality of pairs of vertically long processing containers arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the vertically long processing containers. In each of the plurality of pairs of vertically long processing containers, two of the vertically long processing containers are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the thickness direction of the vertically long processing containers. A common supply path for the drying gas, which serves as a common supply path for the drying gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device among the plurality of vertically long processing containers, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the pair of vertically long processing containers. A common supply path for the target gas, which serves as a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device among the plurality of vertically long processing containers, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the pair of vertically long processing containers. A common discharge path for the drying gas, which serves as a common discharge path for the drying gas discharged from the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device among the plurality of vertically long processing containers, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the pair of vertically long processing containers. A common discharge path for the target gas, which serves as a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device among the plurality of vertically long processing containers, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the pair of vertically long processing containers.

[0150] According to this configuration, by providing a plurality of vertically long processing vessel pairs in which two vertically long processing vessels are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction, it is possible to increase the processing amount in the adsorption device and the drying device. Further, a plurality of vertically long processing vessel pairs are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the vertically long processing vessels, and between the two vertically long processing vessels constituting the vertically long processing vessel pair, a target gas common supply path, a target gas common discharge path, a drying gas common supply path, and a drying gas common discharge path common to the vertically long processing vessels of the plurality of vertically long processing vessel pairs are arranged, whereby the configuration can be simplified.

[0151] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 11th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to any one of the 6th to 10th aspects, wherein the regeneration device is arranged above the vertically long processing vessel, and further includes an adsorbent transfer device that transfers the adsorbent discharged from the discharge port at the lower end of the vertically long processing vessel to the regeneration device.

[0152] According to this configuration, although the adsorbent supplied from the regeneration device to the vertically long processing vessel has condensed water adhering thereto, it is dried by the drying gas in the vertically long processing vessel. Therefore, since the adsorbent discharged from the discharge port at the lower end of the vertically long processing vessel is dry, it is easy to handle, and the transfer by the adsorbent transfer device can be performed well.

[0153] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 12th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 11th aspect, wherein the regeneration device includes a plurality of regeneration processing vessels to which steam is supplied, temporarily stores the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption, and supplies it to the supply port at the upper end of the vertically long processing vessel, and the plurality of regeneration processing vessels sequentially supply the adsorbent to the vertically long processing vessel.

[0154] According to this configuration, by providing a plurality of regeneration processing vessels for one vertically long processing vessel and sequentially supplying the adsorbent from the plurality of regeneration processing vessels to the vertically long processing vessel, it becomes easy to continuously perform the processing as a drying device and an adsorption device while continuously discharging the adsorbent from the lower end of the vertically long processing vessel.

[0155] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 13th aspect of the present disclosure includes an adsorption device in which a target gas containing carbon dioxide is supplied, and the target gas is brought into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent, and a regeneration drying device that contacts water vapor with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent, and then dries the adsorbent by performing vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure, and the specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The target gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container.

[0156] According to this configuration, the adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure, and the specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. This processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. And the target gas supplied to the specific structure constituting the adsorption device is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the processing container. Thereby, the passing distance of the target gas in the processing container supplied to the specific structure can be shortened, and the pressure loss of the target gas passing through the processing container where the adsorbent exists can be reduced. Also, by increasing the area of the gas passage regions on both side surfaces of the processing container, the flow rate of the target gas can be increased. By reducing the pressure loss of the target gas, the energy cost required to supply the target gas can be reduced. For example, the power consumption of a fan or the like used to supply the target gas can be reduced.

[0157] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 14th aspect of the present disclosure includes an adsorption device in which a target gas containing carbon dioxide is supplied, the target gas is brought into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent, a regeneration device in which steam is brought into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent, and a drying device that dries the adsorbent after contact with the steam by performing vacuum drying. The adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure, the specific structure includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside, the processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction, and in the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The target gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container. The carbon dioxide separation system according to this 14th aspect can obtain the same effects as the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 13th aspect.

[0158] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 15th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 13th or 14th aspect, wherein the specific structure includes a plurality of pairs of processing containers arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container. In each of the plurality of pairs of processing containers, two of the processing containers are arranged side by side with a space therebetween in the thickness direction of the processing container. A gas common supply path serving as a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers constituting the pair of processing containers, and a gas common discharge path serving as a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers constituting the pair of processing containers.

[0159] According to this configuration, by providing a plurality of pairs of processing containers in a specific structure constituting the adsorption device, it is possible to increase the processing amount in the adsorption device. Further, the configuration can be simplified by arranging the gas common supply path and the gas common discharge path.

[0160] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 16th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to any one of the 1st to 15th aspects, wherein the processing container of the specific structure has a plurality of gas passage regions vertically separated on both side surfaces of the main portion, and the gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container a plurality of times, and each time it is passed, it passes through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through different gas passage regions.

[0161] According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the performance of the specific structure. That is, when the adsorption device is used as the specific structure, it is possible to improve the adsorption performance of carbon dioxide in the target gas by the adsorbent, and when the drying device is used as the specific structure, it is possible to improve the drying performance of the adsorbent by the drying gas.

