Carbon dioxide capture equipment

Abstract

To provide a technology excellent in recovery capacity of carbon dioxide regardless of the properties of an absorbent.SOLUTION: A carbon dioxide recovery device which can alternately perform an absorption treatment for making an absorbent fluid absorb carbon dioxide contained in gas by bringing the gas in contact with the absorbent fluid in a treatment tank and a desorption treatment for desorbing carbon dioxide from the absorbent fluid subjected to the absorption treatment, comprises a restraint for restraining the production of a solid matter in the absorbent fluid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosed technology relates to a carbon dioxide capture device. [Background technology]

[0002] From the perspective of curbing global warming, technology for capturing carbon dioxide from gases such as air has attracted attention. Various researches are being conducted on absorbents for carbon dioxide, such as absorbents that react with low concentrations of carbon dioxide like those in the atmosphere, and absorbents that aim to improve the absorption rate of carbon dioxide or lower the desorption temperature.

[0003] Some absorbents exhibit unique properties when they absorb carbon dioxide. For example, some absorbents produce solids in aqueous solution, some undergo phase separation (water phase and oil phase), and some are non-hydrophilic and dissolve in alcohol.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a carbon dioxide recovery technology that alternately repeats an absorption step in an absorption and regeneration tower in which gaseous carbon dioxide is reactively absorbed into a carbon dioxide-lean absorption solution to obtain a carbon dioxide-rich absorption solution, and a regeneration step in which the carbon dioxide-rich absorption solution is heated to recover desorbed carbon dioxide and obtain a carbon dioxide-lean absorption solution. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-67388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, when the operation of the device is stopped and the carbon dioxide-rich absorbing liquid is stored in a static state without regeneration or absorption, depending on the type of absorbing liquid, reaction with carbon dioxide may progress, and solid matter produced from the carbon dioxide-rich absorbing liquid may settle or aggregate within the device. Settling or precipitation of solid matter within the water pipe of the device may cause the flow path to narrow due to a decrease in the inner diameter of the water pipe or blockage of the water pipe, which may hinder smooth recovery of carbon dioxide.

[0007] That is, when carbon dioxide is captured using existing technology, the specific properties of the absorbent as described above cannot be addressed, and therefore the carbon dioxide capture capacity may be reduced.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the disclosed technology aims to provide a technology that has excellent carbon dioxide capture capacity regardless of the properties of the absorbent. One aspect of the present invention provides a technology that contributes to the improvement and development of a sustainable environment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A carbon dioxide recovery apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is capable of alternately performing an absorption process in which carbon dioxide contained in a gas is absorbed by an absorption liquid by bringing the gas into contact with an absorption liquid inside a treatment tank, and a desorption process in which the carbon dioxide is desorbed from the absorption liquid that has been subjected to the absorption process, In the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank, A dispersing device to prevent solids from agglomerating, and / or a separating device to separate solids from the absorption liquid. Equipped with 、 The dispersion device is a stirring means for stirring the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank; means for generating ultrasonic vibrations in the stored absorption liquid; a water flow generating means for generating a water flow in the stored absorption liquid; and an injection means for injecting a surfactant into the stored absorption liquid, The separation device comprises: a centrifugal separator for separating the solid matter from the absorption liquid; a solid-liquid separation membrane installed at an angle with respect to the liquid level of the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank; a porous separation layer formed so that the central portion thereof is inclined downward in a side view of the treatment tank, The absorption liquid includes an absorbent and a solvent, The absorbent includes an amine compound capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, The solvent includes at least one of water, alcohols, ionic liquids, and polar solvents. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technology that has excellent carbon dioxide recovery capacity regardless of the properties of the absorbent. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example (MX1) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example (MX2) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example (MX3) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example (MX4) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example (SE1) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the centrifugal separator SE1. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 5B. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example (SE2) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration example of the carbon dioxide capture device of FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example (SE3) of a carbon dioxide capture device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration example of the carbon dioxide capture device in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the operation of the porous separation layer SE3. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the carbon dioxide capture device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention as claimed, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. Two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0013] [Outline of carbon dioxide capture equipment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the process of absorbing carbon dioxide contained in pre-treatment gas taken in from the outside into an absorbing liquid is called an absorption process, and the process of desorbing (releasing) carbon dioxide from the absorbing liquid is called a desorption process. Here, the absorbing liquid is composed of an absorbent and a solvent. The absorbent is, for example, an amine-based compound and is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide. The solvent includes, for example, water, alcohols, ionic solutions, polar solvents, etc.

[0014] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is an apparatus that can alternately perform an absorption process in which untreated gas (hereinafter also referred to as untreated gas) taken in from the outside is brought into contact with an absorption liquid inside a treatment tank 101, and the carbon dioxide contained in the untreated gas is absorbed by the absorption liquid, and a desorption process in which the carbon dioxide is desorbed from the absorption liquid in the treatment tank 101. The treatment tank 101 of the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is also referred to as an absorption and desorption tank.

