Frame and cartridge for supporting adsorptive articles in a direct air capture system

Abstract

Develop and improve structures for mounting adsorbent materials to make the process more efficient. A direct air capture (DAC) device includes a configuration in which DAC cartridges can be stacked to hold a stack configuration within a DAC reactor. The DAC cartridges can have a plurality of adsorbent articles disposed therein, and the cartridges can be insertable into or supported by a frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 433,954, filed December 20, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 611,309, filed December 18, 2023, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an adsorbent material composite article and a structure for supporting the adsorbent material composite article during the adsorption and desorption process of direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide (CO2). [Background technology]

[0003] Rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels due to greenhouse gas emissions have been proven to be harmful to the environment. As reported in the Climate.gov paper "Climate Change: Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide," the average atmospheric CO2 level in 2019 was 409.8 ppm, the highest level recorded in the past 800,000 years. The rate of increase in atmospheric CO2 is also reported to be much higher than in previous decades.

[0004] To limit climate change to an acceptable level, it is necessary not only to reduce CO2 emissions to zero in the near future, but also to achieve negative CO2 emissions. Several possibilities exist to achieve negative emissions, such as the use of biomaterials for power generation in combination with CO2 capture from flue gases and subsequent CO2 sequestration ("bioenergy with carbon capture and storage" or BECCS) or direct air capture of CO2 (DAC).

[0005] Direct atmospheric capture of CO2, or DAC, is one of several tools for mitigating anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and has attractive economic prospects as a location-independent, non-fossil source of CO2 for commodity markets and synthetic fuel production. Specific advantages of atmospheric CO2 capture include: a) DAC can address emissions from distributed sources (e.g., land, sea, and air vehicles), which account for a large proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions and which currently cannot be captured on-site in an economically feasible manner; b) DAC can address historical emissions, thereby creating truly negative emissions; and c) DAC systems do not require installation at the emission source, are not necessarily site-dependent, and can be deployed on-site for further CO2 processing or use. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] To make these processes more efficient, there is a growing momentum to develop and improve structures for implementing adsorbent materials, such as streamlining the process of replacing old adsorbent materials with new ones and placing adsorbent materials in different DAC reactors. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Disclosed herein are direct air capture (DAC) devices and methods for controlling the same, as well as methods for using the devices to remove gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In one example ("Example 1"), the DAC device includes a DAC device including a DAC cartridge that is stackable to form a stack configuration, the DAC cartridge having a frame and a plurality of adsorbent articles disposed within and supported by the frame.

[0008] In another example ("Example 2") following Example 1, the frame has multiple sides, and the sides are covered using walls so that the absorbent articles are contained within the frame.

[0009] In another example ("Example 3") following Example 2, the frame has an open surface through which the absorbent article is inserted and positioned within the frame.

[0010] In another example ("Example 4") following Example 2 or 3, the device further includes a plurality of fasteners, where the fasteners attach, secure, or fasten the wall to the frame.

[0011] In another example following Example 4 ("Example 5"), the fastening member includes one or more of a rivet, a screw, a spot weld material, a wire, a fiber, or an adhesive.

[0012] In another example ("Example 6") following any of the previous examples, the frame includes a U-shaped structure and a number of rods extending across the top of the U-shaped structure.

[0013] In another example ("Example 7") following Example 6, the U-shaped structure is made from a single continuous sheet of material.

[0014] In another example ("Example 8") following Example 6 or 7, the U-shaped structure includes a plurality of holes or perforations.

[0015] In another example ("Example 9") following any of Examples 6-8, the bottom of the U-shaped structure includes at least one rounded corner and the top of the U-shaped structure includes at least one flanged upper lip, the rounded corner having a curved portion connecting the flanged upper lip and a rod extending across the top of the U-shaped structure.

[0016] In one example ("Example 10"), a DAC device includes a first removable cartridge and a first frame. The first frame supports the first removable cartridge and defines a first engagement surface of the first frame. The first engagement surface is disposed on the first frame to define a position of a second engagement surface of the second frame when the second engagement surface of the second frame is disposed to engage with the first engagement surface. Engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces maintains a predetermined distance between the first removable cartridge and a second removable cartridge supported by the second frame.

[0017] In another example following Example 10 ("Example 11"), the device further includes a second removable cartridge and a second frame. The second frame supports the second removable cartridge and defines a second engagement surface positioned to engage the first engagement surface of the first frame, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between the first removable cartridge and the second removable cartridge supported by the second frame.

[0018] In one example ("Example 12"), a DAC device includes a first frame, the first frame defining a first frame first engagement surface, and a second frame. The first frame is configured to support a first cartridge. The second frame defines a second frame second engagement surface. The second frame is configured to support a second cartridge. The first and second engagement surfaces, when engaged with each other, maintain a predetermined distance between the first and second cartridges.

[0019] In another example following Example 12 ("Example 13"), the first or second frame is configured to support the first or second cartridge by providing at least one of the following: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the first or second cartridge rests, (b) a frame channel in which a protrusion of the first or second cartridge is disposed, and / or (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the first or second cartridge.

[0020] In another example following Example 12 ("Example 14"), the device further includes a first cartridge removably disposed in the first frame and a second cartridge removably disposed in the second frame.

[0021] In another example ("Example 15") following any of Examples 10-14, the predetermined distance is between 1 mm and 5 cm.

[0022] In another example ("Example 16") following any of Examples 10-14, the device further includes a plurality of walls supported by the first frame, thereby defining at least an interior of the first frame.

[0023] In another example ("Example 17") following Example 16, the wall includes a mesh structure.

[0024] In another example ("Example 18") following Example 16, the wall includes a screen with a grid formed using a fibrous material.

[0025] In another example ("Example 19") following any of Examples 10-14, the first frame defines another first engagement surface of the first frame. The device further includes a third frame defining a third engagement surface and configured to support a third cartridge. The third engagement surface and the another first engagement surface maintain another predetermined distance between the first and third cartridges when engaged with each other.

[0026] In another example following Example 19 ("Example 20"), the third frame is configured to support a third cartridge by providing at least one of the following: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the third cartridge rests, (b) a frame channel in which a protrusion of the third cartridge is disposed, and / or (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the third cartridge.

[0027] In another example ("Example 21") following Example 19, the device further includes a third cartridge removably disposed in the third frame.

[0028] In another example ("Example 22") following Example 19, the another predetermined distance is the same as the predetermined distance.

[0029] In another example ("Example 23") following Example 19, the first frame defines a further first engagement surface of the first frame. The device further includes a fourth frame defining a fourth engagement surface and configured to support a fourth cartridge. The fourth engagement surface and the further first engagement surface maintain a further predetermined distance between the first and fourth cartridges when engaged with each other.

[0030] In another example following Example 23 ("Example 24"), the fourth frame is configured to support a fourth cartridge by providing at least one of the following: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the fourth cartridge rests, (b) a frame channel in which a protrusion of the fourth cartridge is positioned, and / or (c) a frame surface positioned to support the weight of the fourth cartridge.

[0031] In another example following Example 23 ("Example 25"), the device further includes a fourth cartridge removably disposed in the fourth frame.

[0032] In another example ("Example 26") following Example 23, the further predetermined distance is the same as one or more of the predetermined distance or the further predetermined distance.

[0033] In one example ("Example 27"), the DAC device includes a first cartridge and a first frame. The first frame has opposing walls defining a first cartridge compartment disposed therebetween. Each opposing wall includes a sliding surface facing the first cartridge compartment. The first cartridge is slidably disposed within the first cartridge compartment.

[0034] In one example ("Example 28"), a DAC device includes a first frame and a second frame. The first frame has first opposing walls defining a first cartridge compartment disposed therebetween. The first opposing walls have interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a first cartridge within the first cartridge compartment. The second frame has second opposing walls defining a second cartridge compartment disposed therebetween. The second opposing walls have interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a second cartridge within the second cartridge compartment. When engaged with each other, the first and second frames maintain a predetermined distance between the first and second cartridges.

[0035] In another example following Example 28 ("Example 29"), the first or second frame is configured to support the first or second cartridge by providing at least one of the following: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the first or second cartridge rests, (b) a frame channel in which a protrusion of the first or second cartridge is disposed, and / or (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the first or second cartridge.

