Carbon dioxide direct air recovery module and carbon dioxide direct air recovery apparatus

Abstract

To provide a module for carbon dioxide direct air recovery which can be used for carbon dioxide direct air recovery and can achieve efficiency improvement and cost suppression.SOLUTION: The module for carbon dioxide direct air recovery has a bag part 13 formed of two sheets 11 and 12 composed of a thermally weldable material, the bag part 13 is constituted by thermally welding the periphery of the bag part 13, and at least one of the two sheets 11 and 12 is a microporous film. Here, the microporous film refers to a film that has gas permeability by having pores communicating in the thickness direction so as to connect the main surfaces on both sides, and has a maximum pore diameter of 0.05 μm or more and less than 10 μm as measured based on ASTMF316 03 (2019 reapproved version).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide direct air capture module and a carbon dioxide direct air capture device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 (JP 2010-532710 A) describes a technology for recovering carbon dioxide from combustion exhaust gas, which is "an adsorbent fiber comprising a hollow fiber containing an adsorbent material, an inner lumen disposed inside the hollow fiber, and a barrier layer covering the inner lumen for preventing fluid communication between the inner lumen and the adsorbent material." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special table number 2010-532710 Summary of the Invention

[0004] A carbon dioxide direct air capture module (hereinafter referred to as a DAC module) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a bag portion formed from two sheets made of a heat-sealable material, and the bag portion is formed by heat-sealing the periphery of the bag portion, and at least one of the two sheets is a microporous film, which is made of a thermoplastic polymer and has pores that are connected in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces, making it gas permeable, and has a maximum pore diameter measured in accordance with ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved version) of 0.05 μm or more and less than 10 μm. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a second modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a third modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a fourth modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module in the xy plane according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module in the yz plane according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary carbon dioxide direct air capture device (hereinafter, referred to as a DAC device) in an xy plane according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along the yz plane. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module in the xy plane according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module in the yz plane according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device in the xy plane according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device in an xy plane according to a first modified example of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device in the xy plane according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device in the yz plane according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 1 is a breakthrough curve obtained in a test example. [Figure 20] 1 shows the release curves obtained in the test examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] As part of measures to combat global warming, there is a demand for technology that can capture carbon dioxide from exhaust gases and the atmosphere at the source. Among these, technology that directly captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is called "direct air capture (DAC)." Compared to capturing carbon dioxide from exhaust gases at the source, direct air capture has the following characteristics: it has fewer restrictions on the location where it can be implemented, the carbon dioxide concentration in the gas being treated is low (e.g., less than 500 ppm), and the operating temperature is low (e.g., less than 110°C). There is a need to develop and improve direct air capture technology that is compatible with these characteristics.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a module for direct carbon dioxide air capture that can be used for direct carbon dioxide air capture and can achieve improved efficiency and cost reduction.

[0008] The present inventors have conducted extensive research to solve the above problems and have come to the following findings.

[0009] Direct carbon dioxide air capture uses a CO2 absorbent that absorbs carbon dioxide in a relatively cold environment and releases it in a supposedly hot environment.

[0010] Conventional carbon dioxide direct air capture technologies (e.g., Kikkawa et al., ACS Environ. Au 2022, 2, 354-362) have used carbon dioxide absorbents in solvents, but the solvent must be heated to release the carbon dioxide, leaving room for improvement in energy efficiency.

[0011] It is also possible to support a carbon dioxide absorbent on a porous member. However, in such an embodiment, diffusion is the rate-limiting step in contacting the carbon dioxide carrier gas with the carbon dioxide absorbent. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the rate of gas exchange (absorption and release of carbon dioxide).

[0012] Microporous films are permeable to gases but not liquids. By supporting a carbon dioxide absorbent on such a microporous film, a module for direct air capture of carbon dioxide can be constructed. In such a module, gas is passed across the microporous film from one side to the other, promoting contact between the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas and improving gas exchange (absorption and desorption of carbon dioxide). Because microporous films have pores distributed uniformly across the entire surface, the total surface area, including the pore walls, of the film is larger than that of typical nonwoven fabrics. By supporting a carbon dioxide absorbent uniformly on the microporous film itself, extremely efficient and effective gas exchange (absorption and desorption of carbon dioxide) can be achieved. Because the module does not contain a large amount of solvent, the amount of heat required for carbon dioxide desorption can be reduced, enabling more energy-efficient direct air capture of carbon dioxide. Furthermore, microporous films are inexpensive and heat-sealable, allowing for easy, low-cost production of bag-shaped modules.

[0013] In a bag-shaped module using a microporous film, it is not necessary to support a carbon dioxide absorbent. Microporous films are permeable to gas but not to liquid. Utilizing this property, they can be combined with a carbon dioxide absorbent in solution form and used for direct air capture of carbon dioxide. Even with this configuration, efficient contact between the gas and the carbon dioxide absorbent can be achieved, and the bag-shaped module can be easily manufactured at low cost.

[0014] It should be noted that the above is merely a convenient explanation of the process and ideas leading up to the completion of this disclosure, and should not be used to limit the interpretation of the contents of this disclosure, particularly the scope of the claims.

[0015] <Terminology> In this disclosure, "thermal welding" refers to joining two objects made of resin or the like by heating and melting at least a portion of the surface of each object and then applying pressure. Heat sealing, ultrasonic waves, high frequency waves, impulse sealers, and lasers can be used for thermal welding. Depending on the part, airtight thermal welding (no gas leakage through the joint) can be selected.

[0016] In the present disclosure, "heat-weldable" means that the material can be bonded by heat welding, and specifically means that heat welding is possible at a temperature of 120°C or higher and 300°C or lower. The temperature used for heat welding varies depending on the material. Materials may be considered heat-weldable if they can be heat-welded at a temperature of 120°C or higher and 250°C or lower, or 130°C or higher and 200°C or lower.

[0017] In this disclosure, the terms "sheet" and "film" are essentially synonymous and refer to a thin, flat, flexible member. The thickness of the "sheet" or "film" may be greater than 1 μm and less than 1000 μm, greater than 5 μm and less than 800 μm, greater than 10 μm and less than 600 μm, greater than 15 μm and less than 400 μm, greater than 20 μm and less than 200 μm, or greater than 25 μm and less than 150 μm.

[0018] In this disclosure, "gas permeable" means that the air permeability based on ISO 5636-5:2003 (Gurley tester method) is less than 500 seconds / 100 cc.

[0019] In this disclosure, a "carbon dioxide direct air capture module" refers to a module that is suitable for use in direct carbon dioxide air capture (DAC). Thus, even if a module is used for other carbon dioxide capture applications (e.g., capture at the source), the module is still a "carbon dioxide direct air capture module" if it is suitable for use in direct carbon dioxide air capture (DAC).

[0020] First Embodiment [Module configuration] 1 and 2 are a schematic cross-sectional view and a schematic plan view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the DAC module 100 has a first sheet 11 and a second sheet 12, each made of a heat-sealable material. The first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are heat-sealed around the periphery of the bag portion 13 to form the bag portion 13. The heat-sealed portion of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 forms a welded portion 14. In FIG. 1, the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are each shown as one sheet (single layer), but they may each be two or more sheets (multi-layer). The first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are preferably heat-sealed airtightly, and the welded portion 14 is preferably an airtight welded portion.

[0022] The bag portion 13 has a structure in which at least three sides are sealed by welding, so that a certain amount of fluid such as gas supplied thereto can be retained. The shape of the bag portion 13 is not particularly limited and may be rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, circular, irregular, or the like. The bag portion 13 may be an envelope portion having an envelope-like shape.

[0023] 2, the bag portion 13 may be sealed all around. In this case, a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) may be provided in the bag portion 13 when the DAC module 100 is in use, for example, to supply gas to the bag portion 13 or remove gas from the bag portion 13. One fluid inlet / outlet may be provided per DAC module 100, or multiple fluid inlets / outlets may be provided. In the latter case, it becomes easier to make the flow of fluid within the bag portion 13 uniform.

[0024] A fluid flow pipe may be attached to the end of the DAC module 100, and a fluid may be supplied to or removed from the interior of the bag portion 13 through a fluid inlet / outlet provided in the fluid flow pipe and opening into the interior of the bag portion 13. One fluid flow pipe may be shared by multiple DAC modules. In this configuration, pressure loss inside the bag portion 13 is reduced.

[0025] At least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 is a microporous film (hereinafter, MPF). The MPF is made of a thermoplastic polymer, has pores that communicate in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces, and is gas permeable. The maximum pore size measured in accordance with ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved version) is 0.05 μm or more and less than 10 μm.

[0026] Thermoplastic polymers include polyolefins, condensation polymers, and oxidation polymers. Polyolefins include, for example, polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polyvinyl-containing polymers, butadiene-containing polymers, and acrylate-containing polymers. Condensation polymers include, for example, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polysulfones. Oxidation polymers include, for example, polyphenylene oxide. Thermoplastic polymers also include polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polyester, and PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride).

[0027] As an MPF, for example, a microporous film manufactured by 3M (3M Japan Innovation Co., Ltd., Shinagawa, Japan) can be used. The microporous film manufactured by 3M is a porous film composed of polypropylene and an organic filler, and has a microsponge structure with interconnected micropores of 0.3 μm or less, which allows for both waterproofness and moisture permeability. Referring to the microporous film manufactured by 3M, the MPF has a thickness of 30-50 μm, a tensile strength according to JIS P8113 of 5-10 N / cm in the longitudinal direction of the original roll and 5-10 N / cm in the transverse direction of the original roll, a tensile elongation according to JIS P8113 of 200-400% in the longitudinal direction of the original roll and 200-400% in the transverse direction of the original roll, an air permeability according to JIS P8117 of 20-400 seconds / 100 cc, and a moisture permeability according to JIS L1099 of 5000-20000 g / m. 2 ·Can be 24hr.

[0028] Details of MPF and its manufacturing method are described in detail in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-101340 (corresponding U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,881), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The MPF disclosed in this document is a microporous article made of a thermoplastic polymer structure having a large number of cells, adjacent cells being connected by channels to provide a network of continuous pores. The cells consist of void spaces surrounded by fibrous, lacy, or semi-continuous boundaries and are ellipsoidal in shape. The structure is oriented (stretched) in at least one direction.