[0015] (Treatment tank 101) The treatment tank 101 of the carbon dioxide recovery device 10 is a container for performing absorption treatment and desorption treatment. A liquid storage section 103 for storing the absorbing liquid 200 is provided at the bottom of the treatment tank 101. The shape of the treatment tank 101 is not particularly limited, but may be any shape that forms a closed space to prevent the absorbing liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 and the mist diffused within the treatment tank 101 from leaking to the outside.

[0016] (Heating device HA1) The carbon dioxide recovery system 10 includes a heating device HA1 that heats the absorbing solution 200. The heating device HA1 can heat the absorbing solution 200 to a predetermined temperature by utilizing energy based on received sunlight, heat transfer by a heat pump, or waste heat supplied from an external source. Note that the types of heat sources are merely examples, and other heat sources may also be used. The absorbing solution 200 sucked by the pump P2 through a water pipe 301 is pumped by the pump P2 and input to the heating device HA1 through a water pipe 302. The absorbing solution 200 heated by the heating device HA1 is returned to the treatment tank 101 through a water pipe 303. A first temperature sensor T-1 is provided on the water pipe 303, and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor T-1 is input to the control device 30 (FIG. 3). The control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the heating device HA1 to heat the absorbing solution 200 to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor T-1.

[0017] Cooling device (HE1, CR1) The carbon dioxide capture system 10 also has cooling devices (HE1, CR1) that cool the absorbing solution 200. The absorbing solution 200 sucked by the pump P1 through a water pipe 401 is pumped by the pump P1 and input to the cooling devices (HE1, CR1) through a water pipe 402. The absorbing solution 200 is cooled through the heat exchanger HE1 by the operation of the chiller CR1 and returned to the treatment tank 101 through a water pipe 403. HE1 is a heat exchanger, and CR1 is a chiller. Heat exchange occurs between the heat exchanger HE1 and the chiller CR1, thereby cooling the absorbing solution 200, and the cooled absorbing solution 200 is returned to the treatment tank 101 through the water pipe 403. A second temperature sensor T-2 is provided on the water pipe 403, and the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor T-1 is input to the control device 30 (FIG. 8). The control device 30 controls the temperature of the cooling devices (HE1, CR1) based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor T-2 so as to cool the absorbing liquid 200 to a predetermined temperature.

[0018] (Gas-liquid contactor GL1) GL1 is a gas-liquid contactor, and the gas-liquid contactor GL1 discharges the absorbing liquid 200 returned via the water pipe 403 into the treatment tank 101. The gas-liquid contactor GL1 sprays the mist-like absorbing liquid 200 by, for example, a spray nozzle, electrostatic atomization, rotary atomization, or ultrasonic atomization. In addition to spraying the absorbing liquid 200, a filler may be installed in the treatment tank 101 to increase the contact area between the gas and the liquid. The gas-liquid contactor GL1 may be of any of these types, or a plurality of types may be used. It is also possible to use different types in combination.

[0019] As an example, the gas-liquid contactor GL1 has a nozzle that sprays the absorbing liquid 200 in a mist form. The number of nozzles that spray the absorbing liquid is not limited to one, and may be multiple. The gas-liquid contactor GL1 sprays the absorbing liquid 200 supplied from the water pipe 403 in a mist form. By spraying the absorbing liquid in a mist form, it is possible to increase contact between the untreated gas in the treatment tank 101 and the absorbing liquid 200.

[0020] The nozzle of the gas-liquid contactor GL1 has a structure that atomizes droplets during gas-liquid contact. The atomization structure may, for example, be such that the opening diameter is less than a predetermined value, or a mesh may be formed at the nozzle opening so that droplets of the sprayed absorption liquid are finely dispersed. Alternatively, to prevent droplets of the sprayed absorption liquid from coalescing and growing inside the treatment tank 101, the nozzle arrangement pitch may be set so that the nozzles are spaced apart by at least a predetermined distance.

[0021] The gas-liquid contactor GL1 may be provided with a supply mechanism that supplies the same solvent as that contained in the absorption liquid 200 to the gas-liquid contactor GL1 so that the absorption liquid remaining in the gas-liquid contactor GL1 can be discharged after the absorption treatment is completed.

[0022] (Fan F1) The fan F1 functions as a power source that creates a negative pressure inside the treatment tank 101 and draws pre-treatment gas into the treatment tank 101. The fan F1 is provided in the ventilation pipe 601. The ventilation pipe 601 (first exhaust route) is a ventilation pipe that discharges low-concentration carbon dioxide, and when performing absorption treatment, the gas inside the treatment tank is exhausted to the outside through the ventilation pipe 601 (first exhaust route). The control device 30 (FIG. 8) can control the operation of the fan F1, and by controlling the output of the fan F1, it is possible to adjust the amount of gas drawn into the treatment tank 101 through the opening EN1.