[0036] In another example following Example 28 ("Example 30"), the device further includes a first cartridge removably disposed in a first cartridge compartment of the first frame and a second cartridge removably disposed in a second cartridge compartment of the second frame.

[0037] In another example ("Example 31") following any of Examples 28-30, the predetermined distance is between 1 mm and 5 cm.

[0038] In another example ("Example 32") following any of Examples 27-31, the opposing wall includes a mesh structure.

[0039] In another example ("Example 33") following any of Examples 27-31, the opposing wall includes a screen having a grid formed using a fibrous material.

[0040] In another example ("Example 34") following any of Examples 27-30, the device further includes a third frame having third opposing walls defining a third cartridge compartment disposed therebetween, the third opposing walls having interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a third cartridge within the third cartridge compartment.

[0041] In another example following Example 34 ("Example 35"), the third frame is configured to support a third cartridge by providing at least one of the following: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the third cartridge rests, (b) a frame channel in which a protrusion of the third cartridge is disposed, and / or (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the third cartridge.

[0042] In another example ("Example 36") following Example 34, the device further includes a third cartridge removably disposed in a third cartridge compartment of the third frame, and the first and third frames, when engaged with each other, maintain another predetermined distance between the first and third cartridges.

[0043] In another example ("Example 37") following Example 36, the another predetermined distance is the same as the predetermined distance.

[0044] In another example ("Example 38") following Example 36, the device further includes a fourth frame and a fourth cartridge. The fourth frame has fourth opposing walls defining a fourth cartridge compartment disposed therebetween. The fourth opposing walls have interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support the fourth cartridge within the fourth cartridge compartment. The fourth cartridge is removably disposed in the fourth cartridge compartment of the fourth frame. The first and fourth frames, when engaged with each other, maintain yet another predetermined distance between the first and fourth cartridges.

[0045] In another example following Example 38 ("Example 39"), the fourth frame is configured to support a fourth cartridge by providing at least one of the following: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the fourth cartridge rests, (b) a frame channel in which a protrusion of the fourth cartridge is positioned, and / or (c) a frame surface positioned to support the weight of the fourth cartridge.

[0046] In another example ("Example 40") following Example 38, the further predetermined distance is the same as one or more of the predetermined distance or the further predetermined distance.

[0047] In one example ("Example 41"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere includes receiving information regarding the dispersion of a first amount of gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a first location; initiating a method of separating a second amount of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a second location, where the second amount is at least a portion of the first amount, and the method of separation includes use of a device of any of Examples 1-40; and initiating reporting of data regarding the second amount.

[0048] In one example ("Example 42"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from an atmosphere includes receiving information regarding a first quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide; separating a second quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, where the second quantity is at least a portion of the first quantity, and the method of separating includes use of a device of any of Examples 1-40; and reporting data regarding the second quantity.

[0049] In one example ("Example 43"), a method for removing gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere includes transmitting information regarding the dispersion of a first quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a first location; requesting initiation of a method for separating a second quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a second location, where the second quantity is at least a portion of the first quantity, and the method of separation includes use of a device of any of Examples 1-40; and receiving a report of data regarding the second quantity.

[0050] In one example ("Example 44"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from an atmosphere includes receiving, from a computing device, a first electronic communication including information regarding the dispersion of a first quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a first location; initiating separation of a second quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a second location with a carbon capture device, where the second quantity is at least a portion of the first quantity, and the carbon capture device is any of the devices of Examples 1-40; and initiating reporting of data associated with the carbon capture device regarding the second quantity, where the data forms part of the second electronic communication.

[0051] In another example ("Example 45") following Example 44, the second electronic communication is configured to be transmitted to a computing device.

[0052] In another example ("Example 46") following Example 44 or 45, the second electronic communication is configured to be transmitted to an additional computing device.

[0053] In one example ("Example 47"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from an atmosphere includes receiving a first electronic communication from a computing device, the first electronic communication including information regarding a first quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide; separating a second quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere with a carbon capture device, where the second quantity is at least a portion of the first quantity, and the carbon capture device is any of the devices of Examples 1-40; and reporting data associated with the carbon capture device with respect to the second quantity as a second electronic communication.

[0054] In another example ("Example 48") following Example 47, the second electronic communication is configured to be transmitted to a computing device.

[0055] In another example ("Example 49") following Example 47 or 48, the second electronic communication is configured to be transmitted to an additional computing device.

[0056] In another example ("Example 50"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from an atmosphere includes transmitting a first electronic communication to a computing device, the first electronic communication including information regarding the dispersion of a first quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a first location; requesting separation of a second quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a second location by a carbon capture device, where the second quantity is at least a portion of the first quantity, and the carbon capture device is any of the devices of Examples 1-40; and receiving a second electronic communication including instructions for reporting data associated with the carbon capture device regarding the second quantity.

[0057] In another example ("Example 51") following Example 50, a second electronic communication is received from a computing device.

[0058] In another example ("Example 52") following Example 50 or 51, a second electronic communication is received in response to transmitting the first electronic communication.

[0059] In one example ("Example 53"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from an atmosphere includes receiving information regarding the dispersion of a first amount of gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a first location; initiating separation of a second amount of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a second location, where the second amount is at least a portion of the first amount, and where the separation includes use of a device of any of Examples 1-40; and initiating reporting data regarding the second amount.

[0060] In one example ("Example 54"), a method of removing gaseous carbon dioxide from an atmosphere includes transmitting information regarding the dispersion of a first quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a first location; requesting separation of a second quantity of gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere at a second location, where the second quantity is at least a portion of the first quantity, and where the separation includes use of a device of any of Examples 1-40; and receiving a report of data regarding the second quantity.

[0061] The foregoing examples are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting or otherwise narrowing the scope of the inventive concepts otherwise provided by this disclosure. While several examples are disclosed, still other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments. Accordingly, the accompanying drawings and detailed description are to be construed as illustrative and not restrictive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0062] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrating embodiments and, together with the description, serving to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0063] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a direct air capture (DAC) device with a single cartridge having an adsorbent article disposed therein, according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0064] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a DAC device comprising a plurality of cartridges in a stacked configuration with adsorbent articles disposed therein, according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0065] [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an empty cartridge of a DAC device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0066] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the empty cartridge of FIG. 3A according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0067] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view of an empty cartridge of a DAC device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0068] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partial framework of a cartridge of a DAC device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0069] [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a partial framework of a cartridge of a DAC device according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0070] [Figure 7] 6 is a perspective view of a cartridge using the framework of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0071] [Figure 8A] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating multiple cartridges of FIG. 7 in a stacked configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0072] [Figure 8B]8B is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the cartridge in the stack configuration of FIG. 8A according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0073] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a multi-step process of adsorption and desorption according to embodiments disclosed herein, showing the direction of fluid transport relative to the adsorption assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] Definitions and Nomenclature The present disclosure is not intended to be limiting. For example, the terminology used in this application should be interpreted broadly in the context of the meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art would give to that terminology.

[0075] With regard to terminology that includes imprecision, the terms "about" and "approximately" may be used interchangeably to refer to measurements that include the stated measurement as well as measurements that are reasonably close to the stated measurement. A measurement that is reasonably close to the stated measurement deviates reasonably slightly from the stated measurement to an extent that is understood and easily identified by one of ordinary skill in the art. Such deviations may result from, for example, measurement error, differences in calibration of measuring and / or manufacturing equipment, human error in reading and / or setting measurements, minor adjustments made to optimize performance and / or structural parameters to account for measurement variations associated with other components, specific implementation scenarios, imprecise adjustment and / or manipulation of objects by humans or machines, etc. If it is determined that a person of ordinary skill in the art would not be able to easily identify such reasonably small differences, the terms "about" and "approximately" may be understood to mean ±10% of the stated value.