[0029] The MPF may be a microporous article consisting of a thermoplastic polymer structure formed by thermally inducing liquid-liquid phase separation from a homogeneous solution containing a thermoplastic polymer and a compatible liquid. The structure has a multiplicity of cells, adjacent cells connected by channels to provide a network of interconnected pores, the cells consisting of void spaces contained by fibrous, lacy, or semi-continuous boundaries, and may be ellipsoidal in shape. The structure may be oriented (stretched) in at least one direction. Orientation (stretching) may be performed before or after removal of at least a substantial portion of the compatible liquid.

[0030] A compatible liquid is a material that can form a solution with a thermoplastic polymer when heated above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic polymer and that phase separates from the polymer upon cooling by liquid-liquid phase separation rather than liquid-solid phase separation. The compatibility of a liquid with a polymer can be determined by heating the polymer and liquid to form a clear, homogeneous solution. If a polymer-liquid solution cannot be formed at any liquid concentration, the liquid is unsuitable for use with that polymer. In fact, the liquid used can be a compound that is solid at room temperature but liquid at the polymer's melting temperature. The operability of a specific liquid with a given polymer cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. However, some guidelines can be stated. For nonpolar polymers, nonpolar organic liquids with similar room-temperature solubility parameters are generally effective at the solution temperature. Similarly, polar organic liquids are generally effective for polar polymers. When multiple blends or polymers are used, an effective liquid is one that is a compatible liquid for each of the polymers used. If the polymer is a block copolymer such as styrene-butadiene, the liquid selected must be compatible with each type of polymer block. Blends of two or more liquids can also be used as compatible liquids, so long as the selected polymers are soluble in the liquid blend at the polymer melt temperature and the resulting solution separates by liquid-liquid phase separation upon cooling.

[0031] Various types of organic compounds have been found to be effective as compatible liquids, including aliphatic and aromatic acids, aliphatic, aromatic, and cyclic alcohols, aldehydes, primary and secondary amines, aromatic and ethoxylated amines, diamines, amides, esters and diesters, ethers, kents, and various hydrocarbons and heterocycles. When the polymer of choice is polypropylene, esters such as dibutyl phthalate and ethers such as dibenzyl ether are effective compatible liquids. When high-density polyethylene is the polymer, aliphatic ketones such as methyl nonyl ketone and esters such as dioctyl phthalate are effective compatible liquids. Compatible liquids for use with low-density polyethylene include aliphatic acids such as decanoic acid and oleic acid and primary alcohols such as decyl alcohol. When the polymer of choice is nylon 11, esters such as propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, and tetramethylene sulfone are effective compatible liquids. When the polymer selected is polymethyl methacrylate, useful compatible liquids are 1,4-butanediol, lauric acid, etc. A compatible liquid for use with the polymer polyphenylene oxide is, for example, tallow amine.

[0032] The MPF may have an apparent density of 10 to 90% of the true density of the polymer that constitutes it.

[0033] The maximum pore size of the MPF, as measured in accordance with ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved edition), may be 0.05 μm or more and less than 10 μm, 0.1 μm or more and less than 5 μm, 0.15 μm or more and less than 2 μm, or 0.2 μm or more and less than 1 μm.

[0034] The fact that an MPF ​​has gas permeability due to the presence of pores that are interconnected in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces can be confirmed by the fact that the maximum pore size measured according to ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved version) is 0.05 μm or more. In other words, if the maximum pore size measured according to ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved version) is 0.05 μm or more, it can be said that the MPF has gas permeability due to the presence of pores that are interconnected in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces.

[0035] MPF does not include nonwoven fabrics, which generally have a maximum pore size of 10 μm or greater as measured in accordance with ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved edition).

[0036] The gas permeability of the MPF is, for example, such that the air resistance based on ISO 5636-5:2003 (Gurley tester method) is more than 20 seconds / 100 mL and less than 500 seconds / 100 mL. The air permeability may be more than 50 seconds / 100 mL and less than 450 seconds / 100 mL, more than 80 seconds / 100 mL and less than 400 seconds / 100 mL, or more than 90 seconds / 100 mL and less than 300 seconds / 100 mL.

[0037] The MPF may be modified by coating (adhering) another material, imbibition (absorption), impregnation, or the like. Such modification may be carried out before or after the removal of the compatible liquid. The compatible liquid may be removed by known methods such as solvent extraction or volatilization. The carbon dioxide absorbent may be dissolved or dispersed in the compatible liquid remaining inside the pores, or may be attached as a liquid to the inner walls of the pores from which the compatible liquid has been removed.

[0038] The MPF may have a carbon dioxide absorbent by modification such as coating (adhesion), imbibition (absorption), impregnation, etc., or may have a carbon dioxide absorbent inside the pores of the MPF. The MPF may have a carbon dioxide absorbent over its entire surface.

[0039] As the carbon dioxide absorbent, for example, an amine-based absorbent can be used. In direct air capture of carbon dioxide, the operation involves absorbing carbon dioxide in a relatively low-temperature environment and releasing carbon dioxide in an assumedly high-temperature environment. Therefore, an amine-based absorbent that releases carbon dioxide at as low a temperature as possible and has a low volatility at that temperature, i.e., a low vapor pressure, can be suitably used. Specific examples include monoethanolamine, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine, polyfunctional amines (e.g., hexamethylenediamine, dihexylamine, dioctylamine, trihexylamine, pentaethylenehexamine (PEHA), hexaethyleneheptamine (HEHA), tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), polyethyleneimine (Epomin SP-003, SP-006, SP-012, SP-018, SP-200, HM-2000, P-1000, P-3000, all manufactured by Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.)), and amines having a hydrophobic phenyl group. Examples of the alkylamine include alkylamines (e.g., benzylamine, phenethylamine, 4-methoxybenzylamine, 4-methoxytrifluorobenzylamine), diamines having an aminocyclohexyl group (specifically, for example, isophoronediamine [IPDA: 3-(aminomethyl)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine], 4,4'-methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) (MBMCHA), trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, 1,3-cyclohexanediamine, trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane), and the like.

[0040] Additives to enhance the carbon dioxide absorption capacity of amines or to reduce oxidative degradation may be blended in. Examples of such additives include polyethylene glycol, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, 2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethanol, and aminomethylpropanol, and examples of degradation inhibitors include 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid.

[0041] Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can also be used as carbon dioxide absorbents by adding them to the materials (solutions containing thermoplastic polymers and compatible liquids) used to make MPFs.

[0042] When the MPF contains a carbon dioxide absorbent, the method for supporting the carbon dioxide absorbent on the MPF is not particularly limited, and includes, as described above, modifying the MPF by coating (adhesion), imbibition (absorption), impregnation, etc., as well as adding the carbon dioxide absorbent to the material during MPF production.

[0043] In addition, when a substance undergoes a chemical change into another substance by absorbing carbon dioxide, and the other substance returns to its original substance by releasing carbon dioxide, the substances before and after the change are collectively referred to as a "carbon dioxide absorbent."

[0044] The carbon dioxide absorbent used to modify the MPF can be distributed on the wall surface of the pores that are connected in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces of the MPF. In this case, by passing a gas containing carbon dioxide through the MPF from one main surface to the other, the gas containing carbon dioxide can be efficiently brought into contact with the carbon dioxide absorbent and carbon dioxide can be absorbed. Furthermore, by passing a carrier gas through the MPF from one main surface to the other while increasing the temperature, fresh carrier gas with a low carbon dioxide concentration can be efficiently brought into contact with the carbon dioxide absorbent, and carbon dioxide can be efficiently released into the carrier gas and extracted.

[0045] The other of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may be an MPF ​​similar to the MPF described above, or a thermoplastic polymer film different from the MPF described above, such as a thermoplastic polymer film that does not have gas permeability (e.g., polyolefin film FLJ-386 (manufactured by 3M Japan Products), DIFARENB1130TA (manufactured by DIC Corporation), Pylen Film CT series (manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.), unstretched polypropylene film FCMN (manufactured by Framura Chemical Co., Ltd., unstretched propylene film CP-GLC (manufactured by RM Tocello Co., Ltd.)), or a thermoplastic polymer film having an aluminum layer (e.g., Torayfan NO series (manufactured by Toray Advanced Film Co., Ltd.), PTP packaging materials Childproof and Toyal Lotus (both manufactured by Toyo Aluminum), ALT-PP (manufactured by Kanae Co., Ltd.), etc.).

[0046] When gas is supplied to the bag portion 13, the inside of the bag portion 13 becomes positive pressure, and the gas supplied into the inside of the bag portion 13 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) provided in the bag portion 13 passes through (crosses) the MPF and flows out to the outside of the bag portion 13. When gas is taken out of the bag portion 13 through the fluid inlet / outlet, the inside of the bag portion 13 becomes negative pressure, and the gas outside the bag portion 13 passes through (crosses) the MPF and flows into the inside of the bag portion 13.

[0047] As in a modified example described below, the DAC module may include a spacer layer for facilitating fluid flow inside and outside the bag portion 13. The spacer layer may be configured as a single member integrated with either the first sheet 11 or the second sheet 12, or may be a separate member separate from the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12.

[0048] In this embodiment, the DAC module can be easily manufactured at low cost. By passing the gas through the MPF in a planar manner, the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas can be efficiently contacted, enabling efficient absorption and release of carbon dioxide.

[0049] In the present embodiment, when a carbon dioxide absorbent is contained in the MPF, the energy required to heat the solvent (water or the like) is further reduced, and the gas passes through the MPF, enabling efficient contact between the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas, thereby enabling efficient absorption and release of carbon dioxide.

[0050] [First Modification] Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary DAC module according to a first modified example of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] 3, in the DAC module 100A of the second modified example, in the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, a fluid inlet / outlet 17 is arranged in the bag portion 13, and a fluid flow pipe 18 is inserted into the fluid inlet / outlet 17. The configuration other than the fluid inlet / outlet 17 and the fluid flow pipe 18 is the same as that of the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, so the same names and symbols are used for common elements, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0052] The fluid inlet / outlet 17 is configured to supply fluid from the outside to the inside of the bag portion 13, or to allow fluid to be taken out from the inside of the bag portion 13 to the outside. More specifically, for example, the fluid inlet / outlet 17 may be an opening arranged in the welded portion 14. The fluid inlet / outlet 17 may also be an opening arranged to penetrate the first sheet 11 to the second sheet 12 in the bag portion 13 in the cross-sectional direction.