[0023] When the pressure inside the treatment tank 101 becomes negative due to the operation of the fan F1, the untreated gas is taken into the treatment tank 101 through the opening EN1. Gas-liquid contact between the untreated gas and the mist-like absorbing liquid 200 causes a reaction between the carbon dioxide contained in the untreated gas and the absorbing liquid 200. As a result, the carbon dioxide is absorbed by the mist-like absorbing liquid 200, and the absorbing liquid 200 that has absorbed the carbon dioxide is returned to the liquid storage section 103. By continuing the gas-liquid contact, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the absorbing liquid stored in the liquid storage section 103 increases.

[0024] (Opening EN1) An opening EN1 is formed in the side wall of the treatment tank 101, and a door 102 is provided at the opening EN1. The door 102 can be opened and closed depending on the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the treatment tank 101. When the door 102 is open, the treatment tank 101 is in communication with the outside world, and when the door 102 is closed, the opening EN1 is sealed, and the inside of the treatment tank 101 is sealed.

[0025] The door 102 is made of, for example, a transparent member, and with the door 102 closed, a user can visually check the state inside the treatment tank 101 through the transparent member. The opening EN1 and the door 102 are not limited to being in one place, and multiple openings EN1 and doors 102 may be provided so that the inside of the treatment tank 101 can be viewed from different directions. With the door 102 open, a user can inspect and clean the inside of the treatment tank 101, and perform replacement, adjustment, maintenance work, etc. of suppression devices (dispersion device MX and separation device SE) described later.

[0026] A filter (not shown) may also be provided at the opening EN1. When the fan F1 operates, the interior of the treatment tank 101 becomes negative pressure, the door 102 opens, and the untreated gas is taken into the treatment tank 101 through the filter. The untreated gas passes through the filter, thereby removing dust contained in the untreated gas. When the fan F1 stops and the flow of the untreated gas stops, the door 102 closes. The location where the fan F1 is provided is not limited to the ventilation duct 601, and the fan F1 may also be provided at a position near the opening EN1. The fan F1 may also be provided both in the ventilation duct 601 and at a position near the opening EN1.

[0027] (Concentration sensors CO-1 and CO-2) The first concentration sensor CO-1 is a sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas (gas before treatment), and the detection result detected by the first concentration sensor CO-1 is input to the control device 30 (FIG. 8).

[0028] The second concentration sensor CO-2 is a sensor that detects the carbon dioxide concentration of the gas after absorption by the absorbing liquid 200 when an absorption treatment is performed, and detects the concentration of carbon dioxide desorbed from the absorbing liquid 200 when a desorption treatment is performed. The detection result detected by the second concentration sensor CO-2 is input to the control device 30 (FIG. 8).

[0029] The detection result detected by the first concentration sensor CO-1 is the carbon dioxide concentration (Den1) on the input side of the treatment tank 101, and the detection result detected by the second concentration sensor CO-2 is the carbon dioxide concentration (Den2) on the output side of the treatment tank 101. The difference between the two concentrations (Den2-Den1) is an index (parameter) indicating the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the absorption liquid 200 inside the treatment tank 101.

[0030] The control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls switching between the absorption process and the desorption process based on the difference in concentration detected by the first concentration sensor CO-1 and the second concentration sensor CO-2. For example, the control device 30 switches from the absorption process to the desorption process when the difference in concentration becomes equal to or less than a predetermined difference concentration. Furthermore, the control device 30 switches from the desorption process to the absorption process when the concentration detected by the second concentration sensor becomes equal to or less than a predetermined concentration. Note that switching between the absorption process and the desorption process is not limited to using information on the carbon dioxide concentration, and the control device 30 may control switching between the absorption process and the desorption process every time a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0031] (MD1, MD2 devices with automatic opening and closing mechanism) The devices with automatic opening / closing mechanisms (MD1, MD2) are, for example, dampers or valves. Hereinafter, MD1 will also be referred to as the first automatic opening / closing device, and MD2 will also be referred to as the second automatic opening / closing device. The flow rate of gas flowing through the ventilation duct can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the devices with automatic opening / closing mechanisms (MD1, MD2). The first automatic opening / closing device MD1 controls the flow rate of gas flowing through the ventilation duct 501. The second automatic opening / closing device MD2 controls the flow rate of gas flowing through the ventilation duct 601. The ventilation duct 501 (second exhaust route) is an ventilation duct that discharges a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than the ventilation duct 601. When performing desorption treatment, the gas in the treatment tank is exhausted to the outside through the ventilation duct 501 (second exhaust route). An air cooling device AC1 (gas cooling device) is provided in the ventilation duct 501, and the air cooling device AC1 cools the gas flowing through the ventilation duct 501 to a predetermined temperature. A third temperature sensor T-3 is provided in the ventilation duct 501, and the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor T-3 is input to the control device 30 (FIG. 8). The control device 30 detects the temperature of the gas flowing through the ventilation duct 501 based on the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor T-3. Based on the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor T-3, the control device 30 controls the air-cooling device AC1 to cool the gas flowing through the ventilation duct 501 to a predetermined temperature. In this embodiment, the first automatic opening / closing device MD1 and the ventilation duct 601 (first exhaust route) function as an exhaust mechanism (first exhaust mechanism) that exhausts the gas in the treatment tank 101 to the outside via the ventilation duct 601 (first exhaust route) when performing an absorption treatment. The second automatic opening / closing device MD2 and the ventilation duct 501 (second exhaust route) function as an exhaust mechanism (second exhaust mechanism) that exhausts the gas in the treatment tank 101 to the outside via the ventilation duct 501 (second exhaust route) when performing a desorption treatment.