[0076] Additionally, the term "direct air capture (DAC) device" is defined to include examples having a single DAC cartridge and multiple DAC cartridges (e.g., in a stacked configuration as described further herein). The term "DAC cartridge" can include a single frame (including any suitable framework that defines the shape and size of the structure as described further herein) that is at least partially filled with an adsorbent material composite article and can be used to directly capture CO2 from the atmosphere. A DAC device can also be referred to as a carbon capture device that can implement any method for separating gaseous CO2 from a gas mixture in the form of ambient air. The terms DAC device, single DAC cartridge, and multiple DAC cartridges should each be understood to include a cartridge that holds an adsorbent material without a frame, a cartridge that holds an adsorbent material with a portion of a frame that provides structural support to the cartridge, and a cartridge that holds an adsorbent with a connected frame that structurally supports the cartridge. Description of Various Embodiments

[0077] The present disclosure relates to devices used in direct air capture (DAC) for adsorbing and separating one or more target substances from a source stream, for example, for adsorbing and separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from a dilute feed stream such as air. The DAC device can also be used for other adsorption methods and applications, including, but not limited to, adsorption of substances from various input streams, such as other gaseous feed streams (e.g., flue gas) and liquid feed streams (e.g., seawater). Adsorbed substances are not limited to CO2. Other adsorbed substances include, but are not limited to, other gas molecules (e.g., N2, CH4, and CO), liquid molecules, and solutes. In certain embodiments, the input stream is dilute and may contain adsorbed substances on the order of parts per million (ppm).

[0078] One example of an article or technique for DAC is the use of an article that includes a substrate, such as a monolith, that can support or be coated with an adsorbent material. Variations have been established based on the type of substrate or adsorbent used. However, these established articles and methods have limitations in their ability to efficiently cycle between adsorption and desorption states. Additionally, these articles and methods have limitations regarding the energy required to carry out the process.

[0079] Swing adsorption is often a very energy-intensive process. Energy is required at many operational stages, whether it be pressure swing, temperature swing, or humidity swing.

[0080] As an example, in temperature-vacuum swing adsorption (TVSA) for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2, the adsorption step may require a fan to force large volumes of air through an air contactor, such as a ceramic monolith or a plate pack with spaces between adjacent plates. Once the operator determines that it is appropriate to begin desorption (usually when the contactor has adsorbed a certain amount of CO2), the fan can be turned off or stopped, ending the adsorption phase.

[0081] After the adsorption stage is complete, the module's inlet and outlet are closed to provide a seal for the negative pressure. The air inside the module can then be evacuated by applying a vacuum, and steam is applied to raise the temperature to a point where the adsorber releases CO2. This CO2 is then pumped out of the module space and further processed to remove moisture. Among the processes described above, the desorption step requires significant energy for heating and subsequent cooling of the module. During desorption, the temperature of the entire module volume must be raised from ambient temperature (which may be very cold depending on the geographic location) to a temperature that promotes CO2 removal from the adsorber. Steam is often used for this temperature increase because it is efficient at transferring heat to materials. One objective of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of DAC systems by providing a variable-volume module. As an example, an air contactor or module can have one volume during the adsorption step that allows air to flow through it at very low pressure, thereby facilitating CO2 adsorption, and at least a second, reduced volume during the desorption step that provides energy savings by reducing the amount of volume that requires temperature elevation. The reduced volume also reduces the energy required to apply negative pressure, which in some cases can be the force that causes the volume reduction.

[0082] Similarly, in humidity swing and pressure swing adsorption processes, the desorption step is typically the most energy intensive. In humidity swing, energy is used to transfer moisture to the contactor and to dry the contactor after the CO2 has desorbed from it. In pressure swing, energy is used to pressurize the adsorber to release the CO2 from the adsorber. In both cases, it would also be beneficial to provide an air contactor or module that allows for variable volume configurations. Current air contactors and modules fall short in this regard.

[0083] 1 illustrates a DAC device 100 according to one example disclosed herein. The DAC device 100 is a carbon capture device including a plurality of adsorbent material composite articles 106 capable of facilitating the adsorption and desorption of one or more components of a feed stream (not shown) during each adsorption and desorption cycle. The feed stream may be air passing through the DAC device, and the one or more components may include, for example, CO or other gas molecules as described above. In some examples, desorption of the articles 106 may include desorbing CO by immersing the articles 106 in a desorption source, for example, water (or, in some examples, alternatively using steam or heat as the desorption source).

[0084] The article 106 can be held in place within the DAC device 100 (also referred to herein as a DAC assembly) using a frame 102, a support framework, or a frame structure including multiple surfaces 104 through which a fluid, such as a desorption medium, is permitted to pass during the adsorption / desorption process as described above. The desorption medium referred to herein can include one or more of a hot liquid, steam, saturated steam, superheated liquid, or any substance that transfers heat, as further disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 234,014 (WL Gore & Associates, Inc.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The DAC device 100 includes a DAC cartridge 101. The height "H" of the DAC cartridge 101 can depend on the total number of cartridges that can be packaged to form a DAC device or DAC assembly housed or packaged within any suitable DAC reactor (not shown). The items 106 can be inserted or placed into and supported by the frame 102 to form a DAC cartridge 101, which can be installed in a DAC reactor in any suitable configuration, as further described herein. In some examples, the frame 102 can be provided to support the DAC cartridge 101, for example, using at least one of the following: (a) frame rails on which edge surfaces of the items or cartridges can rest, (b) frame channels on which protrusions of the items or cartridges can be positioned, and / or (c) frame surfaces arranged to support the weight of the items or cartridges.As a further example, the support for the DAC cartridge 101 provided by the frame 102 and / or the engagement of the article or cartridge 101 with the support frame 102 can include a sliding support or engagement, allowing the article or cartridge 101 to be slidably inserted and removed from the frame 102 to provide increased access to or allow inspection of the article or cartridge, and can include a selective locking feature or movement restraining device, engagement of which can prevent movement between the frame 102 and the supported article or cartridge 101, as needed. DAC reactors referred to herein can include those further disclosed in WO 2021 / 239747 (Climeworks AG) and WO 2023 / 104656 (Climeworks AG), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0085] The frame 102 can define multiple sides 104, each defined by a wall 108 arranged to form each side 104. The walls 108 can be a filter, screen, or mesh configuration with multiple openings therethrough; a continuous wall configuration with a series of passages therethrough formed by circular or irregular holes or louver-like wall modifications; or a combination of solid wall sections with no passages or holes therethrough and permeable sections with passages or holes therethrough. In some examples, the walls 108 can be a screen with a grid formed using a fibrous material. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, portions of the frame 102 support each wall 108, and each wall 108 is a mesh with passages that allow fluid communication between the interior of a cartridge 101 and the surrounding reactor environment or adjacent cartridges 101, which can be arranged in a stacked configuration as shown in FIG. 2. As an example, if the frame 102 is a rectangular parallelepiped as shown in FIG. 1 , four of the six total sides 104 of the rectangular parallelepiped may have walls 108, allowing the items 106 to be inserted into the interior or volume of the frame 102 through the two open sides that do not have walls 108. In such an example, the “edge” of the rectangular parallelepiped is defined by the frame 102. In some examples, to provide additional protection for the items 106, only one side may be open and not covered by a wall 108. The wall 108 may aid in containing the items 106 while allowing the desorption medium to pass through. In some examples, the wall 108 may include a mesh, a combination of meshes, or a mesh structure. In some examples, the wall 108 may include a fibrous and / or membrane-like material. In some examples, the cross section of the DAC cartridge 101 may resemble a parallelogram, a rectangle, a square, or any other suitable polygon. In some examples, the height H of each cartridge may be approximately 180 mm.In some examples, the height H can be 100 mm to 200 mm, 200 mm to 300 mm, 300 mm to 500 mm, 500 mm to 700 mm, 700 mm to 1 m, 1 m to 1.5 m, 1.5 m to 2 m, or any other suitable range therebetween, and this range can be variable depending on the various sizes and internal structures of the DAC reactors in which the DAC cartridges are installed. In some examples, the frame 102 can also include one or more rails on which the edge surfaces of the article 106 or cartridge 101 can rest. In some examples, the frame 102 can also include frame channels in which protrusions of the article 106 or cartridge 101 can be positioned. In some examples, the frame 102 can also include a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the article 106 or cartridge 101.