[0053] The fluid flow pipe 18 can be, for example, a tube made of a heat-weldable material (such as a thermoplastic polymer). If the fluid flow pipe 18 is made of a heat-weldable material, the fluid flow pipe 18 can be fixed to the bag portion 13 easily and at low cost by heat welding. It is preferable that the fluid flow pipe 18 and the bag portion 13 (the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12) are heat-welded airtightly.

[0054] The fluid flow pipe 18 is open at both ends, with one end 19 being located inside the bag portion 13 and the other end being located outside the bag portion 13. In this configuration, fluid can be supplied from the outside to the inside of the bag portion 13 through the fluid flow pipe 18, or fluid can be taken out from the inside of the bag portion 13 to the outside.

[0055] For example, in the case where the bag portion and the fluid conducting pipe are integrated, the opening of the fluid conducting pipe may be used as the fluid inlet / outlet.

[0056] 3 and 4, the fluid flow pipe 18 is inserted into the fluid inlet / outlet 17, but the fluid flow pipe 18 is not essential. A plurality of fluid inlets / outlets 17 (or fluid flow pipes 18 inserted into the fluid inlets / outlets 17) may be provided. The fluid flow pipe 18 may have a plurality of openings inside the bag portion 13.

[0057] [Second Modification] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a second modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] 5, the DAC module 200 of the second modified example is the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, except that it includes a first spacer layer 15 between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 and inside the bag portion 13. The configuration other than the first spacer layer 15 is the same as that of the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, so common elements are given the same names and symbols and detailed description will be omitted.

[0059] The first spacer layer 15 is disposed inside the bag portion 13, parallel to and adjacent to the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. The first spacer layer 15 separates the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12, forms a fluid flow path, and reduces the resistance caused by the inner wall of the bag portion 13, thereby facilitating the flow of fluid inside the bag portion 13. The first spacer layer 15 and at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may be an integrally formed single member.

[0060] The first spacer layer 15 is made of a thermoplastic resin, and may be fixed to at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 by heat welding.

[0061] The first spacer layer 15 can be made of a mechanical fastener (hook and loop fastener), a nonwoven fabric, a net (mesh member), etc. The thickness of the spacer layer can be, for example, more than 0.01 mm and less than 5 mm, more than 0.1 mm and less than 3 mm, or more than 0.2 mm and less than 2 mm.

[0062] The mechanical fastener may have any known or unknown configuration. It may be a dual-hook mechanical fastener made of a combination of hook and hook materials, a hook-and-loop mechanical fastener made of a combination of hook and loop materials, or a single hook material (mechanical hook) or loop material (mechanical loop). In this embodiment, the mechanical fastener is used as a spacer layer to reduce frictional resistance to fluid inside the bag portion 13, and its function as a mechanical fastener to connect two components is not substantially used.

[0063] The mechanical fastener may be constructed in part or entirely of a thermoplastic resin. Suitable thermoplastic resins include, but are not limited to, polyolefins, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, fluorinated polymers, chlorinated polymers, polyamides, polyimides, polyethers, polyethersulfones, polysulfones, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl acetate such as polyethylene-co-polyvinyl alcohol, polyphosphazenes, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl alcohols, and polycarbonates.

[0064] The mechanical fastener layer can be configured as a "fastening tape" having a hook or loop material provided on a substrate. The substrate can be gas-permeable or gas-impermeable.

[0065] Suitable materials for the substrate include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polyethylene, polypropylene-polyethylene block copolymer, polyester, vinyl chloride, polyacetate, polyamide, cotton, etc. These materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more. These materials may be in the form of a sheet or film, or may be in the form of a woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, knitted fabric, or the like. Polypropylene, polyethylene, polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, or a mixture thereof is particularly suitable for use in disposable diapers because of its moderate flexibility and low cost. It is most preferable to construct the substrate from a molded product made of a mixture of the same or similar polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin as the hook material.

[0066] Suitable materials for forming the hook material include, but are not limited to, resin materials such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polypropylene-polyethylene block copolymer, polyester, vinyl chloride, polyacetate, polyamide, elastomer, etc. In particular, polypropylene, polyethylene, polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer, polyester, elastomer, or mixtures thereof are suitable for carrying out the present invention.

[0067] Hook materials typically have a structure in which a large number of hooks are integrally bonded to a support. The hooks may be arranged in an orderly or disorderly manner on the support. The integral bonding of the hooks to the support can include various forms, such as integration by simultaneous molding with the support, embedding or implantation in the support, or bonding with an adhesive. Integration by simultaneous molding with the support is most preferred. The shape of the hooks is not particularly limited as long as they intertwine with the hook of the mating hook material or the loop of the loop material to achieve the desired fastening. However, mushroom-shaped, hook-shaped, pin-shaped, or similar protruding shapes, as commonly used in this technical field, are preferred. Hook materials can be manufactured, for example, by methods described in JP-A-6-500486 and JP-A-8-508910.

[0068] In the hook material, the thickness of the support supporting the hook may be in the range of 0.02 to 0.5 mm, or 0.04 to 0.13 mm. The height of the hook can vary over a wide range depending on the type of hook material desired, the thickness of the support, and other factors. It is generally preferred that the height of the hook (i.e., the sum of the height of the stem and the thickness of the head formed at the tip of the stem, if any) be adjusted to be as small and uniform as possible. The height of the hook, measured from its base, is generally preferably in the range of about 0.1 to 1.3 mm, more preferably about 0.2 to 0.5 mm.

[0069] The hook is usually 1cm 2 Preferably, the hooks are arranged on the support at a distribution density of about 60 to 1,600 hooks per cm, and more preferably at a distribution density of about 1,000 to 1,600 hooks per cm. 2 The distribution density is about 125 to 700 hooks per hook. The diameter of the hook stem at the part adjacent to the support (base) is preferably in the range of about 0.1 to 0.6 mm, more preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm. The hook head can be of any shape and size.

[0070] When the hook material is attached to a substrate, it can be attached using various fixing means, such as adhesive bonding using glue, heat fusion, ultrasonic heating, integral molding, sewing, mechanical fixing using a stapler, etc.

[0071] Loop materials typically consist of a substrate and a loop provided on at least one side thereof. The loop is not particularly limited as long as it has the ability to engage with the hook material. Therefore, it may be a loop itself, or a loop-containing material such as a woven fabric or nonwoven fabric. If necessary, these loops may be used in combination or in the form of a laminate. A laminate can be formed, for example, by laminating the loops described above onto a plastic film or the like. Furthermore, the loop material may be subjected to appropriate processes such as raising, embossing, printing, or dyeing.

[0072] The loops can be constructed from a variety of materials in a conventional manner. The fibrous material can be woven, nonwoven, knitted, or otherwise, depending on the desired loop shape. Also advantageously, the loops can be formed by partially bonding fibers onto a film so that the bundle of fibers forms a loop.

[0073] Any of the loop engagement materials, apparatus, devices, methods of manufacture, and methods of use described in any of the following references, all of which are incorporated herein, may be used in any of the embodiments described herein: U.S. Patent Nos. 8,777,919, 4,699,622, 4,894,060, 5,077,870, 5,312,387, 5,344,691, 5,399,219, 5,487,809, 5,537,722, 5,554,146, 5,705,013, 5,759,317, and 5,760, 5,777,919. No. 5,851,205, No. 5,957,908, No. 5,985,081, No. 6,030,373, No. 6,051,094 , No. 6,075,179, No. 6,190,758, No. 6,406,468, No. 6,544,245, No. 6,575,9 No. 53, No. 7,032,278, No. 7,125,400, No. 7,361,246, No. 7,371,302, No. 7,51 No. 7,572, No. 7,578,812, No. 7,658,813, No. 3,471,903, No. 4,120,718, No. 4, No. 223,067, No. 4,216,257, No. 4,391,687, No. 4,322,875, No. 4,415,615, No. No. 4,454,183, No. 4,563,388, No. 3,353,663, No. 3,408,705, No. 4,977,003 No. 4,679,851, No. 4,819,309, No. 4,776,636, No. 5,308,428, No. 5,135, No. 598, No. 4,910,062, No. 4,887,339, No. 4,985,488, No. 5,679,302, No. 4,89 No. 4,060, No. 5,145,929, No. 5,908,695, No. 5,024,880, No. 5,852,855, No. 5 , No. 040,275, No. 5,149,573, No. 4,290,832, No. 5,453,319, No. 5,614,232, No. 5,691,027, No. 5,713,111, No. 5,671,512, No. 5,625,929, No. 5,671,51 No. 1, No. 5,851,663, No. 5,654,487, No. 5,602,221, No. 5,598,610, No. 5,691,Nos. 021, 7,879,441, 8,277,922, 6,470,540, 6,076,238, 6,592,800, 6,630,239, 6,588,074, 7,217,455, 7,703,179, 6,874,777, 7,140,774, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0010217.

[0074] The nonwoven fabric may have any known or unknown structure. The nonwoven fabric may be made of thermoplastic fibers and may be fixed to at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 by thermal welding.

[0075] Nonwoven fabric is approximately 12 g / m 2 In one embodiment, the nonwoven layer may have a basis weight of about 15 g / m 2 ~about 260g / m 2 , about 20g / m 2 ~about 230g / m 2 , about 25g / m 2 ~about 200g / m 2 , about 30g / m 2 ~Approx. 150g / m 2 , about 35g / m 2 ~Approx. 130g / m 2 , about 40g / m 2 ~Approx. 130g / m 2 , about 50g / m 2 ~Approx. 130g / m 2 , about 55g / m 2 ~Approx. 130g / m 2 , about 60g / m 2 ~Approx. 130g / m 2 , or about 70 g / m 2 ~Approx. 130g / m 2 Basis weight is calculated from the weight of a 10cm x 10cm sample.

[0076] In some embodiments, the nonwoven fabric comprises a nonwoven substrate. The nonwoven substrate can be a nonwoven fabric or web made by any of the commonly known processes for making nonwoven fabrics or webs. In this disclosure, "nonwoven fabric" refers to a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or filaments that are randomly and / or unidirectionally organized in a mat, but without the identifiable characteristics of a knitted fabric.