[0032] [Suppression device (MX, SE)] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 of this embodiment includes suppression devices (MX, SE) that suppress the generation of solids in the absorption solution stored in the treatment tank 101. As one mode of suppressing the generation of solids, the suppression devices (MX, SE) may disperse agglomerations of solids in the absorption solution 200. In the following description, the configuration of the suppression devices (MX, SE) that disperse agglomerations of solids will be described as a dispersion device MX. Furthermore, as another mode of suppressing the generation of solids, the suppression devices (MX, SE) may separate solids from the absorption solution. In the following description, the configuration of the suppression devices (MX, SE) that separates solids from the absorption solution will be described as a separation device SE. The suppression devices (MX, SE) may include either a dispersion device MX or a separation device SE, or may combine the device configurations of the dispersion device MX and the separation device SE. In other words, the suppression devices (MX, SE) include at least one of a dispersion device MX that suppresses agglomeration of solids in the absorption solution and a separation device SE that separates solids from the absorption solution.

[0033] [Dispersion device MX] The carbon dioxide capture apparatus 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a dispersion device MX that suppresses aggregation of solids in the absorption liquid stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101. The dispersion device MX can be configured in various ways, as described below, to disperse solids in the absorption liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101. The dispersion device MX disperses the solids without causing them to aggregate, thereby suppressing the growth of aggregates due to the coalescence of the solids. This makes it possible to provide a carbon dioxide capture apparatus 10 that has excellent carbon dioxide capture capacity, regardless of the properties of the absorbent.

[0034] By combining the configuration of the dispersing device MX with the atomization of droplets sprayed from the gas-liquid contactor GL1, it is possible to suppress the size of solid particles (solid cores) that may be generated in the early stages, and to prevent the solid particles from becoming too large in the early stages, thereby enabling efficient dispersion of solid particles in the absorption liquid.

[0035] The dispersion device MX may be configured using a single device, such as an agitator MX1, an ultrasonic vibration device MX2, a water jet generator MX3, or a surfactant feeder MX4, as described below. Alternatively, different types of devices may be used in combination. While the dispersion device MX is configured to perform the treatment inside the treatment tank 101, it may also be configured to perform the treatment in an external facility attached to the treatment tank 101.

[0036] (Agitator MX1) 1, the agitator MX1 ​​agitates the absorbing liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 by rotation of a fan 114a. Specifically, the agitator MX1 ​​has a driving source 111 such as a motor, a connection flange 112, a shaft 113a connected to the driving source 111, and a fan 114a connected to the shaft 113a.

[0037] The connection flange 112 has a sealing function, and the driving source 111 is attached to the side of the treatment tank 101 via the connection flange 112. The fan 114a is attached to a shaft 113, and the driving source 111 drives the fan 114a to rotate within the absorbing liquid 200 via the shaft 113. The rotation of the fan 114a within the absorbing liquid 200 agitates the absorbing liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103. The agitator MX1 ​​is preferably installed on the side wall of the treatment tank 101 facing downward so that the agitated water flow is directed toward the bottom of the treatment tank 101, so that solids that settle below the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101 and solids that settle at the bottom of the treatment tank 101 do not clump together.

[0038] While the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is performing the absorption treatment (during operation P1), the agitator MX1 ​​continues to agitate the absorbing solution 200. Even at the start of the desorption treatment, the agitator MX1 ​​continues to agitate the absorbing solution 200 so that the temperature of the absorbing solution 200 heated by the heater HA1 becomes uniform in the treatment tank 101.

[0039] When the absorption liquid 200 rises to a predetermined temperature, the desorption of carbon dioxide progresses, and as the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the absorption liquid decreases, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treatment tank 101 falls below a predetermined value, desorption ends, and the agitator MX1 ​​stops operating.

[0040] When the temperature of the absorbing solution 200 drops below a predetermined value due to cooling by the cooling devices (HE1, CR1), the agitator MX1 ​​starts agitating the absorbing solution 200 again.

[0041] (Ultrasonic vibration device MX2) 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to an embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0042] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 shown in FIG. 2 includes an ultrasonic vibration device MX2 as an example of a dispersion device MX. The ultrasonic vibration device MX2 generates ultrasonic vibrations based on a signal of a predetermined frequency in the absorption liquid stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101. The ultrasonic vibration device MX2 includes an oscillator 113b that generates a signal of the predetermined frequency and a vibrator 114b that vibrates based on the signal generated by the oscillator 113b. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic vibration device MX2 is installed in the treatment tank 101 via a connection flange 112. Multiple ultrasonic vibration devices MX2 may be attached to the treatment tank 101 to ensure a wide ultrasonic wave generation area. The number of ultrasonic vibration devices MX2 to be attached can be varied depending on the ultrasonic wave generation area. A single ultrasonic vibration device MX2 may be used as long as a wide ultrasonic wave generation area can be ensured. For example, by using an ultrasonic vibration device MX2 having a cylindrically formed vibrator 114b, a so-called throw-in type vibrator, a wide ultrasonic wave generation area can be ensured in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101.