[0086] FIG. 2 illustrates a plurality of DAC cartridges 101 (each of which may be, for example, the cartridge 101 shown in FIG. 1 ) that can be stacked to form a stack configuration in a multi-cartridge DAC device. The DAC device 100 includes a plurality of cartridges 101, each having a frame 102, a wall 108, and an adsorbent article 106 disposed therein. To form a multi-cartridge structure or assembly of DAC devices 100 that can be placed in a DAC reactor, each cartridge 101 can be stacked on top of or side-by-side with another cartridge 101 having the same or similar size, shape, and / or configuration (e.g., similar dimensions). As will be apparent, the stack configuration of cartridges is preferably mechanically stable and can maintain the stack configuration throughout the entire cyclic operation of the DAC process. The stack configuration can include an arrangement in which adjacent cartridges are mechanically and / or slidingly coupled to each other (by mechanical and / or sliding engagement, respectively) to maintain the stack configuration, and can further include a reversible coupling engagement that allows adjacent cartridges to be coupled to each other as needed and decoupled to allow rearrangement in the stack configuration.

[0087] In some examples, each cartridge 101 can include a different type of adsorbent material (in the adsorbent articles 106) than one or more other cartridges 101. In some examples, the adsorbent articles 106 can be formed in the form of a sheet or laminate of material, or can be flexible or rigid adsorbent material that can be inserted into a frame 102 to form a DAC cartridge 101, as further disclosed, for example, in WO 2022 / 187730 (WL Gore & Associates, Inc.) and WO 2022 / 187733 (WL Gore & Associates, Inc.), the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In some examples, each cartridge 101 can have adsorbent sheets that are positioned differently than one or more other cartridges 101. In some examples, the spacing between adjacent adsorbent articles 106 can vary in one or more cartridges 101, for example, to accommodate different airflow patterns within the DAC reactor. In some examples, different numbers and stack configurations of the multiple cartridges 101 can be implemented depending on the size or internal dimensions of the DAC reactor.

[0088] In some examples, an individual DAC cartridge 101 can be removed from the multi-cartridge DAC device 100 and replaced with another cartridge 101, for example, when replacing old sorbent material contained therein with new sorbent material. Removal and replacement of a DAC cartridge 101 can be performed without removing the entire DAC device 100 from within the DAC reactor; therefore, if only one cartridge needs to be removed, the removal (and subsequent replacement) of that cartridge can be performed without affecting one or more other cartridges forming the multi-cartridge DAC device 100. Removal of a cartridge 101 from the DAC device 100 may involve decoupling or disengagement from a stacked configuration and / or a sliding engagement between the cartridge 101 and the frame 102. In the example shown, the overall height of the DAC device 100 can be 360 ​​mm, making it suitable for a 36 cm reactor; however, the DAC device can alternatively be scaled to accommodate larger or smaller reactors than those known in the art. Also, while only four cartridges are shown in FIG. 2 , it should be understood that any number of cartridges suitable for a DAC reactor can be installed or implemented.

[0089] The adsorbent materials referred to herein can include any suitable carbon dioxide adsorbent material, including, but not limited to, ion exchange resins (e.g., strong basic anion exchange resins such as Dowex™ Marathon™ A resin available from The Dow Chemical Company), zeolites, activated carbon, alumina, metal organic frameworks, polyethyleneimine (PEI), or other suitable carbon dioxide adsorbent materials, such as desiccants, carbon molecular sieves, carbon adsorbents, graphite, activated alumina, molecular sieves, aluminophosphates, silicoaluminophosphates, zeolite adsorbents, ion exchanged zeolites, hydrophilic zeolites, hydrophobic zeolites, modified zeolites, natural zeolites, faujasite, clinoptilolite, mordenite, metal exchanged silicoaluminates, and the like. Examples of suitable adsorbents include amine salts, monopolar resins, dipolar resins, aromatic cross-linked polystyrene matrices, brominated aromatic matrices, methacrylate copolymers, graphite adsorbents, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, nanomaterials, metal salt adsorbents, perchlorates, oxalates, alkaline earth metal particles, ETS, CTS, metal oxides, chemisorbents, amines, organometallic reactants, hydrotalcites, silicalites, zeolite-imidazolate frameworks, and metal-organic framework (MOF) adsorbent compounds, and combinations thereof, as further disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 199,506 (WL Gore & Associates, Inc.), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0090] 3A and 3B show an example of a frame 102 having walls 108 covering several sides 104 of the structure 102. It should be noted that the illustrated front side is not covered with a filter to provide an access point to the absorbent articles in the form of an open surface 300 (or, optionally, multiple open surfaces) in the frame 102. In some examples, the open surface 300 may at least partially define or even include a frame channel in which the protrusion of the article 106 or cartridge 101 may be positioned. In some examples, the frame 102 may be formed using multiple frame components attached, secured, or fastened together. The frame 102 may include multiple fasteners 302 to maintain the structural integrity of the frame 102, and the fasteners 302 may include, for example, but are not limited to, rivets, screws, spot welds, wire or fiber, and / or adhesives. The fasteners 302 may also be positioned or utilized to attach, secure, or fasten the walls 108 to the frame 102. In some examples, a portion of the fastening member 302 can be located inside the frame 102, as shown in Figure 3B. In some examples, the fastening member 302 can be formed as or even include a frame rail upon which an edge surface of the article 106 or cartridge 101 can rest.

[0091] FIG. 4 illustrates a frame 102 having a surface 104 covered with a wall 108. The wall 108 can be another component (e.g., one with its own support structure or framework) attached, fixed, or fastened to the frame 102 using fasteners 302, or the wall 108 can be positioned between the frames 102 in a floating arrangement surrounded by supporting components of the frames 102, allowing the wall 108 to move slightly as allowed by the surrounding frame 102 or fasteners 302. The filter or filter component can be supported by the frame, which can be square or any other suitable shape, such as rectangular, circular, oval, polygonal, etc. The wall 108 can be configurable to achieve various results. For example, the wall 108 implemented in one DAC cartridge 101 can have different physical characteristics than a filter implemented in another DAC cartridge. The physical characteristics may include the size of the filter openings, the thickness of the filter, the weight of the filter, the durability of the filter, the stiffness or flexibility of the filter, or any other characteristic that may affect the performance of the DAC cartridge. In some examples, the filters of different DAC cartridges may be made of different materials.

[0092] The wall 108 can be formed using any suitable material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), expanded polyethylene (ePE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or any other suitable porous material. For example, the porous material can be rigid or flexible, such as ceramic, cellulose, or carbon fiber. In some examples, the porous material can be a porous polymer. It will be appreciated that various other suitable porous polymer forms can include nonwoven materials, such as nanospun, meltblown, spunbond, and porous cast films. The wall 108 can be stretched by stretching the material at a controlled temperature and a controlled stretching rate, thereby fibrillating the material. After stretching, the wall 108 can include a microstructure of multiple nodes and multiple fibrils connecting adjacent nodes, thereby including pores bounded by the fibrils and nodes. Exemplary node and fibril microstructures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,953,566 (WL Gore & Associates, Inc.), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The pores in wall 108 can be considered micropores. Such micropores can have a single pore size or a distribution of pore sizes. The average pore size can range from 0.1 microns to 100 microns in certain embodiments.

[0093] 5 and 6 illustrate a U-shaped support structure 500 (two vertical opposing walls 108A and 108B held in a parallel arrangement by an intervening horizontal wall 108C, thereby defining the configuration of the letter "U" when viewed from one end), which may be part (or a subcomponent) of the frame 102 in some examples disclosed herein. In some examples, at least a portion of the support structure or wall (e.g., the intervening horizontal wall 108C) may at least partially define a frame surface positioned to support the weight of the article 106 or cartridge 101. The space or interior surface of the frame 102 positioned between the opposing walls 108A and 108B defines a compartment of the DAC cartridge 101, also referred to as the cartridge compartment, in which the adsorbent article 106 of the cartridge 101 can be slidably positioned. The U-shaped structure 500 may be made from a single continuous sheet of material such as metal (e.g., but not limited to, aluminum, to provide a low thermal mass to the cartridge 101 while occupying a minimal cross-sectional area) or plastic / polymer. In a single continuous sheet configuration, the single continuous sheet is bent or subjected to permanent deformation to provide a shape resembling an angled U-shaped configuration. In some examples, the corners of the U-shaped structure 500 may be curved or rounded for structural integrity or to avoid creating corners that could damage adjacent structures. In some examples, the metal forming the U-shaped structure 500 may include, but is not limited to, aluminum and steel.