[0077] Nonwoven fabrics or webs can be formed by a variety of processes, such as meltblown processes, spunbond processes, spunlace processes, bonded carded web processes, air-laying processes, and wet-laying processes. In some embodiments, the nonwoven layer comprises a multi-layer nonwoven material, for example, having at least one layer of meltblown nonwoven and at least one layer of spunbond nonwoven, or any other suitable combination of nonwoven materials.

[0078] The fibrous materials that provide useful nonwoven layers can be made of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (eg, thermoplastic fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers.

[0079] Exemplary materials for forming thermoplastic fibers include polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, ethylene copolymers, propylene copolymers, butylene copolymers, and copolymers and blends of these polymers), polyesters, and polyamides.

[0080] The nonwoven substrate comprising the nonwoven layer can be formed from fibers or filaments of any suitable thermoplastic polymeric material, including, but not limited to, polyolefins, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, fluorinated polymers, chlorinated polymers, polyamides, polyimides, polyethers, polyethersulfones, polysulfones, polyvinyl acetate, copolymers of vinyl acetate such as polyethylene-co-polyvinyl alcohol, polyphosphazenes, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl alcohols, and polycarbonates.

[0081] Suitable polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, poly-1-butene, copolymers of ethylene and propylene, alpha-olefin copolymers (such as copolymers of ethylene or propylene with 1-butene, 1-hexene, 1-octene, and 1-decene), polyethylene-co-1-butene, and polyethylene-co-1-butene-co-1-hexene.

[0082] The fibers may be multicomponent fibers, for example, having a core of one thermoplastic material and a sheath of another thermoplastic material. The sheath may melt at a lower temperature than the core, providing partially random bonding between the fibers when the mat of fibers is exposed to the sheath melt. Combinations of monocomponent fibers with different melting points may also be useful for this purpose.

[0083] In some embodiments, nonwoven fabrics or nonwoven webs useful for nonwoven fabric layers according to the present disclosure are at least partially elastic. Examples of polymers for producing elastic fibers include thermoplastic elastomers such as ABA block copolymers, polyurethane elastomers, polyolefin elastomers (e.g., metallocene polyolefin elastomers), olefin block copolymers, polyamide elastomers, ethylene vinyl acetate elastomers, and polyester elastomers. ABA block copolymer elastomers are generally elastomers in which the A blocks are polystyrenic and the B blocks are prepared from conjugated dienes (e.g., lower alkylene dienes). The A blocks are generally formed primarily from substituted (e.g., alkylated) or unsubstituted styrenic moieties (e.g., polystyrene, poly(alphamethylstyrene), or poly(t-butylstyrene)) and have a number average molecular weight of about 4,000 to 50,000 grams per mole. The B block is generally formed primarily from a conjugated diene (e.g., isoprene, 1,3-butadiene, or ethylene-butylene monomer), which may be substituted or unsubstituted, and has a number average molecular weight of about 5,000 to 500,000 grams per mole. The A and B blocks may be configured, for example, in a linear, radial, or star configuration. ABA block copolymers may contain multiple A and / or B blocks, which may be made from the same or different monomers. Typical block copolymers are linear ABA block copolymers, in which the A blocks may be the same or different, or block copolymers with four or more blocks that terminate primarily in A blocks. Multiblock copolymers may contain a certain proportion of AB diblock copolymers, which, for example, tend to form tackier elastomeric film segments. Other elastomeric polymers can be blended with the block copolymer elastomer, and various elastomeric polymers may be blended to achieve varying degrees of elastomeric properties.Numerous types of thermoplastic elastomers are commercially available, including those sold by BASF (Florham Park, NJ) under the trade name "STYROFLEX™," by Kraton™ Polymers (Houston, Tex.) under the trade name "KRATON™," by Dow Chemical (Midland, Mich.) under the trade name "PELLETHANE™," "INFUSE™," "VERSIFY™," or "NORDEL™," by DSM (Heerlen, Netherlands) under the trade name "ARNITEL™," by EI duPont de Nemours and Company (Wilmington, Del.) under the trade name "HYTREL™," by ExxonMobil (Irving, Tex.) under the trade name "VISTAMAXX™," and others. For example, the nonwoven webs can be made by carding, air-laid, wet-laid, spunlace, spunbond, electrospinning, or melt-blowing processes such as melt-spun or melt-blown, or combinations thereof. Any of the nonwoven webs may be made from a single type of fiber or two or more types of fibers differing in thermoplastic polymer type, shape, and / or thickness, and at least one of the single fiber type or multiple fiber types may each be a multicomponent fiber as described above.

[0084] Staple fibers may also be present in the web. The presence of staple fibers generally results in a web with higher loft (bulk) and lower density than a web made solely of meltblown microfibers. A web with higher loft may have lower cohesion at the interface of the nonwoven fabric layer or in the bulk of the nonwoven fabric layer itself, making it easier to separate from one or more adhesive layers.

[0085] The nonwoven layer may optionally further comprise one or more scrim layers. For example, either or both major surfaces of the nonwoven layer may each optionally comprise a scrim layer. A scrim is a reinforcing material for woven or nonwoven fabrics, typically made from fibers, that is included in nonwoven articles to provide strength. Suitable scrim materials include, but are not limited to, nylon, polyester, fiberglass, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. The average thickness of the scrim may vary. The scrim layer may optionally be bonded to the nonwoven substrate. Various adhesives can be used to bond the scrim to the nonwoven substrate. Alternatively, the scrim may be thermally bonded to the nonwoven.

[0086] Useful nonwoven layers can have any suitable effective fiber diameter (EFD) desired for a particular application. In this disclosure, "effective fiber diameter" refers to the apparent diameter of the fibers in a fibrous web based on an air permeability test in which air at 1 atmosphere and room temperature is forced through a web sample at a specified thickness and face velocity (5.3 cm / sec), and the corresponding pressure drop is measured. Based on the measured pressure drop, the effective fiber diameter is calculated as described in Davies, CN, The Separation of Airborne Dust and Particulates, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London Proceedings, 1B (1952). In some embodiments, the fibers of the nonwoven fabric substrate have an effective fiber diameter of about 0.1 μm to about 125 μm, about 1 μm to about 75 μm, about 2 μm to about 50 μm, or about 4 μm to about 35 μm, about 4 μm to about 25 μm, about 4 μm to about 20 μm, about 4 μm to about 15 μm, about 4 μm to about 10 μm, about 4 μm to about 8 μm, or about 6 μm. For example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric layer typically has an effective fiber diameter of about 35 μm or less, while an airlaid nonwoven fabric layer can have an effective fiber diameter greater than about 100 μm.

[0087] The loft (bulk) of a nonwoven layer can be evaluated by its solidity, which is determined by dividing a measurement of the bulk density of a nonwoven fibrous web by the density of the material that makes up the solid portion of the web. The bulk density of a web can be determined by first measuring the weight of the web (e.g., a 10 cm x 10 cm section). Dividing this measurement of the web's weight by the area of ​​the web gives the basis weight of the web, expressed in g / m 2 The thickness of a web can be measured by obtaining (e.g., by die cutting) a 135 mm diameter disk of the web and measuring the web thickness by placing a 100 mm diameter 230 g weight centered on the web. The bulk density of a web is determined by dividing the basis weight of the web by the thickness of the web, and is expressed in g / m 3 Solidity is then determined by dividing the bulk density of the nonwoven fibrous web by the density of the material (e.g., polymer) that comprises the solid filaments of the web. Bulk polymer density can be measured by standard means if the supplier does not specify the material density.

[0088] Loft is reported as 100% minus solidity (e.g., 7% solidity equals 93% loft). Higher loft is particularly advantageous in nonwoven layers that are pattern embossed because it allows the adhesive to infiltrate and flow throughout the void volume relatively easily during the application of thermal energy and / or pressure. In some embodiments, high loft nonwoven layers can be combined in an embossing patterning process to create the required array of depressions.

[0089] The solidity of the nonwoven layer can be greater than about 2.0% and less than about 12.0% (i.e., less than about 98.0% and greater than about 88.0% loft). In some embodiments, the solidity of the nonwoven layer can be between about 5.0% and about 7.5%, between about 5.5% and about 7.0%, or between about 6% and about 6.5%.

[0090] The net may be, for example, a net-shaped support selected from a resin net and a monofilament mesh (monofilaments knitted in a net shape) with an opening of 30 μm to 2000 μm. Since the shape of the net affects the fluid flow path, the shape of the unit lattice of the net is selected from, for example, square, rectangular, rhombic, parallelogram, etc. depending on the purpose. Nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc. can also be used as long as they have sufficient breathability and stretch resistance against tensile stress.

[0091] Examples of materials for the net include resins such as polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide, polyphenylene sulfide, polystyrene, PPS, PES, PEEK, PI, polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether ether ketone, and polyvinylidene chloride. Inorganic materials such as ceramics, metals, and glass may also be used. Nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics made from fibers, monofilaments, and cords made from resins or inorganic materials may also be used. A combination of multiple materials may also be used.

[0092] The net may be formed by any method, but a resin net obtained by extrusion molding is preferably used from the viewpoint of the simplicity of the manufacturing method and the uniformity of the mesh size. Extrusion-molded nets are also commercially available, and for example, general-purpose nets such as Nartex and Netron Net manufactured by Delstar are available. A commercially available net may also be used.

[0093] The net may have a single layer structure or a laminated structure of two or more layers, for example, a structure in which multiple layers made of nonwoven fabric, woven fabric, or net are laminated.

[0094] The shape and size of the first spacer layer 15 may be approximately the same as those of the bag portion 13. Specifically, for example, the size of the first spacer layer 15 may be substantially the same as the size of the bag portion 13 when the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are tightly attached, and may be smaller in both the vertical and horizontal directions by more than 1 mm and less than 10 mm, more than 2 mm and less than 8 mm, or more than 3 mm and less than 7 mm, in a plan view. In this configuration, the area of ​​the MPF in contact with the inside of the bag portion 13 can be used most effectively.

[0095] The second modified example can reduce the frictional resistance to the fluid inside the bag portion 13. For example, this is particularly suitable when the inside of the bag portion 13 is under negative pressure, more specifically, when the DAC module is used in a mode in which gas that has passed through the MPF flows inside the bag portion 13. Specifically, for example, the DAC module of the second modified example can be suitably used in basic operation 3, which will be described later.

[0096] In this modification, too, the fluid inlet / outlet 17 (or the fluid flow pipe 18 inserted into the fluid inlet / outlet 17) can be arranged as described in the first modification.