[0043] While the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is performing the absorption treatment (during P1 operation), the ultrasonic vibration device MX2 continues to operate to generate ultrasonic vibrations in the absorbing liquid 200. When multiple ultrasonic vibration devices MX2 are provided in the treatment tank 101, it is also possible to control each ultrasonic vibration device MX2 to operate alternately. Even at the start of the desorption treatment, the ultrasonic vibration device MX2 continues to operate to generate ultrasonic vibrations in the absorbing liquid 200 so that the temperature of the absorbing liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 becomes uniform in the treatment tank 101.

[0044] When the absorption liquid 200 rises to a predetermined temperature, the desorption of carbon dioxide progresses, and as the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the absorption liquid decreases, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treatment tank 101 falls below a predetermined value, desorption ends, and the ultrasonic vibration device MX2 stops operating.

[0045] When the temperature of the absorbing liquid 200 drops below a predetermined value due to cooling by the cooling devices (HE1, CR1), the ultrasonic vibration device MX2 performs the operation of generating ultrasonic vibrations in the absorbing liquid 200 again.

[0046] (MX3 water flow generator) 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to an embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0047] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 shown in FIG. 3 has a water current generator MX3 as an example of a dispersion device MX. The water current generator MX3 generates a water current in the absorption liquid stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101 based on water supplied from the outside. The water current generator MX3 has a water current generating source 113c including, for example, a submersible pump that receives and outputs water supplied from the outside, a circulation pump, or a circulator. Any type of pump can be used for the water current generator MX3 as long as it is possible to generate a predetermined water current in the absorption liquid 200 in the liquid storage section 103 based on the output from the water current generating source 113c.

[0048] In order to generate a water flow that flows upward from the water flow generated by the water flow generating device MX3 toward the bottom of the treatment tank 101 and that hits the bottom (arrows 113d, 113e), it is preferable to install the water flow generating device MX1-3 so that it faces diagonally downward relative to the treatment tank 101.

[0049] While the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is performing the absorption treatment (during P1 operation), the water flow generator MX3 continues to operate to generate a predetermined water flow in the absorbing liquid 200. When multiple ultrasonic vibration devices MX2 are operating, they can also be controlled to operate alternately. Even at the start of the desorption treatment, the water flow generator MX3 continues to operate to generate a predetermined water flow in the absorbing liquid 200 so that the temperature of the absorbing liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 becomes uniform in the treatment tank 101.

[0050] When the absorption liquid 200 rises to a predetermined temperature, the desorption of carbon dioxide progresses, and as the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the absorption liquid decreases, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treatment tank 101 falls below a predetermined value, desorption ends, and the water flow generating device MX3 stops operating.

[0051] When the temperature of the absorbing solution 200 drops below a predetermined value due to cooling by the cooling devices (HE1, CR1), the water flow generating device MX3 performs the operation of generating a predetermined water flow in the absorbing solution 200 again.

[0052] (Surfactant injection device MX4) 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to an embodiment. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0053] The carbon dioxide capture apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 4 includes a surfactant dosing device MX4, which is an example of a dispersion device MX, that adds a surfactant to the absorption liquid 200. The surfactant dosing device MX4 (dosing device) dosing a surfactant that mixes well with the solvent used in the absorption liquid 200 into the absorption liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101. The surfactant may be, for example, the same solvent as the absorption liquid 200, or a solid surfactant as well as a liquid surfactant may be used as long as a similar surfactant effect is obtained. After the absorption treatment and desorption treatment have been repeated a predetermined number of times, the surfactant dosing device MX4 dosing a predetermined amount of surfactant into the absorption liquid 200. When the carbon dioxide capture apparatus 10 performs the absorption treatment, the surfactant dosing device MX4 dosing the surfactant can make the concentration in the absorption liquid 200 uniform.

[0054] (Absorption process using dispersion device MX) When the absorption process is performed, the distribution devices MX (MX1, MX2, MX3, MX4) start operating, and the distribution devices MX continue operating during the absorption process.

[0055] The device MD1 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism closes and the device MD2 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism opens, thereby changing the air flow.

[0056] Next, the fan F1 is operated. When the fan F1 is operated, the inside of the processing tank 101 becomes negative pressure, and the unprocessed gas is taken into the processing tank 101 through the opening EN1.