[0094] In FIG. 5 , a U-shaped structure 500 has a wall 108 with a plurality of holes or perforations 502 through which a fluid, e.g., a desorption medium, can pass. In some examples, the U-shaped structure 500 does not have a filter or mesh component because the perforations 502 allow fluid to pass through while the unperforated portions of the U-shaped structure 500 function to retain the absorbent article 106 disposed therein. In some examples, the perforations 502 are suitably circular, oval, or polygonal in shape. In some examples, the perforations 502 have a maximum cross-sectional length (or diameter, if the perforations are circular) of 1 to 5 mm, 5 to 10 mm, 10 to 15 mm, 15 to 20 mm, or any other suitable value or range therebetween. In some examples, the maximum cross-sectional length of each perforation 502 can be 1% to 5%, 5% to 10%, 10% to 15%, 15% to 20% of the width "W" of the cartridge, or any other suitable value or range therebetween. The holes or perforations 502 in such instances may be of various shapes to optimize cross-sectional area for fluid cross-flow purposes.

[0095] In Figure 6, the individual perforations 502 are smaller in size compared to Figure 5, but occupy a larger area of ​​the wall surface of the U-shaped structure 500 in Figure 6 than the perforations 502 in the example shown in Figure 5. In some examples, the maximum cross-sectional length of the perforations 502 can be 20mm to 25mm, 25mm to 30mm, 30mm to 35mm, 35mm to 40mm, or any other suitable value or range therebetween. In some examples, the maximum cross-sectional length of each perforation 502 can be 20% to 25%, 25% to 30%, 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 50% to 60%, 60% to 70%, 70% to 80%, 80% to 90% of the width "W" of the cartridge, or any other suitable value or range therebetween. In some examples, the total surface area occupied by all of the perforations 502 within a wall 108 or portion of a wall 108 can account for at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90%, but less than 100%, of the total surface area of ​​the wall 108 defining each perforation 502 of the structure 500. Additionally, the U-shaped structure 500 of Figure 6 can include a wall 108 along an interior portion of the U-shaped structure 500 to retain the adsorbent article 106 disposed therein. In addition to providing cross-flow benefits, the inclusion of the wall 108 can also simplify the manufacturing process.

[0096] FIG. 7 illustrates the assembly of the frame 102, which uses multiple tubes or rods 700 attached to the top of a U-shaped structure 500 to provide structural support to maintain the shape of the frame 102. The framework of the structure 102 has a series of dimensions: height "H," length "L," and width "W." In some examples, the height H can be 333 mm, in some examples, the length L can be 800 mm, and in some examples, the width W can be 333 mm. In some examples, the height H, length L, and / or width W can be 100 mm to 200 mm, 200 mm to 300 mm, 300 mm to 500 mm, 500 mm to 700 mm, 700 mm to 1 m, 1 m to 1.5 m, 1.5 m to 2 m, 100 mm to 2 m, or any other suitable range therebetween, which can vary depending on the various sizes and internal configurations of the DAC reactors in which the DAC cartridges will be installed.

[0097] The rod 700 can be formed of the same material as the U-shaped structure 500 or can be formed of a suitable different material. The rod 700 is positioned at or near the top end across the entire width (W) of the U-shaped structure 500, thereby providing support for cartridges that can be stacked on the frame 102 in a stacked configuration of the DAC device 100. An example of a stack configuration is shown in FIG. 8A , where the structures 500 are stacked side-by-side along the width (W) and height (H) of the structure. In some examples (not shown), the structures can also be stacked side-by-side along the length (L) of the structure. The rod 700 can be removable to facilitate assembly of the adsorbents within the cartridges 101 and assembly of the cartridges 101 within the structure 500. The rod 700 can be sufficiently solid or rigid to support one or more DAC cartridges 101 positioned on the rod 700 when multiple DAC cartridges 101 are implemented in a stacked configuration arranged vertically in the height (H) direction. Rods 700 can have, for example, rounded (circular or oval), rectangular, or polygonal cross sections. Each rod 700 can have a maximum cross-sectional length of 5 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 15 mm, 15 mm to 20 mm, 20 mm to 25 mm, 25 mm to 30 mm, 30 mm to 35 mm, 35 mm to 40 mm, or any other suitable value or range therebetween. Materials that can be used to form rods 700 can include, but are not limited to, carbon fiber, wood, plastic, and / or metals, such as aluminum and steel.

[0098] 8A shows nine frame structures 102 in a stacked configuration, with the bottom of a U-shaped structure 500 resting on top of another U-shaped structure 500 positioned below, and rods 700 extending from one end of the U-shaped structure 500 to the other. In some examples, based on the example shown with respect to FIG. 7, the height H can be 1 m, the length L can be 800 mm, and the width W can be 1 m.

[0099] 8B shows U-shaped structure 500A having rounded bottom corners 800 that rest on top of U-shaped structure 500B positioned below structure 500A, with a flanged top lip 802 and rods 700 of bottom structure 500B supporting the rounded bottom corners 800 of top structure 500A to reduce misalignment of the two structures 500A and 500B relative to each other in a vertically stacked configuration. In some examples, the rounded bottom corners 800 of structure 500A have a curved portion connecting the flanged top lip 802 to rods 700 that extend across the top of structure 500B. In some examples, U-shaped structures 500A and 500B can each have the same structure for uniformity and interchangeability within DAC device 100. In some examples, a rod 700 positioned across the top of the U-shaped structure 500 can define a sliding engagement between the cartridges 101 and the structure 500, thereby facilitating the sliding insertion and removal of cartridges 101 into and from the structure 500 and / or DAC reactor, for example, after the multi-cartridge structure has been installed in the DAC reactor, while still providing structural support for the remaining cartridges 101.

[0100] In some examples, one or more engagement surfaces of the frame 102 can be at least partially defined by one or more of the walls 108, the structures 500, the rods 700, and / or the corners 800, and any components thereof. A first engagement surface of a first frame can form an engagement with a second engagement surface of a second frame, whereby the engagement therebetween can maintain a predetermined distance (PD1) between a first cartridge supported by the first frame and a second cartridge supported by the second frame. The first engagement surface can be disposed on the first frame, whereby a position of the second engagement surface is defined when the second frame is engaged with the first frame.

[0101] While the above examples refer to first and second frames, it should be understood that a frame can engage with multiple additional frames. For example, the first frame can include another / additional first engagement surface separate from the aforementioned first engagement surface, and the third frame can have a third engagement surface that engages with the other / additional first engagement surface of the first frame. This engagement maintains another predetermined distance (PD2) between the cartridges supported by the first and third frames, where the another predetermined distance (PD2) can be the same as or different from the predetermined distance (PD1) maintained between the two cartridges supported by the first and second frames.

[0102] Furthermore, the first frame can include a yet another / further additional first engagement surface separate from both the first engagement surface and the yet another / additional first engagement surface, and the fourth frame can have a fourth engagement surface, such that the yet another / further additional first engagement surface of the first frame and the fourth engagement surface of the fourth frame can form an engagement with each other. This engagement maintains a yet another predetermined distance (PD3) between the cartridges supported by the first and fourth frames, where the yet another predetermined distance (PD3) can be the same as or different from the predetermined distance (PD1) maintained between the two cartridges supported by the first and second frames and / or the another predetermined distance (PD2) maintained between the two cartridges supported by the first and third frames.

[0103] For example, any one or more of the predetermined distances PD1, PD2, or PD3 can be 0 or can be 0 to 1 mm, 1 mm to 3 mm, 3 mm to 5 mm, 5 mm to 7 mm, 7 mm to 1 cm, 1 cm to 2 cm, 2 cm to 3 cm, 3 cm to 4 cm, 4 cm to 5 cm, 1 mm to 5 cm, or any other suitable value or combination of ranges therebetween. The predetermined distances PD1, PD2, and PD3 can be measured between the exterior surfaces of the respective components defining the engagement surface. For example, such surfaces can include the exterior surfaces of frame components, walls, U-shaped structures, tubes / rods, and / or corners. In some embodiments, the predetermined distances PD1, PD2, and PD3 can be the distances between the respective cartridges supported by the engagement of the frames when the frames are in contact with each other. In other embodiments, the predetermined distances for corresponding cartridges can be the same as the distance between the portions of the support frames associated with those cartridges. In still other embodiments, the predetermined distances can be greater than the distance between the corresponding frames supporting the cartridges.