[0097] [Third Modification] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a third modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 6, the DAC module 300 of the third modified example includes a second spacer layer 16 outside the bag portion 13 in the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment. In Fig. 6, the second spacer layer 16 is arranged so as to be adjacent to the first sheet 11, but the second spacer layer 16 may be arranged so as to be adjacent to the second sheet 12, or a plurality of second spacer layers 16 may be arranged so as to be adjacent to both the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. The configuration other than the second spacer layer 16 is the same as that of the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, and therefore common elements are given the same names and symbols and detailed description will be omitted.

[0099] The second spacer layer 16 is disposed outside the bag portion 13, parallel to the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. The second spacer layer 16 separates the first sheet 11 (or the second sheet 12) adjacent to the second spacer layer 16 from the surface facing it across the outside of the bag portion 13 (when the DAC module 200 is rolled, the second sheet 12 (or the first sheet 11) facing it across the outside of the bag portion 13), thereby reducing the resistance provided by the outer wall of the bag portion 13 (and the surface facing it), thereby facilitating the flow of fluid outside the bag portion 13. The second spacer layer 16 and at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 adjacent thereto may be a single, integrally formed member.

[0100] The shape and size of the second spacer layer 16 may be approximately the same as the shape and size of the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12, or the bag portion 13. In this configuration, the area of ​​the MPF that contacts the inside of the bag portion 13 can be used most effectively.

[0101] Other than the above, the configuration of the second spacer layer 16 can be the same as that of the first spacer layer 15, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The third modified example can reduce frictional resistance to the fluid outside the bag portion 13. For example, this is particularly suitable when the inside of the bag portion 13 is under positive pressure, more specifically, when the DAC module is used in a mode in which gas that has passed through the MPF flows outside the bag portion 13. Specifically, for example, the DAC module 300 of the third modified example can be suitably used in basic operation 1 or 2 described below.

[0103] In this modification, too, the fluid inlet / outlet 17 (or the fluid flow pipe 18 inserted into the fluid inlet / outlet 17) can be arranged as described in the first modification.

[0104] [Fourth Modification] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 7 , the DAC module 400 of the fourth modification is the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, except that it includes a first spacer layer 15 between the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 and inside the bag portion 13, and a second spacer layer 16 outside the bag portion 13. The configuration other than the first spacer layer 15 and the second spacer layer 16 is the same as that of the DAC module 100 of the first embodiment, so the same names and symbols are used for common elements and detailed descriptions are omitted. The first spacer layer 15 can be configured similarly to that of the second modification, so detailed descriptions are omitted. The second spacer layer 16 can be configured similarly to that of the third modification, so detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0106] The fourth modified example can reduce the frictional resistance to the fluid inside and outside the bag portion 13. For example, it is suitable even when the DAC module is used in a manner in which the inside of the bag portion 13 is under negative pressure, positive pressure, or a repetition of these. Specifically, for example, the DAC module 400 of the fourth modified example can be suitably used in any of the basic operations 1 to 3 described below.

[0107] In this modification, too, the fluid inlet / outlet 17 (or the fluid flow pipe 18 inserted into the fluid inlet / outlet 17) can be arranged as described in the first modification.

[0108] [Basic operation 1: When using liquid carbon dioxide absorbent] As a liquid carbon dioxide absorbent, for example, an aqueous potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution is used.

[0109] To remove carbon dioxide from a gas, for example, gas (containing a relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide) is supplied to the interior of the bag portion 13 of the DAC module 100 at a temperature suitable for the KOH solution to absorb carbon dioxide, while the KOH solution is passed through the exterior of the bag portion 13. The gas passes through the MPF and exits the bag portion 13. Upon contact with the KOH solution, the carbon dioxide in the gas is absorbed by the KOH solution. As a result, gas containing a relatively low concentration of carbon dioxide is discharged from the device. In carbon dioxide absorption, KCO is produced by reaction between the KOH solution and CO. KCO reacts with Ca(OH) to form CaCO and KOH, and as a result, CO is fixed as CaCO.

[0110] When carbon dioxide is released, the thermal decomposition of CaCO3 can release CO2.

[0111] For details on DAC of carbon dioxide using potassium hydroxide (KOH) aqueous solution, please refer to, for example, ``Cost and Evaluation of Direct Air Capture (DAC) Method for Carbon Dioxide'' (February 2020), edited by the Low Carbon Society Strategy Center of the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

[0112] Since MPF is substantially impermeable to liquid water, the KOH solution does not pass through the MPF and does not penetrate into the bag portion 13. When used for basic operation 1, MPF is preferably water-impermeable. Based on ISO 15496, the moisture permeability is 10,000 to 40,000 g / m 2 If it is measured within the 24-hour range, it can be said to be water impermeable.

[0113] [Basic operation 2: When carbon dioxide absorbent is loaded onto MPF 1 (positive pressure inside the bag)] As described above, a carbon dioxide absorbent such as IPDA is supported on the MPF by known methods such as coating or impregnation.

[0114] When removing carbon dioxide from a gas, for example, gas (gas containing a relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide) is supplied into the bag portion 13 of the DAC module 100 under temperature conditions (e.g., relatively low temperatures) suitable for the carbon dioxide absorbent to absorb carbon dioxide. The gas passes through the MPF and flows out of the bag portion 13, and at that time comes into contact with the carbon dioxide absorbent supported by the MPF, whereby the carbon dioxide in the gas is absorbed by the carbon dioxide absorbent. As a result, gas containing a relatively low concentration of carbon dioxide is taken out of the bag portion 13.

[0115] Conversely, when carbon dioxide absorbed in the carbon dioxide absorbent is to be released, for example, gas (gas containing a relatively low concentration of carbon dioxide) is supplied into the interior of the bag portion 13 of the DAC module 100 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) provided in the bag portion 13 under temperature conditions suitable for the carbon dioxide absorbent to release carbon dioxide (for example, a relatively high temperature). The gas passes through the MPF and flows out of the bag portion 13, and at that time, comes into contact with the carbon dioxide absorbent supported by the MPF, causing the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide absorbent to be released into the gas. As a result, gas containing a relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide is taken out of the bag portion 13.

[0116] [Basic operation 3: When carbon dioxide absorbent is loaded onto MPF 2 (negative pressure inside the bag)] When the carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on the MPF, the gas flow direction may be opposite to that of the above-described basic operation 2. Specifically, when removing carbon dioxide from a gas, for example, a gas (gas containing a relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide) is supplied to the outside of the bag portion 13 of the DAC module 100 under temperature conditions (e.g., a relatively low temperature) suitable for the carbon dioxide absorbent to absorb carbon dioxide, and the gas is sucked from the inside of the bag portion 13 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) provided in the bag portion 13. The gas outside the bag portion 13 passes through the MPF and flows into the inside of the bag portion 13. At that time, the gas comes into contact with the carbon dioxide absorbent supported on the MPF, and the carbon dioxide in the gas is absorbed by the carbon dioxide absorbent. As a result, a gas containing a relatively low concentration of carbon dioxide can be extracted from the inside of the bag portion 13 through the fluid inlet / outlet.

[0117] When releasing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the carbon dioxide absorbent, for example, gas (gas containing a relatively low concentration of carbon dioxide) is supplied to the outside of the bag portion 13 of the DAC module 100 under temperature conditions (e.g., relatively high temperatures) suitable for the carbon dioxide absorbent to release carbon dioxide, and the gas is sucked from the inside of the bag portion 13 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) provided in the bag portion 13. The gas passes through the MPF and flows into the inside of the bag portion 13, and at that time, comes into contact with the carbon dioxide absorbent supported by the MPF, causing the carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide absorbent to be released into the gas. As a result, gas containing a relatively high concentration of carbon dioxide can be taken out from the inside of the bag portion 13 through the fluid inlet / outlet.

[0118] [Modification of basic operation: Case 3 where carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on MPF] In a variation of the basic operation, the gas flow direction can be reversed when removing carbon dioxide from the gas and when releasing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the carbon dioxide absorbent. Specifically, for example, when removing carbon dioxide from the gas, the same as basic operation 2 above can be used, and when releasing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the carbon dioxide absorbent, the same as basic operation 3 above can be used. Alternatively, for example, when removing carbon dioxide from the gas, the same as basic operation 3 above can be used, and when releasing the carbon dioxide absorbed in the carbon dioxide absorbent, the same as basic operation 2 above can be used.

[0119] Second Embodiment [Device configuration] Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure in the xy plane, Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure in the yz plane, and Fig. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure in the xy plane.

[0120] 8 and 9, the DAC module 500 of the second embodiment has a first sheet 21 and a second sheet 22, each made of a heat-sealable material. The first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 are heat-sealed around the periphery of the bag portion 23 to form the bag portion 23. The portion where the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 are heat-sealed forms a welded portion 24.

[0121] The first sheet 21, the second sheet 22, the bag portion 23, and the welded portion 24 can be configured in the same manner as the first sheet 11, the second sheet 12, the bag portion 13, and the welded portion 14 of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the MPF constituting at least one of the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 contains a carbon dioxide absorbent.

[0122] The DAC module 500 of the second embodiment has a strip-like shape (approximately rectangular parallelepiped) extending in the x-axis direction (longitudinal direction) when viewed from the y-axis direction. A fluid flow path 28 is attached to one end in the x-axis direction, and the internal space of the bag portion 23 and the fluid flow path 28 are connected by a fluid inlet / outlet 27. The shape of the fluid inlet / outlet 27 is not particularly limited. For example, the fluid flow path 28 may be cylindrical, and holes formed at predetermined intervals in the wall of the fluid flow path 28 may serve as the fluid inlet / outlet 27. The fluid flow path 28 may be made of a heat-weldable material such as a thermoplastic polymer, and the first sheet 21, the second sheet 22, and the fluid flow path 28 may be heat-welded airtightly. As in the first modification of the first embodiment, a cylindrical fluid flow tube may be inserted into the bag portion 23 from the fluid inlet / outlet.

[0123] The DAC module 500 further includes a spacer layer 26 for improving breathability outside the bag portion 23. The spacer layer 26 can have the same configuration as the second spacer layer 16 in the first to third modified examples of the first embodiment, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0124] 10, a DAC device 550 of the second embodiment includes a cylindrical housing 30 extending in the z-axis direction, and a DAC module 500 disposed inside the housing 30 and wound around a fluid flow path 28 as a central axis parallel to the z-axis direction. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 10, the fluid flow path 28 and the inlet / outlet 27 are formed to extend perpendicular (z-axis direction) to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 500. The winding axis (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 500 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 500.