[0057] The pump P1 operates to pump the absorbing liquid 200 from the treatment tank 101. The absorbing liquid 200 sucked by the pump P1 through the water pipe 401 is pumped by the pump P1 and input to the cooling devices (HE1, CR1) through the water pipe 402. A second temperature sensor T-2 is provided on the water pipe 403, and the control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the temperature of the cooling devices (HE1, CR1) based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor T-2 so as to cool the absorbing liquid 200 to a predetermined temperature.

[0058] The absorption liquid 200 cooled through the heat exchanger HE1 by the operation of the chiller CR1 is returned to the treatment tank 101 through the water pipe 403. At this time, the absorption liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101 is in a dispersed state without undergoing phase separation due to the operation of the dispersion device MX.

[0059] The gas-liquid contactor GL1 discharges (sprays) the absorbing liquid 200 returned via the water pipe 403 into the treatment tank 101.

[0060] The untreated gas taken into the treatment tank 101 through the opening EN1 comes into contact (gas-liquid contact) with the absorbing liquid 200 sprayed by the gas-liquid contactor GL1, and carbon dioxide is recovered (absorbed) from the untreated gas.

[0061] When the difference in the carbon dioxide concentrations detected by the first concentration sensor CO-1 and the second concentration sensor CO-2 becomes equal to or less than a certain value, the control device 30 (FIG. 8) determines that the absorption process has ended and shifts from the absorption process to the desorption process. The control device 30 controls the fan F1, chiller CR1, and pump P1 to stop operating.

[0062] (Desorption process using dispersion device MX) When performing the desorption treatment, the separation devices MX (MX1, MX2, MX3, MX4) switch their operation depending on the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treatment tank 101 detected by the second concentration sensor CO-2.

[0063] The device MD1 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism is opened and the device MD2 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism is closed, thereby changing the air flow.

[0064] The door 102 can be opened and closed by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the treatment tank 101, and when the fan F1 stops and the flow of the untreated gas stops, the door 102 is closed.

[0065] The pump P2 operates to pump out the absorbing liquid 200 in the treatment tank 101. The absorbing liquid 200 sucked by the pump P2 through the water pipe 301 is pumped out by the pump P2 and input into the heating device HA1 through the water pipe 302.

[0066] The heating device HA1 is operated, and the absorbing liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 is returned to the treatment tank 101 through the water pipe 303.

[0067] A first temperature sensor T-1 is provided on the water pipe 303, and the control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the heating device HA1 to heat the absorption liquid 200 to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor T-1.

[0068] The dispersion device MX stirs the absorption liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103, thereby promoting the uniformization of the temperature of the absorption liquid 200. At this time, purge air is supplied at a predetermined flow rate to a purge supply section (not shown) provided inside the treatment tank 101. The purge air is a gas that promotes the desorption of carbon dioxide from the absorption liquid 200. The purge supply section may have a configuration similar to that of the gas-liquid contactor GL1.

[0069] When the second concentration sensor CO-2 detects that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treatment tank 101 has risen above a predetermined value, the air-cooling device AC starts operating, and the air containing a high concentration of carbon dioxide that flows through the ventilation pipe 501 is air-cooled.

[0070] When the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the second concentration sensor CO-2 falls below a predetermined value, the control device 30 (FIG. 8) determines that the desorption process has ended and shifts from the desorption process to the absorption process. The control device 30 controls the pump P2, the heating device HA1, and the air-cooling device AC to stop operating.

[0071] [Separator SE] The carbon dioxide capture apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a separation device SE that separates solid matter generated in the absorption solution 200 by absorbing carbon dioxide from the absorption solution 200, as a configuration for suppressing the generation of solid matter in the absorption solution 200. The dispersion device SE can be configured in various ways as described below to separate solid matter from the absorption solution 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101. The separation device SE separates the generated solid matter from the absorption solution 200, thereby making it possible to provide a carbon dioxide capture apparatus 10 that has excellent carbon dioxide capture capacity, regardless of the properties of the absorbent.

[0072] The separation capacity of the separation device SE for solids does not necessarily have to separate all of the solids in the absorption liquid 200, but must be such that solids of a size that pose little risk of clogging due to the solids flowing into the water pipes can pass through the separation device SE. This reduces energy consumption in the separation device SE and reduces the maintenance load. The separation device SE of this embodiment separates (removes) solids that could hinder stable carbon dioxide capture processing from the absorption liquid 200, thereby enabling stable liquid transport in the carbon dioxide capture device 10.

[0073] If the solid matter has precipitated due to the reaction between the amine and carbon dioxide, it is necessary to bring the solid matter into contact with the absorption liquid again in the desorption step in order to desorb carbon dioxide. In such a case, the absorption liquid 200 heated during the desorption process may be supplied to the separation device SE and brought into contact with the solid matter again.

[0074] If the separation device SE is configured not to be operated by power such as a drive source (for example, the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 or the porous separation layer SE3, which will be described later), the absorption liquid 200 can be made to flow by utilizing the slope, thereby efficiently bringing the solid matter remaining in the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 or the porous separation layer SE3 into contact with the absorption liquid 200. This makes it possible to stably perform the carbon dioxide desorption process.