[0104] Advantageously, the cartridge designs disclosed herein allow for a variety of structures that are modular and configurable based on the various needs of the DAC reactor. The framework of each cartridge can advantageously provide support for the adsorbent material, which may be non-self-supporting. The cartridge designs disclosed herein also facilitate airflow, including crossflow, as needed.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 9 , the crossflow of the DAC device 100 is defined by two stages. In the first adsorption stage (first stage), air enters a cartridge (adsorption assembly) filled with adsorbent articles (shown as a cube in the figure) in a first direction indicated by a horizontal arrow. During the first stage, carbon dioxide from the incoming air is collected within the adsorption assembly. In the second desorption stage (second stage), which follows the first stage, a desorption medium enters the cartridge in a second direction indicated by a vertical arrow. The vertical and horizontal directions are interchangeable. The cartridge or adsorption assembly can be cycled between the first and second stages, and the second stage followed by the first stage can facilitate drying of the adsorption assembly, which may be damp or wet due to the application of a desorption medium (e.g., steam) during the second stage.

[0106] Beneficially, the cartridge designs disclosed herein also facilitate ease of disassembly and replacement, ease of coating of adsorbent materials / articles within the cartridge where shrinkage may occur, and / or ease of handling of the DAC device. Furthermore, the cartridge design is not predetermined to a particular reactor design, and various numbers, combinations, and configurations of cartridges can be implemented in a DAC reactor as appropriate or preferred by the user. In some examples, advantages include improved manufacturability of the cartridge due to reduced cartridge size and / or additional flexibility / modularity in the design by providing the ability to fit into various sized reactors. Carbon dioxide removal service provider

[0107] Also disclosed herein are methods of removing gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere using any suitable means, method, process, or device for atmospheric CO2 removal disclosed herein or known in the art. In some examples, the carbon dioxide removal service provider may be a person, device, air treatment facility, carbon dioxide removal plant, software, internet site, electronic interface, organization, or corporate agent or entity (which may include a control center, headquarters, data management center, intermediate data collection or processing center, or support organization that provides information and / or control functions or services to the provider), or an electronic device or display associated with or accessible to the provider, and such carbon dioxide removal service provider may receive and / or recognize information regarding the dispersion of a first quantity of gaseous CO2 into the atmosphere at a first location. The information may be complete, partial, derivative, or summary and may be received in the form of an electronic display, electronic alert, notification, or other electronic communication (e.g., email message, telephone call, video call), and may include digital data representing the amount (e.g., tons of CO) and / or rate of dispersion (e.g., tons of CO / minute, hour, day, etc.) of gaseous CO being dispersed at the first location, as well as data related to the first location, e.g., city and / or country name, GPS location, weather information, etc. In some examples, the information may be in the form of an electronic communication (e.g., a first electronic communication) that includes information regarding the dispersion of a first amount of gaseous CO into the atmosphere at the first location, that may be received from and / or provided to a computing and / or electronic display device.

[0108] The carbon dioxide removal service provider can initiate the immediate or subsequent separation of, or a method for separating, a second amount of gaseous CO2 at a second location, which may be different from the first location. The second location can be located remotely from the first location, such as when the first location is in a populated commercial area and the second location is near a geothermal or other hazardous energy source that powers the separation process at the second location. The second amount can be at least a fraction of the first amount, such as 0%-10%, 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, 90%-100%, or any other suitable value, combination, or range therebetween. The second amount can be a portion of the first amount or the entire first amount, and the second amount can be associated with a partial provision of a carbon removal service that includes multiple separation cycles. The separation can include use of any suitable method or process disclosed herein or any suitable device disclosed herein. In some examples, the separation can be initiated by sending or transmitting instructions or confirmation to a location capable of performing the separation. In some examples, the separation can be performed by a carbon capture device capable of performing any method disclosed herein for separating gaseous CO from a gas mixture in the form of ambient air. In some examples, the distance from the first location to the second location can be between 100 km and 200 km, between 200 km and 500 km, between 500 km and 800 km, between 800 km and 1000 km, between 1000 km and 2000 km, between 2000 km and 3000 km, between 3000 km and 4000 km, between 4000 km and 5000 km, between 5000 km and 6000 km, between 6000 km and 7000 km, between 7000 km and 8000 km, between 8000 km and 9000 km, between 9000 km and 10,000 km, between 10,000 km and 15,000 km, between 15,000 km and 20,000 km, or any other suitable value or range therebetween.

[0109] The carbon dioxide removal service provider can initiate reporting of data regarding the second amount to be removed from the atmosphere, being removed from the atmosphere, or removed from the atmosphere. Initiation can be an initial step taken to initiate immediate or subsequent reporting of the data, which can be accomplished by any suitable electronic communication or data transmission means, whether wired or wireless. In some examples, reporting can include preparing information to be included in the report or a subsequent report, and subsequently sending or transmitting instructions or confirmation to another entity or device capable of initiating or fully performing the report. The reported data can be related to a carbon capture device disclosed herein regarding the second amount. For example, the carbon capture device can generate or provide data related to the separation of the second amount of gaseous CO2, and this data can be obtained directly or indirectly (e.g., by an intermediate entity or device) from the carbon capture device. In an example, at least a portion of the data generated by the carbon capture device is provided in an electronic communication. As another example, the data can be summarized or otherwise processed to provide an indication of the data in an electronic communication (e.g., a second electronic communication). In some examples, the second electronic communication may be transmitted to a computing or display device. In some examples, the second electronic communication may be transmitted to an additional computing or display device, which may be separate or different from the aforementioned computing or display device.

[0110] In some examples, a method for removing gaseous CO from an atmosphere can include a carbon dioxide removal service provider (described above) that can receive and / or recognize information regarding a first quantity of gaseous CO, which can include the dispersion of gaseous CO. The information can be complete, partial, derivative, or summary, can be received in the form of an electronic display, electronic alert, notification, or other electronic communication (e.g., email message, telephone call, video call), and can include digital data representing the amount (e.g., tons of CO) and / or dispersion rate (e.g., tons of CO / minute, hour, day, etc.) of gaseous CO being dispersed at a first location, as well as data related to the first location, e.g., city and / or country name, GPS location, weather information, etc. Such an amount can represent the amount (e.g., tons of CO) and / or dispersion rate (e.g., tons of CO / minute, hour, day, etc.) of gaseous CO being dispersed at a location. In some examples, the information can be received as an electronic communication from another entity or device that sends or transmits instructions regarding the removal of gaseous CO2 as disclosed herein. In some examples, an electronic communication (e.g., a first electronic communication) including information regarding the dispersion of the first quantity of gaseous CO2 can be received from and / or provided to a computing and / or electronic display device.

[0111] The carbon dioxide removal service provider can separate or initiate the separation of a second amount of gaseous CO from the atmosphere, where the second amount is at least a portion of the first amount, e.g., 0%-10%, 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, 90%-100%, or any other suitable value, combination, or range therebetween. The second amount can be a portion of the first amount or the entire first amount, and the second amount can be associated with the partial provision of carbon removal services including multiple separation cycles. The separation can include any suitable method or process disclosed herein or the use of any suitable device disclosed herein. In some examples, the separation can be performed by a carbon capture device capable of performing any method disclosed herein for separating gaseous CO from a gas mixture in the form of ambient air.

[0112] The carbon dioxide removal service provider can report data regarding the second amount to be removed from the atmosphere, being removed from the atmosphere, or removed from the atmosphere. Reporting of the data can be performed by any suitable electronic communication or data transmission means, which can be wired or wireless. In some examples, reporting can be performed in response to receiving transmitted instructions or confirmation from another entity or device capable of initiating or fully performing the reporting. The reported data can be related to a carbon capture device disclosed herein regarding the second amount. For example, the carbon capture device can generate or provide data related to the separation of the second amount of gaseous CO, and this data can be obtained directly or indirectly (e.g., by an intermediate entity or device) from the carbon capture device. In examples, at least a portion of the data generated by the carbon capture device is provided in an electronic communication. As another example, the data can be summarized or otherwise processed to provide an indication of the data in an electronic communication (e.g., a second electronic communication). In some examples, the second electronic communication can be transmitted to a computing or display device. In some examples, the second electronic communication may be transmitted to an additional computing or display device that may be separate or different from the aforementioned computing or display device.