[0162] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 17th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 16th aspect, wherein in the processing container of the specific structure, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the portion corresponding to the space between the gas passage regions arranged on both side surfaces of the main portion and adjacent to each other in the vertical direction is made smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the portion corresponding to the gas passage region.

[0163] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the gases passing through adjacent gas regions and passing in opposite directions to each other from interfering with each other inside the processing container.

[0164] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 18th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 16th aspect, wherein a plurality of rod-shaped objects are arranged at intervals allowing the adsorbent to pass through at portions corresponding to the spaces between the vertically adjacent gas passage regions arranged on both side surfaces of the main portion inside the processing container of the specific structure.

[0165] According to this configuration, in the processing container, it is possible to prevent gases passing through adjacent gas regions and passing in opposite directions to each other from interfering with each other. As a result, the distance between adjacent gas passage regions can be shortened, and the height of the processing container can be reduced.

[0166] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 19th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to any one of the 16th to 18th aspects, wherein when n is an integer of 1 or more, the gas passage region through which the gas supplied to the specific structure passes when passing through the processing container for the nth time is arranged above the gas passage region through which the gas passes when passing through the processing container for the (n + 1)th time.

[0167] According to this configuration, it is possible to further improve the performance of the specific structure.

[0168] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 20th aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 6th aspect, wherein the total cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the connecting portion is made smaller than the total cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the portion corresponding to the processing container of the drying device, and is also made smaller than the total cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the portion corresponding to the processing container of the adsorption device.

[0169] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the target gas from flowing into the processing container of the drying device and prevent the drying gas from flowing into the processing container of the adsorption device, and it is possible to satisfactorily perform the drying treatment of the adsorbent with the drying gas and the adsorption treatment of carbon dioxide contained in the target gas with the adsorbent.

[0170] The carbon dioxide separation system according to the 21st aspect of the present disclosure is the carbon dioxide separation system according to the 6th aspect, wherein a plurality of rod-shaped objects are arranged inside the connecting portion with an interval through which the adsorbent can pass.

[0171] According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the target gas from flowing into the processing container of the drying device and the drying gas from flowing into the processing container of the adsorption device, and to perform the drying process of the adsorbent with the drying gas and the adsorption process of carbon dioxide contained in the target gas by the adsorbent favorably. Further, the vertical length of the connecting portion can be shortened, and the height of the vertically long processing container can be reduced.

Explanation of Signs

[0172] 2,12 Adsorption device 3,13 Regeneration device 4,14 Drying device 5,15 Adsorbent conveying device 13a Regeneration processing container 60A,60B,60C,60D Specific structure 61A,61B Processing container 61AM,61BM Main part 61AP,61BP Processing container pair 64,65,64a,64b,65a,65b Gas passage region 74,75,76,77 Gas passage region 71 Vertically long processing container 71A Processing container of drying device 71B Processing container of adsorption device 71C Connecting portion 71AM,71BM Main part 71P Vertically long processing container pair 80 Rod-shaped object 91 Target gas common supply path 92 Target gas common discharge path 93 Drying gas common supply path 94 Drying gas common discharge path 95,97 Gas common supply path 96,98 Gas common discharge path 130 Regeneration drying device

Claims

1. An adsorption device in which a target gas containing carbon dioxide is supplied, and the target gas is brought into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent; A regeneration device in which water vapor is brought into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent; A drying device in which a drying gas is supplied, and the drying gas is brought into contact with the adsorbent after contact with the water vapor to dry the adsorbent; comprising: at least one of the adsorption device and the drying device is constituted by a specific structure; the specific structure: includes a processing container in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside, the processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section extending in the vertical direction, and in the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through; the gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container; A carbon dioxide separation system.

2. the specific structure: two of the processing containers are arranged side by side with a space in the thickness direction of the processing container; a gas common supply path serving as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the two processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers; The carbon dioxide separation system according to Claim 1.

3. the specific structure: a plurality of the processing containers are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container; a gas common supply path serving as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the plurality of processing containers; and a gas common discharge path serving as a common discharge path for the gas discharged from the plurality of processing containers; The carbon dioxide separation system according to Claim 1.

4. the specific structure: includes a plurality of pairs of processing containers arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container, and in each of the plurality of pairs of processing containers, two of the processing containers are arranged side by side with a space in the thickness direction of the processing container; a gas common supply path serving as a common supply path for the gas supplied to the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers is arranged between the two processing containers constituting the pair of processing containers; A gas common discharge path, which is a common discharge path for the gases discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of the processing container pairs, is arranged between the two processing containers constituting the processing container pair. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1.

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

6. The adsorption device is arranged below the drying device, both the adsorption device and the drying device are constituted by the specific structure, and the processing container of the drying device and the processing container of the adsorption device are constituted by a vertically long processing container integrally formed via a connecting portion. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1.

7. The connecting portion blocks the inflow of the drying gas supplied to the drying device into the adsorption device and blocks the inflow of the target gas supplied to the adsorption device into the drying device. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6.