[0125] In the xy cross section, the bag portions 23 and the spacer layers 26 are alternately arranged in the radial direction from the central axis of the housing 30. As a result, gas supplied to the bag portion 23 passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the external space of the bag portion 23 (the space in which the spacer layer 26 is arranged), and is discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30. Alternatively, gas supplied to the internal space of the housing 30 through the fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30 passes through the spacer layer, passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the internal space of the bag portion 23, and flows into the fluid flow path 28 through the fluid inlet / outlet 27. The fluid flow path 28 penetrates the wall of the housing 30, and the gas that has flowed into the fluid flow path 28 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through the fluid flow path 28.

[0126] In this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the DAC module may be determined so that the long direction is along the z-axis rather than the x-axis.

[0127] The operation method in the second embodiment can be the same as the above-mentioned basic operation 2 (case 1 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), basic operation 3 (case 2 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), and / or their variations.

[0128] In this embodiment, the DAC module can also be easily manufactured at low cost. The spacer layer reduces the frictional resistance of the fluid outside the bag portion, thereby suppressing pressure loss. Because the MPF contains a carbon dioxide absorbent, the energy required to heat the solvent (water, etc.) is reduced. Furthermore, the passage of gas through the MPF allows efficient contact between the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas. As a result, efficient absorption and release of carbon dioxide is possible.

[0129] [First Modification] 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device according to a first modified example of the second embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along the yz plane. In the first modified example, the DAC module 500 may have the same configuration as that described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, except that the longitudinal direction is the z-axis direction.

[0130] In the DAC device 550A of the first modified example, the direction in which the cylindrical housing 30 extends is defined as the x-axis direction, and the DAC module 500 is wound around the welded portion 24, which is at the end of the DAC module 500 in the y-axis direction and extends in the x-axis direction, as the central axis (winding axis), and is stored inside the housing 30. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 11 , the fluid flow path 28 and the inlet / outlet 27 are formed to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 500. The winding axis (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 500 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 500. When the x-axis direction is defined as the vertical direction, the fluid flow path 28 and the inlet / outlet 27 may be disposed vertically below or vertically above the DAC module 500.

[0131] In the y-z cross section, the bag portions 23 and the spacer layers 26 are alternately arranged in the radial direction from the central axis of the housing 30. As a result, gas supplied to the bag portion 23 passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the external space of the bag portion 23 (the space in which the spacer layers are arranged), and is discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30. Alternatively, gas supplied to the internal space of the housing 30 through the fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30 passes through the spacer layers, passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the internal space of the bag portion 23, and flows into the fluid flow path 28 through the fluid inlet / outlet 27. The fluid flow path 28 penetrates the wall of the housing 30, and the gas that has flowed into the fluid flow path 28 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through the fluid flow path 28.

[0132] The operation method in the first modified example of the second embodiment can also be the same as the above-mentioned basic operation 2 (case 1 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), basic operation 3 (case 2 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), and / or their modifications.

[0133] In this modification, the aspect ratio of the DAC module may be determined so that the longitudinal direction is the x-axis direction rather than the z-axis direction.

[0134] In the second embodiment and its modifications, the spacer layer 26 may be omitted. The fluid flow paths 28 and the inlet / outlet ports 27 may be located at the outermost portion of the wound DAC module.

[0135] This modification also achieves the same effects as those described above for Embodiment 2. Furthermore, in this modification, the distance from the fluid inlet / outlet to the opposite end of the bag can be shortened, thereby reducing pressure loss inside the bag.

[0136] Third Embodiment [Device configuration] Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure in the xy plane, Fig. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC module according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure in the yz plane, and Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure in the xy plane.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the DAC module 600 of the third embodiment can be configured similarly to the DAC module of the second embodiment, except that a spacer layer 25 for improving breathability is provided inside the bag portion 23. Therefore, the same names and symbols are used for corresponding components, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the DAC module 600 is the x-axis direction. The spacer layer 25 can be configured similarly to the first spacer layer 15 in the first to third modified examples of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. Note that, in this embodiment as well, the MPF constituting at least one of the first sheet 21 and the second sheet 22 contains a carbon dioxide absorbent.

[0138] 14, a DAC device 650 of the third embodiment includes a cylindrical housing 30 extending in the z-axis direction, and a DAC module 600 disposed inside the housing 30 and wound around a fluid flow path 28 as a central axis parallel to the z-axis direction. That is, in the example shown in Fig. 14, the fluid flow path 28 and the inlet / outlet 27 are formed to extend perpendicular (z-axis direction) to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 600. The winding axis (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 600 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 600.

[0139] In the xy cross section, the bag portions 23 (and the spacer layers 25 therein) and the spacer layers 26 are alternately arranged in the radial direction from the central axis of the housing 30. As a result, gas supplied to the bag portion 23 passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the bag portion 23) to enter the external space of the bag portion 23 (the space where the spacer layers 26 are arranged) and is discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30. Alternatively, gas supplied to the internal space of the housing 30 through the fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30 passes through the spacer layer 26, passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the internal space of the bag portion 23 (the space where the spacer layers 26 are arranged), and flows into the fluid flow passages 28 through the spacer layers 25 and the fluid inlet / outlet 27. The fluid flow passages 28 penetrate the wall of the housing 30, and the gas that has flowed into the fluid flow passages 28 may be taken out to the outside of the housing 30 through the fluid flow passages 28.

[0140] The operation method in the third embodiment can be the same as the above-mentioned basic operation 2 (case 1 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), basic operation 3 (case 2 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), and / or their modifications.

[0141] In this embodiment, the aspect ratio of the DAC module may be determined so that the long direction is along the z-axis rather than the x-axis.

[0142] In this embodiment, the DAC module can also be easily manufactured at low cost. The spacer layer reduces the frictional resistance of the fluid inside and outside the bag portion, thereby suppressing pressure loss. Because the MPF contains a carbon dioxide absorbent, the energy required to heat the solvent (water, etc.) is reduced. Furthermore, the passage of gas through the MPF allows efficient contact between the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas. As a result, efficient absorption and release of carbon dioxide is possible.

[0143] [First Modification] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the xy plane of an exemplary DAC device according to a first modified example of the third embodiment of the present disclosure. In the first modified example, the configuration of the DAC module 600 can be the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, except that the longitudinal direction corresponds to the z-axis direction. In the DAC device 650A of the first modified example, the direction in which the cylindrical housing 30 extends corresponds to the x-axis direction, and the DAC module 600 is wound around the welded portion 24 at the end of the DAC module 600 in the y-axis direction, which extends in the x-axis direction, as the central axis (winding axis), and is stored inside the housing 30. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 15, the fluid flow path 28 and the inlet / outlet 27 are formed to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 600. The winding axis (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 600 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 600. When the x-axis direction is defined as the vertical direction, the fluid flow path 28 and the inlet / outlet 27 may be disposed vertically below the DAC module 600 or may be disposed vertically above the DAC module 600.

[0144] In the y-z cross section, the bag portion 23 (and the spacer layer 25 therein) and the spacer layer 26 are alternately arranged in the radial direction from the central axis of the housing 30. As a result, gas supplied to the bag portion 23 (and the spacer layer 25 therein) passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the bag portion 23), enters the external space of the bag portion 23 (the space in which the spacer layer 26 is arranged), and is discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30. Alternatively, gas supplied to the internal space of the housing 30 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30 passes through the spacer layer 26, passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the internal space (spacer layer 25) of the bag portion 23, and flows into the fluid flow path 28 through the fluid inlet / outlet 27. The fluid flow path 28 penetrates the wall of the housing 30, and the gas that has flowed into the fluid flow path 28 may be discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through the fluid flow path 28.

[0145] The operation method in the first modified example of the third embodiment can also be the same as the above-mentioned basic operation 2 (case 1 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), basic operation 3 (case 2 when a carbon dioxide absorbent is supported on an MPF), and / or their modifications.

[0146] In this modification, the aspect ratio of the DAC module may be determined so that the longitudinal direction is the x-axis direction rather than the z-axis direction.

[0147] This modification also achieves the same effects as those described above for Embodiment 3. Furthermore, in this modification, the distance from the fluid inlet / outlet to the opposite end of the bag can be shortened, thereby reducing pressure loss inside the bag.

[0148] In the third embodiment and its variations, the spacer layer 26 may be omitted. The fluid flow paths 28 and the inlet / outlet ports 27 may be located at the outermost portion of the wound DAC module.

[0149] <Fourth embodiment> [Device configuration] 16 and 17 are schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplary DAC device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure in the xy and yz planes, respectively.

[0150] The DAC module 700 in the fourth embodiment can have the same configuration as the DAC module 500 in the second embodiment, except for the points described below. Therefore, the corresponding configurations are given the same names and symbols, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0151] 16 and 17, a DAC device 750 of the fourth embodiment includes a cylindrical housing 40 extending in the z-axis direction, and a DAC module 700 disposed inside the housing 40 and wound around a welded portion 14 formed on the opposite side of the fluid flow path 28 as a central axis parallel to the z-axis direction. In FIG. 16, three DAC modules 700 are disposed inside one housing 40, but the number of DAC modules 700 disposed inside one housing 40 may be one or more, i.e., two or more.

[0152] 16, the fluid flow paths 28 and the inlets / outlets 27 are formed to extend perpendicular (z-axis direction) to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 700. The winding axis (z-axis direction) of the DAC module 700 extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the DAC module 700. The fluid flow paths 28 provided in multiple DAC modules 700 arranged inside one housing 40 communicate with each other.

[0153] In the xy cross section, the bag portions 23 and the spacer layers 26 are alternately arranged in the radial direction from the central axis of the housing 30. As a result, the gas supplied to the bag portion 23 passes across the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22 (the MPFs constituting the first sheet 21 and / or the second sheet 22), enters the external space of the bag portion 23 (the space in which the spacer layers 26 are arranged), and is discharged to the outside of the housing 30 through a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown) of the housing 30. In this embodiment, the MPF itself does not need to contain a carbon dioxide absorbent.