[0113] In some examples, a method for removing gaseous CO from an atmosphere can include a carbon dioxide removal service provider (described above) that can transmit, output, or send information regarding the dispersion of a first amount of gaseous CO into the atmosphere at a first location. The information can be complete, partial, derivative, or summary, can be received in the form of an electronic display, electronic alert, notification, or other electronic communication (e.g., email message, telephone call, video call), and can include digital data representing the amount of gaseous CO being dispersed at the first location (e.g., tons of CO) and / or dispersion rate (e.g., tons of CO / minute, hour, day, etc.), as well as data related to the first location, such as city and / or country name, GPS location, weather information, etc. Transmission can be output and / or transmitted by any suitable electronic communication or data transmission means, whether wired or wireless, and may not be received by the intended recipient or any recipients. In some examples, the information may be in the form of an electronic communication (e.g., a first electronic communication) including information regarding the dispersion of a first quantity of gaseous CO2 into the atmosphere at a first location, which may be transmitted, output, and / or sent to a computing device, although such transmission, output, and / or transmission may not necessarily be received by a recipient.

[0114] The carbon dioxide removal service provider can request immediate or subsequent separation of, or a method for, a second amount of gaseous CO2 from the atmosphere at a second location. The second location can be located remotely from the first location, such as when the first location is in a populated commercial or industrial area and the second location is near a geothermal or other hazardous energy source that powers the separation process at the second location. The second amount can be at least a fraction of the first amount, such as 0%-10%, 10%-20%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 50%-60%, 60%-70%, 70%-80%, 80%-90%, 90%-100%, or any other suitable value, combination, or range therebetween. The second amount can be a portion of the first amount or the entire first amount, and the second amount can be associated with a partial provision of a carbon removal service including multiple separation cycles. The separation can include use of any suitable method or process disclosed herein or any suitable device disclosed herein. The request for or initiation of separation can be performed by any suitable electronic communication or data transmission means, which can be wired or wireless. In some examples, the request can be performed by sending, outputting, or transmitting instructions of a start command to a location capable of initiating or fully performing the separation. In some examples, the separation can be performed by a carbon capture device capable of performing any method disclosed herein for separating gaseous CO2 from a gas mixture in the form of ambient air.In some examples, the distance from the first location to the second location can be between 100 km and 200 km, between 200 km and 500 km, between 500 km and 800 km, between 800 km and 1000 km, between 1000 km and 2000 km, between 2000 km and 3000 km, between 3000 km and 4000 km, between 4000 km and 5000 km, between 5000 km and 6000 km, between 6000 km and 7000 km, between 7000 km and 8000 km, between 8000 km and 9000 km, between 9000 km and 10,000 km, between 10,000 km and 15,000 km, between 15,000 km and 20,000 km, or any other suitable value or range therebetween.

[0115] The carbon dioxide removal service provider can receive a report, instructions for the report, and / or instructions for availability of data regarding a second amount to be removed from the atmosphere, being removed from the atmosphere, or removed from the atmosphere. Receipt of the report can be accomplished by simply making the report accessible without the need for human inspection or review, without subsequent review or approval, and / or can be by any suitable electronic communication or data transmission means, which can be wired or wireless. In some examples, the report can be regarding the second amount, such as how much gaseous CO2 was separated within a predetermined time period, such as a day, a week, or a month. The reported data can be related to a carbon capture device disclosed herein regarding the second amount. For example, the carbon capture device can generate or provide data related to the separation of the second amount of gaseous CO2, and this data can be obtained directly or indirectly (e.g., by an intermediate entity or device) from the carbon capture device. In examples, at least a portion of the data generated by the carbon capture device is provided via electronic communication. As another example, the data may be summarized or otherwise processed to provide an indication of the data in an electronic communication (e.g., a second electronic communication). In some examples, the second electronic communication is received from a computing device. In some examples, the second electronic communication is received in response to transmission of the first electronic communication. In some examples, the second electronic communication is received from a computing or display device in response to transmission of the first electronic communication to the computing or display device.

[0116] As used herein, "receiving" information should be understood as an act of "receiving" that need only be performed by one party (or entity, device, etc.), and therefore does not require the other party to perform the act of "sending."

[0117] As used herein, "initiating" a separation (or a method of separation) should be understood to include the act of "initiating," including the initial or completed act of preparing or sending instructions to another party or device with the intent to perform or start a separation process, or associating the initiating step with an already initiated separation process. For example, the act of "initiating" gaseous CO separation may subsequently result in a carbon capture device receiving instructions to start separation, directly or indirectly (e.g., by an intermediate entity or device), and operating accordingly, as appropriate. In another example, the act of "initiating" a gaseous CO separation (or a method of separation) may include a carbon dioxide removal service provider associating carbon dioxide already removed from the atmosphere (or currently undergoing an ongoing removal process) with the initiation of a subsequent separation. It is understood that the instructions received by the carbon capture device need not be provided as part of the "initiating" operation. Thus, further, the act of "separating," for example, CO2, need not be part of the act of "initiating" such separation, as would be the case, for example, if the "initiating" of the separation is performed by a first party and the subsequent "separation" itself is performed by a second party different from the first party. Moreover, the act of "separation" need not be accomplished or fully completed by either the first party or the second party. It is also understood that the act of initiation may be performed entirely in one jurisdiction or country, even if the authorization of the initiation or acts subsequent to or related to the initiation occur in a different jurisdiction or country.

[0118] As used herein, "initiating" a report (e.g., of data) should be understood to include the act of "initiating" and the initial or completed act of preparing or sending instructions to another party to later prepare, initiate, or complete the report. Thus, for example, the act of "reporting" any data need not be part of the act of "initiating" that report, as may be the case, for example, if the "initiating" of the report is performed by a first party (the initiating party) and the "reporting" itself is performed by a second party (the reporting party) that is different from the first party (the initiating party). Furthermore, the act of "reporting" need not be accomplished or fully completed by the first or second party. It is also understood that the act of initiating may be performed entirely in one jurisdiction or country, even if the approval of the initiation or acts subsequent to or related to the initiation occur in a different jurisdiction or country.

[0119] As used herein, "reporting" of data should be understood to be an act of "reporting" that need only be performed by one party (the reporting party). Furthermore, the act of "reporting" does not require receipt (or acknowledgment of receipt) of the report by the other party (the receiving party). Reporting can be the storing of data or the display of data in a location accessible to the intended recipient, and can be considered reporting even if the intended recipient does not access or review the data.

[0120] As used herein, "transmission" of information should be understood to be an act of "transmission" that need only be performed by one party (the transmitting party). Furthermore, the act of "transmission" does not require a recipient (e.g., the receiving party) or receipt (e.g., acknowledgment of receipt) of the transmitted information.

[0121] As used herein, a "request" for separation (or initiation of a method of separation) should be understood to be an act of "requesting" that need only be performed by one party (the requesting party). Also, the act of "separation" requested by the act of "requesting" can be performed by another party (the separation party). Furthermore, the act of "requesting" need only be intended or initiated, and need not be accomplished or fully completed (e.g., this would be the case if separation does not result from the act of "requesting" separation). In one example, the act of "requesting" for separation of gaseous CO2 (or initiating a method of separation) can include a carbon dioxide removal service provider associating carbon dioxide already removed from the atmosphere (or currently undergoing an ongoing removal process) with a request for subsequent separation. It is also understood that the act of requesting may be performed entirely in one jurisdiction or country, even if approval of the request or acts subsequent to or related to the request occur in a different jurisdiction or country.

[0122] As used herein, "receiving" a report or instruction to report should be understood as the act of "receiving" and does not require the sender (e.g., party to the transmission). Receiving can be the storing of data in a location accessible to the intended recipient or the display of data, and can be considered receiving even if the intended recipient does not access or review the data.

[0123] As will be understood, the first amount, the second amount, and the portion of the first amount may be estimates or predictions. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide gas released or dispersed at the first location may not necessarily contain the same CO molecules as that separated or collected at the second location, and the second amount may be an equivalent amount of CO released or dispersed. The CO contained in the portion of the first amount may be in a non-gaseous form. The portion of the first amount, or the second amount, may refer to carbon dioxide trapped in the sorbent body disclosed herein or to carbon dioxide that has been stored or converted to another form. The portion of the first amount, or the second amount, may include gases other than carbon dioxide. For example, the second amount may be in a non-gaseous form or may be combined with other materials.