[0075] In the case of a configuration that operates using power from a drive source or the like (for example, modified examples of the centrifuge SE1 and the porous separation layer SE3, which will be described later), the solids remaining in the centrifuge SE1 can be efficiently brought into contact with the absorption liquid 200 by rotating the rotor 507 of the centrifuge SE1 at a low speed. Furthermore, in the case of a modified example of the porous separation layer SE3, which will be described later, for example, the lifting device 701 can be used to lift and lower the porous separation layer SE3 in the vertical direction, thereby immersing the porous separation layer SE3 in the absorption liquid 200 in the liquid storage section 103, thereby efficiently bringing the solids remaining in the porous separation layer SE3 into contact with the absorption liquid 200. This makes it possible to stably perform carbon dioxide desorption processing.

[0076] The separation device SE may be configured using a centrifugal separator SE1, a solid-liquid separation membrane SE2, and a porous separation layer SE3, each of which will be described below, either individually or in combination. Different types of devices may also be used in combination. While the separation device SE is configured to perform processing inside the processing tank 101, it may also be configured to perform processing in external equipment attached to the processing tank 101.

[0077] (Centrifugal separator SE1) Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to the embodiment. The same components as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. In Fig. 5A, the water pipe 303B is a water pipe that supplies the absorption liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 to the separation device SE (SE1).

[0078] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 shown in FIG. 5A has a centrifugal separator SE1 as an example of the separation device SE. FIG. 5B is a diagram schematically showing the operation of the centrifugal separator SE1. The centrifugal separator SE1 has a rotor 507, a spindle 502 attached to the rotor 507, and a drive unit 503 that rotates the rotor 507 via the spindle 502. The rotor 507 houses a container (not shown) that contains the absorption liquid 200 to be centrifuged. A separation plate 505 is provided within the container. For example, an opening having a predetermined gap is formed in the separation plate 505. An opening / closing unit 506 is provided at the bottom of the rotor 507. When the opening / closing unit 506 is closed, the container of the rotor 507 and the liquid storage unit 103 are not in communication with each other, and when the opening / closing unit 506 is opened, the container of the rotor 507 and the liquid storage unit 103 are in communication with each other. 5A and 5B show an example of the configuration of the centrifugal separator SE1 in which the separation plate 505 is provided inside the container, but the configuration is not limited to this example. As shown in FIG. 5C, if the solid matter 504 can be collected on the side of the container of the rotor 507 by the action of centrifugal force, the separation plate 505 does not have to be provided.

[0079] ST51 in Fig. 5B shows a state in which a predetermined amount of the absorbing liquid 200 has accumulated in the container of the rotor 507. The absorbing liquid 200 contains solid matter 504, and the solid matter 504 is dispersed in the absorbing liquid 200. The opening / closing part 506 is in a closed state.

[0080] ST52 in FIG. 5B shows a state in which rotor 507 is rotating. Opening / closing section 506 is in a closed state. As rotor 507 rotates, centrifugal force acts on solids 504. As a result of the centrifugation process, solids 504 pass through the openings of separation plate 505 due to the action of centrifugal force and are collected on the side of the container of rotor 507.

[0081] In ST53, the rotation of rotor 507 stops, and opening / closing unit 506 is in an open state. By opening opening / closing unit 506, the container of rotor 507 and liquid storage unit 103 are brought into communication, and absorption liquid 200 from which solid matter 504 has been separated is returned to liquid storage unit 103.

[0082] While the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is performing the absorption treatment (during P1 operation), the absorption liquid 200 sprayed from the gas-liquid contactor GL1 is supplied to the container of the rotor 1 of the centrifugal separator SE1 (ST51). With a predetermined amount of the absorption liquid 200 accumulated in the container, the centrifugal separator SE1 operates, and the rotor 507 rotates (ST52). After the rotation operation of the centrifugal separator, the open / close unit 506 opens, and the absorption liquid 200 from which the solids 504 have been separated is returned to the liquid storage unit 103 (ST53). While the absorption treatment is being performed, the processes from ST51 to ST53 are repeatedly executed.

[0083] When the carbon dioxide capture device 10 performs the desorption process, the centrifugal separator SE1 is stopped. The absorption liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 is supplied to the centrifugal separator SE1 via the water pipe 303. The absorption liquid 200 (solid-liquid mixed solution) containing solids 504 is supplied to the rotor 507 of the centrifugal separator SE1. As a result of the absorption liquid 200 (solid-liquid mixed solution) being heated by the heating device HA1, desorption progresses. The solids 504 are reduced or removed from the absorption liquid 200 (solid-liquid mixed solution) by the desorption. The absorption liquid 200 from which the solids 504 have been reduced (removed) is returned to the liquid storage section 103 after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the desorption process is repeated, during which the absorption liquid 200 is heated.

[0084] The centrifugal separator SE1 is basically stopped, but when the heated absorption liquid 200 (solid-liquid mixed solution) is supplied to the centrifugal separator SE1, the rotor 507 may be rotated at a low speed to promote desorption, thereby increasing contact between the solids 504 remaining in the container of the rotor 507 and the absorption liquid 200 (solid-liquid mixed solution).