8. Two of the vertically long processing containers are arranged side by side at intervals in the thickness direction of the vertically long processing container. A common supply path for the drying gas, which is a common supply path for the drying gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device of the two vertically long processing containers, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers, and a common supply path for the target gas, which is a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device of the two vertically long processing containers, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6 or 7.

9. A plurality of the vertically long processing containers are arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the vertically long processing container. A common supply path for the drying gas, which is a common supply path for the drying gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device of the plurality of vertically long processing containers, a common supply path for the target gas, which is a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device of the plurality of vertically long processing containers, a common discharge path for the drying gas, which is a common discharge path for the drying gas discharged from the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device of the plurality of vertically long processing containers, and a common discharge path for the target gas, which is a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the portions corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device of the plurality of vertically long processing containers. further comprising the carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6 or 7.

10. comprising a plurality of vertically long processing container pairs arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the vertically long processing container, and each of the plurality of vertically long processing container pairs has two of the vertically long processing containers arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction of the vertically long processing container, a common supply path for the drying gas, which is a common supply path for the drying gas supplied to the portions of the plurality of vertically long processing containers corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the vertically long processing container pair, a common supply path for the target gas, which is a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the portions of the plurality of vertically long processing containers corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the vertically long processing container pair, a common discharge path for the drying gas, which is a common discharge path for the drying gas discharged from the portions of the plurality of vertically long processing containers corresponding to the processing containers of the drying device, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the vertically long processing container pair, a common discharge path for the target gas, which is a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the portions of the plurality of vertically long processing containers corresponding to the processing containers of the adsorption device, is arranged between the two vertically long processing containers constituting the vertically long processing container pair, the carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6 or 7.

11. the regeneration device is arranged above the vertically long processing container, further comprising an adsorbent transfer device for transferring the adsorbent discharged from the discharge port at the lower end of the vertically long processing container to the regeneration device, the carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 5 or 6.

12. the regeneration device comprises a plurality of regeneration processing containers to which steam is supplied, temporarily stores the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption, and supplies it to the supply port at the upper end of the vertically long processing container, the plurality of regeneration processing containers sequentially supply the adsorbent to the vertically long processing container, the carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 11.

13. an adsorption device in which a target gas containing carbon dioxide is supplied, the target gas is brought into contact with a granular adsorbent, and carbon dioxide in the target gas is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and a regeneration drying device that dries the adsorbent by bringing steam into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent and then performing vacuum drying, comprising the adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure, the specific structure A processing container is provided in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section and extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The target gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container. A carbon dioxide separation system.

14. An adsorption device in which a target gas containing carbon dioxide is supplied, and the target gas is brought into contact with a granular adsorbent to adsorb carbon dioxide in the target gas onto the adsorbent. A regeneration device in which water vapor is brought into contact with the adsorbent after carbon dioxide adsorption to release carbon dioxide from the adsorbent. A drying device for drying the adsorbent after contacting with the water vapor by performing vacuum drying. Comprising The adsorption device is constituted by a specific structure. The specific structure A processing container is provided in which the adsorbent moves downward by its own weight inside. The processing container has a main portion with an elongated horizontal cross-section and extending in the vertical direction. In the main portion, predetermined regions facing each other on both side surfaces facing each other in the thickness direction of the processing container are gas passage regions where the adsorbent cannot pass through and gas can pass through. The target gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through the gas passage regions facing each other on both side surfaces of the main portion of the processing container. A carbon dioxide separation system.

15. The specific structure Comprises a plurality of pairs of processing containers arranged side by side in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the thickness direction of the processing container. In each of the plurality of pairs of processing containers, two of the processing containers are arranged side by side with a gap in the thickness direction of the processing container. A gas common supply path, which is a common supply path for the target gas supplied to the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers, is arranged between the two processing containers constituting the pair of processing containers. A gas common discharge path, which is a common discharge path for the target gas discharged from the processing containers of the plurality of pairs of processing containers, is arranged between the two processing containers constituting the pair of processing containers. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 13 or 14.

16. The processing container of the specific structure has a plurality of gas passage regions vertically separated from both side surfaces of the main portion. The gas supplied to the specific structure is passed through the processing container a plurality of times, and each time it passes, it passes through the inside of the processing container in the thickness direction of the processing container through different gas passage regions. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 1, 5, 6, 13 or 14.

17. In the processing container of the specific structure, the total horizontal cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the portion corresponding to the space between the gas passage regions arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction on both side surfaces of the main portion is made smaller than the total horizontal cross-sectional area of the flow path of the adsorbent in the portion corresponding to the gas passage region. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 16.

18. A plurality of rod-shaped objects are arranged at intervals allowing the passage of the adsorbent in a portion corresponding to the space between the gas passage regions arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction on both side surfaces of the main portion inside the processing container of the specific structure. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 16.

19. When n is an integer of 1 or more, above the gas passage region through which the gas supplied to the specific structure passes when passing through the processing container for the nth time, the gas passage region through which the gas passes when passing through the processing container for the (n + 1)th time is arranged. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 16.

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

21. A plurality of rod-shaped objects are arranged at intervals allowing the passage of the adsorbent inside the connection portion. The carbon dioxide separation system according to claim 6.

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