[0124] As used herein, "carbon capture device" refers to any one or more devices disclosed herein that are capable of separating gaseous CO2 from the atmosphere at the location where they are installed or deployed. A carbon capture device may refer to a single device, multiple devices, or an installation that houses one or more such devices or component devices operating in concert. A device may include, for example, a desorption media source and a sorbent structure disclosed herein. A device may be operable by a user or operator using an electronic device. A device may generate data related to its operation, such as, for example, data detectable by one or more sensors and / or data that may include log data.

[0125] As used herein, an "electronic device" can perform one or more electronic operations, such as a computer, a smartphone, or a smart tablet. An electronic device can include, for example, a display device and / or one or more processing units and one or more memory units. A processing unit can include a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a system-on-chip (SoC), or any other processor capable of performing such operations. A memory unit can be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more programs or instructions that, when executed on the processing unit, cause the processing unit or electronic device to perform one or more methods disclosed herein. A memory unit can include one or more memory chips that store data and whose memory locations are accessible by the processing unit, and can include, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, static or dynamic random access memory, or any variation thereof. In some examples, an electronic device may be referred to as a computing device.

[0126] Technical advantages of removing gaseous CO from the atmosphere using the methods or processes disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, facilitating a network of entities and / or devices that can communicate with other entities and / or devices, thereby providing instructions remotely and facilitating the separation and removal of gaseous CO without the need to be physically present at a location to perform the separation and removal. Furthermore, the methods and processes disclosed herein provide a robust interagency communication network, allowing each entity (which may be an agency associated with a physical location) to direct or initiate gaseous CO separation and removal at multiple locations simultaneously and to flexibly change the location where gaseous CO separation and removal is determined to occur. Location changes can occur in or near real time, minimizing the time delay between when instructions are provided and when gaseous CO separation occurs at the designated location. In some examples, the methods or processes disclosed herein provide a flexible communications network that enables entities or devices performing gaseous CO separation and removal at designated locations to provide timely reports (e.g., operational summaries and / or invoices for services rendered) related to the amount of gaseous CO removed during a predetermined period of time. Such reports may be generated automatically or manually, and may be generated at predetermined time intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.), more flexibly determined manually (e.g., upon request by a user or entity), or in response to the achievement or exceedance of predetermined thresholds, including, but not limited to, the amount of gaseous CO separated and removed from the atmosphere (e.g., 1 ton, 5 tonnes, 10 tonnes, etc. of gaseous CO removed from the atmosphere), and any other suitable criteria, for example, as determined and agreed upon by the entities involved.

[0127] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, while the above embodiments refer to particular features, the scope of the present disclosure also includes embodiments having different combinations of features or embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the claims, together with their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A direct air recovery (DAC) device, comprising: a first removable cartridge; a first frame, the first frame supporting the first removable cartridge and defining a first engagement surface of the first frame, the first engagement surface being disposed on the first frame to define a position of a second engagement surface of a second frame when the second engagement surface of the second frame is disposed to engage the first engagement surface; Including, The device, wherein engagement between the first and second engagement surfaces maintains a predetermined distance between the first removable cartridge and a second removable cartridge supported by the second frame.

2. a second removable cartridge; and a second frame supporting the second removable cartridge and defining a second engagement surface positioned to engage the first engagement surface of the first frame, thereby maintaining a predetermined distance between the first removable cartridge and the second removable cartridge supported by the second frame; The device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. 1. A direct air recovery (DAC) device, comprising: a first frame, the first frame defining a first frame first engagement surface, the first frame configured to support a first cartridge; a second frame, the second frame defining a second engagement surface of the second frame, the second frame configured to support a second cartridge; Including, The device, wherein the first and second engagement surfaces maintain a predetermined distance between the first and second cartridges when engaged with one another.

4. The first or second frame comprises: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the first or second cartridge rests; (b) a frame channel in which the protrusion of the first or second cartridge is disposed; and (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the first or second cartridge; The device of claim 3 , configured to support the first or second cartridge by providing at least one of:

5. the first cartridge removably disposed in the first frame; the second cartridge removably disposed in the second frame; The device of claim 3 further comprising:

6. The device of claim 3 , wherein the device further includes a plurality of walls supported by the first frame, thereby defining at least an interior of the first frame.

7. the first frame defining another first engagement surface of the first frame, and the device comprising: a third frame defining a third engagement surface and configured to support a third cartridge; further comprising 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the third engagement surface and the other first engagement surface maintain another predetermined distance between the first and third cartridges when engaged with each other.

8. The third frame comprises: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the third cartridge rests; (b) a frame channel in which the protrusion of the third cartridge is disposed; and (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the third cartridge; The device of claim 7 , configured to support the third cartridge by providing at least one of:

9. the third cartridge removably disposed in the third frame; The device of claim 7 further comprising:

10. The device of claim 7 , wherein the another predetermined distance is the same as the predetermined distance.

11. the first frame defining a further first engagement surface of the first frame, and the device comprising: a fourth frame defining a fourth engagement surface and configured to support a fourth cartridge; further comprising 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the fourth engagement surface and the further first engagement surface maintain a further predetermined distance between the first and fourth cartridges when engaged with one another.

12. The fourth frame comprises: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the fourth cartridge rests; (b) a frame channel in which the protrusion of the fourth cartridge is disposed; and (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the fourth cartridge; The device of claim 11 , configured to support the fourth cartridge by providing at least one of:

13. the fourth cartridge removably disposed in the fourth frame; The device of claim 11 further comprising:

14. The device of claim 11 , wherein the further predetermined distance is the same as one or more of the predetermined distance or the further predetermined distance.

15. 1. A direct air recovery (DAC) device, comprising: a first cartridge; a first frame having opposing walls defining a first cartridge compartment disposed therebetween, each opposing wall including a sliding surface facing the first cartridge compartment; Including, The device, wherein the first cartridge is slidably disposed within the first cartridge compartment.

16. 1. A direct air recovery (DAC) device, comprising: a first frame having first opposing walls defining a first cartridge compartment disposed therebetween, the first opposing walls having interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a first cartridge within the first cartridge compartment; a second frame having second opposing walls defining a second cartridge compartment disposed therebetween, the second opposing walls having interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a second cartridge within the second cartridge compartment; Including, The device, wherein the first and second frames maintain a predetermined distance between the first and second cartridges when engaged with one another.

17. The first or second frame comprises: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the first or second cartridge rests; (b) a frame channel in which the protrusion of the first or second cartridge is disposed; and (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the first or second cartridge; 17. The device of claim 16, configured to support the first or second cartridge by providing at least one of:

18. the first cartridge removably disposed in the first cartridge compartment of the first frame; the second cartridge removably disposed in the second cartridge compartment of the second frame; 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising:

19. the device comprising: a third frame having third opposing walls defining a third cartridge compartment disposed therebetween, the third opposing walls having interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a third cartridge within the third cartridge compartment; 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising:

20. The third frame comprises: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the third cartridge rests; (b) a frame channel in which the protrusion of the third cartridge is disposed; and (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the third cartridge; 20. The device of claim 19, configured to support the third cartridge by providing at least one of:

21. the device comprising: the third cartridge removably disposed in the third cartridge compartment of the third frame; further comprising 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the first and third frames maintain another predetermined distance between the first and third cartridges when engaged with one another.

22. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the another predetermined distance is the same as the predetermined distance.

23. the device comprising: a fourth frame having fourth opposing walls defining a fourth cartridge compartment disposed therebetween, the fourth opposing walls having interior surfaces defining a slidable engagement configured to support a fourth cartridge within the fourth cartridge compartment; the fourth cartridge removably disposed in the fourth cartridge compartment of the fourth frame; further comprising 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the first and fourth frames maintain yet another predetermined distance between the first and fourth cartridges when engaged with one another.

24. The fourth frame comprises: (a) a frame rail on which an edge surface of the fourth cartridge rests; (b) a frame channel in which the protrusion of the fourth cartridge is disposed; and (c) a frame surface arranged to support the weight of the fourth cartridge; 24. The device of claim 23, configured to support the fourth cartridge by providing at least one of:

25. 24. The device of claim 23, wherein the further predetermined distance is the same as one or more of the predetermined distance or the further predetermined distance.

Images