[0154] The operation method in the third embodiment can be the same as the above-mentioned basic operation 1 (when a liquid carbon dioxide absorbent is used). A more specific explanation will be given below with reference to FIG.

[0155] In Figure 17, the flow of gas is indicated by dashed arrows, and the flow of the liquid carbon dioxide absorbent is indicated by solid arrows. The gas is supplied to the fluid flow path 28 through gas inlet / outlet 41 located on the bottom surface of the housing 40. The gas is further supplied to the internal space of the bag portion 23 through inlet / outlet 27. The gas then passes across (the MPFs constituting) the first sheet 21 and / or second sheet 22 and flows out into the external space of the bag portion 23 (the space in which the spacer layer 26 is located). The outflowing gas accumulates at the top of the DAC module 700, passes as bubbles through the liquid carbon dioxide absorbent flowing down outside the bag portion of the DAC module 700, and is discharged to the outside of the housing 40 through gas inlet / outlet 42 located on the top surface of the housing 40.

[0156] The liquid carbon dioxide absorbent is supplied into the housing 40 through a liquid inlet / outlet 43 arranged on the upper surface of the housing 40. The liquid carbon dioxide absorbent first accumulates on the uppermost DAC module 700, gradually flows down while passing through the spacer layer 26, accumulates on the middle and lower DAC modules 700, and flows down into the internal space at the bottom of the housing 40 while passing through each of the spacer layers 26. The liquid carbon dioxide absorbent is then discharged to the outside of the housing 40 through a liquid inlet / outlet 44 arranged on the lower surface of the housing 40.

[0157] When absorbing carbon dioxide in a gas, the carbon dioxide is absorbed into the absorbent mainly as the gas passes through the liquid. Because the pores of the MPF are distributed almost uniformly over the entire main surface of the MPF, the gas also flows out almost uniformly from the entire surface of the MPF that constitutes the bag portion, allowing efficient contact between the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas.

[0158] In this embodiment, the winding axis may be fluid flow channel 28. The aspect ratio of the DAC module may be determined so that the longitudinal direction is along the z-axis rather than the x-axis.

[0159] In this embodiment, the DAC module can be easily manufactured at low cost. By passing the gas through the MPF in a planar manner, the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas can be efficiently contacted, enabling efficient absorption and release of carbon dioxide.

[0160] Fifth Embodiment [Device configuration] FIG. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary DAC device according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] 18, the DAC device 800 includes a heat exchanger 50 having a plurality of fins 51, and a DAC module 200 arranged on at least a portion of the fins 51. The DAC module 200 can have the same configuration as the DAC module 200 according to the first modified example of the first embodiment, except for the points described below. Therefore, the corresponding configurations are given the same names and symbols, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0162] The DAC module 200 may be disposed on some of the fins 51, or the DAC module 200 may be disposed on each of the fins 51.

[0163] In the DAC module 200, the first sheet 11 is an MPF, and the second sheet 12 is a thermoplastic polymer film with an aluminum layer. The MPF contains a carbon dioxide absorbent. The aluminum layer may be positioned in the DAC module 200 so that the side with the aluminum layer faces the fins. The aluminum layer facilitates heat exchange between the DAC module 200 (and the gas therein) and the heat exchanger 50.

[0164] The heat exchanger 50 may have a known configuration, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. For example, a flow path for circulating a heat transfer medium, which is a fluid, may be formed inside (on the left side in FIG. 18 ) the wall portion 52 on which the fins 51 are provided. The fins and the wall portion 52 may typically be made of a metal or the like having high thermal conductivity.

[0165] The carbon dioxide-containing gas or the carbon dioxide-receiving gas can be supplied to the bag 13 via a fluid flow path (not shown) and a fluid inlet / outlet (not shown). The carbon dioxide-containing gas or the carbon dioxide-receiving gas can be supplied to the outside of the bag 13 and flow into the inside of the bag 13 via the MPF. In the latter case, it is particularly preferable to dispose a spacer layer inside the bag 13. The absorption and release of carbon dioxide in the DAC module 200 can be controlled by controlling the temperature of the DAC module 200 using the heat exchanger 50.

[0166] In this embodiment, the spacer layer 15 may be omitted.

[0167] In this embodiment, the DAC module can also be easily manufactured at low cost. Because the MPF contains a carbon dioxide absorbent, the energy required to heat the solvent (water, etc.) is reduced. Passing the gas through the MPF allows efficient contact between the carbon dioxide absorbent and the gas. Furthermore, the radiator allows efficient heating and cooling of the DAC module. As a result, efficient absorption and release of carbon dioxide is possible.

[0168] In the following, exemplary embodiments are presented. [Item 1] The bag portion is formed by two sheets made of a heat-sealable material, The bag portion is configured by heat welding the periphery of the bag portion, At least one of the two sheets is a microporous film; The microporous film is A film made of a thermoplastic polymer, with pores that are connected in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces, and which has gas permeability, and the maximum pore size measured in accordance with ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved edition) is 0.05 μm or more and less than 10 μm. Module for carbon dioxide direct air capture.

[0169] [Item 2] Item 1. A carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, comprising a spacer layer for improving breathability, arranged adjacent to the sheet inside and / or outside the bag portion.

[0170] [Item 3] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, wherein a fluid inlet and outlet are disposed in the bag portion.

[0171] [Item 4] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, wherein the microporous film has a carbon dioxide absorbent.

[0172] [Item 5] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of item 1, wherein both of the two sheets are the microporous film.

[0173] [Item 6] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, wherein the other of the two sheets is a thermoplastic polymer film that is not gas permeable.

[0174] [Item 7] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of item 1, wherein the other of the two sheets is a thermoplastic polymer film having an aluminum layer.

[0175] [Item 8] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, wherein the spacer layer is formed by a mechanical fastener.

[0176] [Item 9] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, wherein the spacer layer is made of nonwoven fabric.

[0177] [Item 10] Item 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 1, wherein the spacer layer is made of a net.

[0178] [Item 11] Item 3. A carbon dioxide direct air capture module; a housing for storing the carbon dioxide direct air capture module; In the carbon dioxide direct air capture module, the bag portion has a strip-like shape, The entrance is formed to extend perpendicular to or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip-like shape, The carbon dioxide direct air capture module is wound around an axis extending perpendicular to or parallel to the longitudinal direction. Carbon dioxide direct air capture unit.

[0179] [Item 12] a heat exchanger having a plurality of fins; and a carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to item 7, arranged on at least a portion of the plurality of fins. Carbon dioxide direct air capture unit.

[0180] [Item 13] Using the carbon dioxide direct air capture device according to item 11 or 12, A gas is supplied to or removed from the bag portion to pass the gas across the microporous film; Absorbing carbon dioxide in the gas into a carbon dioxide absorbent at a relatively low temperature; A method in which carbon dioxide is released from a carbon dioxide absorbent into a gas at a relatively high temperature.

[0181] [Item 14] Item 14. The method according to item 13, wherein the microporous film has a carbon dioxide absorbent inside the pores.

[0182] <Example> [Preparation Example 1: Preparation of MPF impregnated with carbon dioxide absorbent] 15.0 g of isophoronediamine (IPDA) (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., Chuo-ku, Osaka) was weighed into a 225 mL glass bottle, and 85.0 g of isopropanol was added thereto and stirred with a stirrer for 5 minutes to obtain a clear IPDA solution with a concentration of 15%.

[0183] Microporous film WHJ EX3697-3 (manufactured by 3M Japan Products, film thickness: 38 μm, air permeability according to JIS P8117: 28 s / 100 cc) was cut to a width of 18 cm and a length of 70 cm. A 50 μm thick, 30 cm wide, and 100 cm long polyester film was laid on a glass plate as a backing to prevent contamination. The cut MPF was placed on top of the polyester film, avoiding wrinkles, and secured in place with adhesive tape. IPDA solution was applied to the MPF using a dropper, and then applied using a #8 Meyer bar. The IPDA solution was immediately absorbed into the MPF after application and penetrated to the other side of the film, resulting in a so-called impregnated state. The impregnated MPF was immediately peeled from the polyester film backing, suspended by fixing its edges so that the MPF surface did not come into contact with the wall, and air-dried for approximately 3 minutes. The isopropanol was then completely dried by placing it in an oven set at 65°C for 3 minutes. The amount of carbon dioxide absorbent (IPDA) applied was 4.1 g / m. 2 It was.

[0184] [Preparation Example 2: Preparation of DAC module] The DAC module is made up of multiple components, the four sides of which are heat-sealed to form a bag.

[0185] Three rectangles measuring 15 cm long and 28 cm wide were prepared from the MPF impregnated with the carbon dioxide absorbent (IPDA) prepared by the method of Preparation Example 1. In addition, an aluminum-layered film (a three-layer structure of PET [16 μm] / aluminum [7 μm] / PP [40 μm], Kanae Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Osaka) that can be heat-sealed to the MPF was cut into a rectangle of the same size as the MPF (15 cm long and 28 cm wide).

[0186] A 105 μm thick polypropylene nonwoven fabric (Eltas P03020, M.A. Life Materials, Inc., Chuo-ku, Tokyo) was cut into a 12 cm long and 24 cm wide rectangle to serve as the spacer for the inside of the bag. A 370 μm thick (pin height 275 μm, base film thickness 85 μm) mechanical hook (1600DH: 3M Japan Products, Ltd., Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo) was cut into a 14 cm long and 20 cm wide rectangle to serve as the spacer for the outside of the bag.

[0187] A polypropylene tube with an outer diameter of 4 mm (UP Tube UPP-4x3, Ushio Lighting Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Tokyo) was cut to a length of 15 cm to serve as a fluid flow tube. A polypropylene tube with an outer diameter of 15 mm (Aram Co., Ltd., Kita-ku, Osaka) was cut to a length of 15 cm to serve as a core around which the bag portion was wrapped.

[0188] For heat sealing, an impulse sealer (FA-300-10, Fuji Impulse Co., Ltd., Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture) with a seal width of 10 mm was used. The heat sealing conditions (temperature, sealing time, etc.) were set to the optimum conditions based on the thickness and number of films to be heat sealed. When making bags using MPF, vol. 6 (sealing time 0.6 seconds) was usually used, and when heat sealing was insufficient, vol. 7 (sealing time 0.7 seconds) or vol. 8 (sealing time 0.8 seconds) conditions were used.

[0189] The fluid flow tube was temporarily attached with adhesive tape approximately 3 cm inward from the side edge of the aluminum-coated film, parallel to the side edge of the film, with the end of the tube positioned in the center of the film (approximately 7 cm from the top edge). The end of the tube and the top edge of the heat-seal film were heat-sealed to fix the tube to the aluminum-coated film.

[0190] The polypropylene nonwoven fabric was placed so that the entire fabric was placed on the aluminum layered film and the end was positioned just inside the tube, and the end was heat-sealed to fix it to the aluminum layered film.

[0191] Three MPF sheets were stacked on top of each other and placed on the aluminum-coated film so that their outer edges matched, and the left, bottom, and right edges were heat-sealed. Finally, the top edge was heat-sealed to seal the bag, and then a 3-5 mm width of the heat-sealed portion was cut away.

[0192] The bag portion was immersed in water and air was supplied, and gas bubbles were visually observed escaping from the entire main surface of the bag portion, confirming that there was essentially no leakage in the heat-sealed portion, including around the fluid flow pipe.

[0193] The mechanical hook was placed over the bag with the pin facing the MPF, and the left end of the mechanical hook was fixed to the left end of the bag with adhesive tape. After fixing the left end to the core with adhesive tape, the bag was wrapped around the core and the outermost end of the bag was secured with a rubber band to prevent it from unwinding.

[0194] The roll-shaped module was housed in a housing made of stainless steel piping with a diameter of 38 mm to complete the DAC device.

[0195] Preparation Example 3: Preparation of a nonwoven fabric coated with a carbon dioxide absorbent (comparative example) As a comparative example, a basis weight of 20 g / m 2 A spunbond nonwoven fabric PMA020 (manufactured by M.A. Life Materials Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Tokyo) was used. The IPDA solution was applied to this nonwoven fabric in the same manner as in Example 1, and the fabric was dried.

[0196] [Test Example 1: Carbon Dioxide Absorption (DAC)] The direct carbon dioxide capture performance of the fabricated module was evaluated by passing pure nitrogen gas or a blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases with specified concentrations through the module at a constant flow rate and measuring the carbon dioxide concentration in the resulting gas. Carbon dioxide concentration was measured using an FT-IR spectrophotometer (iS50, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Minato-ku, Tokyo). A gas cell for gas sample measurement was installed, and the gas to be measured was introduced into the cell at a flow rate of 150 mL / min. Carbon dioxide concentration was calculated using a calibration curve prepared in advance using a blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases with known concentrations.

[0197] Carbon dioxide absorption was performed by passing a blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas (carbon dioxide concentration: 1.0%) through the module at room temperature. The fabricated roll-shaped module was placed in a stainless steel housing, capped on both ends, and connected to a 6 mm diameter nylon tube. Pure nitrogen was introduced for the first 3 minutes to replace the air in the housing and tubing with nitrogen. The gas introduced into the housing was then switched to a blend of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, and the gas was passed through the module at a flow rate of 150 mL / min. The carbon dioxide concentration of the gas after passing through the module was measured. The resulting breakthrough curve is shown in Figure 19 (IPDA).

[0198] [Test Example 2: Carbon Dioxide Release] The roll-shaped module was placed in a stainless steel housing, capped at both ends, and connected to a 6 mm diameter nylon tube. Air was passed through the module overnight to saturate it with carbon dioxide. Pure nitrogen was then introduced for the first 3 minutes to replace the air in the tube. The pure nitrogen flow rate was kept at 150 mL / min, and the stainless steel housing was immersed in hot water set at 70-75°C to raise the temperature of the entire module. Measurement of the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas passing through the module began. Measurements were performed every 20 seconds, with four scans, and this continued for 3 hours. The measurement results are shown in Figure 20 (IPDA).

[0199] [Test Example 3: When MBMCHA is used as a carbon dioxide absorbent] A 15% concentration MBMCHA solution was prepared using 4,4'-methylenebis(2-methylcyclohexylamine) [MBMCHA] (Tokyo Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku, Tokyo) as a carbon dioxide absorbent, and the carbon dioxide absorbent was applied to the MPF in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1. The applied amount of the carbon dioxide absorbent after drying with isopropanol was 4.6 g / m 2 Using this film, a roll-shaped module was produced in the same manner as in Preparation Example 2.

[0200] The performance of this roll-shaped module for direct air capture of carbon dioxide was evaluated in the same manner as in Test Examples 1 and 2. The results are shown in Figure 19 (MBMCHA) and Figure 20 (MBMCHA).

[0201] [Test Example 4: When TEPA is used as a carbon dioxide absorbent] A 15% concentration TEPA solution was prepared using tetraethylenepentamine [TEPA] (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., Chuo-ku, Osaka) as a carbon dioxide absorbent, and the carbon dioxide absorbent was applied to the MPF in the same manner as in Preparation Example 1. The applied amount of carbon dioxide absorbent after drying with isopropanol was 6.7 g / m 2 Using this film, a roll-shaped module was produced in the same manner as in Preparation Example 2.

[0202] The performance of this roll-shaped module for direct air capture of carbon dioxide was evaluated in the same manner as in Test Examples 1 and 2. The results are shown in Figure 19 (TEPA) and Figure 20 (TEPA).

[0203] [Test Example 5: Retention performance of carbon dioxide absorbent] The IPDA-impregnated MPF prepared in Preparation Example 1 and a 100 μm-thick polyester film (Lumirror #100-S10, Toray Industries, Inc., Chuo-ku, Tokyo) were cut into 10 cm x 10 cm and 11 cm x 11 cm pieces, respectively. Six polyester films and five MPFs were alternately stacked to form a laminate, which was then placed on a 5 mm-thick flat aluminum plate (Misumi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). A glass plate was placed on top of the top polyester film, and a 1000 g weight was placed on top of it to apply pressure. The laminate was then placed in an oven at 80 °C for 24 hours. The laminate was then cooled at room temperature for 1 hour, and the extent of carbon dioxide absorbent migration into the polyester film was visually confirmed. There was almost no foreign matter on the surface of the polyester film, and almost all of the carbon dioxide absorbent was retained in the MPF.

[0204] The IPDA-coated nonwoven fabric prepared in Preparation Example 3 and a 100 μm-thick polyester film (Lumirror #100-S10, Toray Industries, Inc., Chuo-ku, Tokyo) were cut into 10 cm x 10 cm and 11 cm x 11 cm pieces, respectively. Six polyester films and five MPF sheets were alternately stacked to form a laminate, which was then placed on a 5 mm-thick flat aluminum plate (Misumi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo). A glass plate was placed on top of the top polyester film, and a 1000 g weight was placed on top of it to apply pressure. The laminate was then placed in an oven at 80 °C for 24 hours. The laminate was then cooled at room temperature for 1 hour, and the extent of carbon dioxide absorbent migration into the polyester film was visually confirmed. A white transfer was observed on the surface of the polyester film. The white transfer was believed to be carbamate produced by the reaction of IPDA with carbon dioxide in the air.

[0205] [result] Regardless of whether IPDA, MBMCHA, or TEPA was used as the carbon dioxide absorbent, the resulting module was able to absorb carbon dioxide at room temperature and release carbon dioxide at 70 to 75°C. In other words, it was confirmed that the resulting module had properties suitable for use as a DAC module.

[0206] It was confirmed that MPF has a higher carbon dioxide absorbent retention capacity (less likely to bleed out) than nonwoven fabric. In this respect, it was understood that a module using MPF has suitable properties as a DAC module. However, in the examples, a high carbon dioxide absorbent retention capacity is not an essential effect.

[0207] <Notes> The entire disclosures of all patents, patent applications and publications, publications, and electronically available materials cited herein are incorporated by reference. In the event of any discrepancy between the disclosure of this application and the disclosure of any document incorporated by reference herein, the disclosure of this application shall prevail. The above embodiments and examples are merely set forth for clarity of understanding. No unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom. The present disclosure is not limited to the exact details shown and described; variations obvious to those skilled in the art are included within the scope defined by the claims and the doctrine of equivalents.

[0208] All headings are for the convenience of the reader and should not be used to limit the meaning of the text that follows the heading, unless so specified.

[0209] Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. These and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope defined by the following claims and the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. The bag portion is formed by two sheets made of a heat-sealable material, The bag portion is configured by heat-sealing the periphery of the bag portion, At least one of the two sheets is a microporous film; The microporous film is A film made of a thermoplastic polymer, having pores that are connected in the thickness direction so as to connect both main surfaces, and thus having gas permeability, and having a maximum pore diameter of 0.05 μm or more and less than 10 μm as measured in accordance with ASTM F316-03 (2019 reapproved edition). Module for carbon dioxide direct air capture.

2. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, further comprising a spacer layer for improving breathability, the spacer layer being arranged adjacent to the sheet inside and / or outside the bag portion.

3. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, wherein a fluid inlet and outlet are disposed in the pouch.

4. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, wherein the microporous film comprises a carbon dioxide absorbent.

5. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, wherein both of said two sheets are said microporous film.

6. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, wherein the other of the two sheets is a gas-impermeable thermoplastic polymer film.

7. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, wherein the other of the two sheets is a thermoplastic polymer film having an aluminum layer.

8. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module of claim 1, wherein the spacer layer is configured by a mechanical fastener.

9. 2. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to claim 1, wherein the spacer layer is made of a nonwoven fabric.

10. The carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to claim 1 , wherein the spacer layer is made of a net.

11. A carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to claim 3; a housing for storing the carbon dioxide direct air capture module; In the carbon dioxide direct air capture module, the bag portion has a strip-like shape, The entrance is formed to extend perpendicular to or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strip-like shape, The carbon dioxide direct air capture module is wound around an axis extending perpendicular to or parallel to the longitudinal direction. Carbon dioxide direct air capture unit.

12. a heat exchanger having a plurality of fins; and a carbon dioxide direct air capture module according to claim 7 disposed on at least a portion of the plurality of fins. Carbon dioxide direct air capture unit.

13. Using the carbon dioxide direct air recovery system according to claim 11 or 12, A gas is supplied to or removed from the bag portion to pass the gas across the microporous film; Absorbing carbon dioxide in the gas into a carbon dioxide absorbent at a relatively low temperature; A method in which carbon dioxide is released from a carbon dioxide absorbent into a gas at a relatively high temperature.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the microporous film has a carbon dioxide absorbent inside the pores.

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