[0085] (Solid-liquid separation membrane SE2) Fig. 6A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to the embodiment. The same components as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. In Fig. 6A, the water pipe 303B is a water pipe that supplies the absorption liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 to the separation device SE (SE2).

[0086] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 shown in FIG. 6A has a solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 as an example of a separation device SE. The solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 reduces solids contained in the absorption liquid and filters the absorption liquid. The solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 is installed at an incline with respect to the liquid level of the absorption liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 in the treatment tank. As shown in FIG. 6A, the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 is installed at an incline of a predetermined angle (θ) with respect to the liquid level in the liquid storage section 103.

[0087] While the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is performing absorption treatment (during operation P1), the absorption liquid 200 sprayed from the gas-liquid contactor GL1 is supplied to the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2. The absorption liquid 200 is filtered by the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2, with solids remaining on the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2, and the absorption liquid 200 permeates the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 and is stored in the liquid storage section 103.

[0088] When the carbon dioxide capture device 10 performs a desorption process, the absorption liquid 200 heated by the heater HA1 is supplied to the top of the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 and comes into contact with the solid matter remaining on the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2. The absorption liquid 200 itself passes through the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 and falls into the liquid storage section 103, but the heated absorption liquid 200 is intermittently supplied to the solid matter on the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2. This heats the solid matter, resulting in the desorption proceeding.

[0089] FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration example of the carbon dioxide capture apparatus of FIG. 6A. In FIG. 6B, the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 is configured in the shape of an endless belt. The belt-shaped solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 is attached to pulleys 61 and 62. One of the pulleys 61 and 62 is a drive pulley connected to a drive source (not shown), and the other is a driven pulley. As the drive source, a submersible motor or the like can be used so that the membrane can be used in an environment where the absorbent liquid 200 is sprayed in mist form or where the membrane is immersed in the liquid storage section 103. The control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the drive source to move the belt-shaped solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 in the direction shown by the arrow when performing each of the absorption process and the desorption process. The belt-shaped solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 is installed so that the upper side (SE2_1) of the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 in a side view is located above the liquid level of the absorption liquid 200 stored in the liquid storage section 103 of the treatment tank 101, and the lower side (SE2_2) of the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 in a side view is in contact with the absorption liquid 200. The solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 is attached to a drive pulley rotated by a drive source and a driven pulley, and the upper side (SE2_1) of the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 in a side view and the lower side (SE2_2) of the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 in a side view are switched according to the execution of the absorption treatment or the desorption treatment.

[0090] While the absorption process is being performed (during P1 operation), the absorption liquid 200 is filtered by the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2, and solid matter remains on the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 on the upper side (SE2_1) when viewed from the side, while the absorption liquid 200 permeates the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 and is stored in the liquid storage section 103.

[0091] When the desorption process is performed, the belt-shaped solid-liquid separation membrane SE2 moves in the direction of the arrow, and the solid-liquid separation membrane SE2, which was located on the upper side (SE2_1) in side view, moves to the lower side (SE2_2) in side view. While the desorption process is being performed, the absorbing liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 circulates, causing the temperature of the absorbing liquid 200 in the liquid storage section 103 to rise. When the solids remaining during the absorption process come into contact with the absorbing liquid 200, the temperature of which has been increased by heating, the solids are heated, and as a result, desorption progresses. This allows the desorption process to be performed efficiently.

[0092] (Porous separation layer SE3) Fig. 7A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to the embodiment. The same components as those in Fig. 1 are assigned the same reference numerals. In Fig. 7A, the water pipe 303B is a water pipe that supplies the absorption liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 to the separation device SE (SE3).

[0093] The carbon dioxide capture device 10 shown in FIG. 7A has a porous separation layer SE3 as an example of a separation device SE. The porous separation layer SE3 may have a structure that does not allow solids to pass through but allows only liquids to pass through, and the porous separation layer SE3 may be a porous body, for example. The shape of the porous separation layer SE3 is formed so that a central portion CP is inclined downward toward the treatment tank 101 in a side view of the treatment tank 101. For example, the central portion CP may be curved downward or have a concave shape. It is preferable that the thickness of the cross-sectional shape is formed to a predetermined thickness along the radial direction of the treatment tank 101.

[0094] 7A shows an example of a porous separation layer SE3 having a shape in which the central portion CP is inclined downward. While the carbon dioxide capture device 10 is performing an absorption process (during operation P1), the absorption liquid 200 sprayed from the gas-liquid contactor GL1 is supplied to the porous separation layer SE3. The supplied absorption liquid 200 is concentrated at the central portion CP due to the inclination formed in the porous separation layer SE3. The absorption liquid 200 is filtered by the porous separation layer SE3, and solids remain in the central portion CP of the porous separation layer SE3, while the absorption liquid 200 permeates the porous separation layer SE3 and is stored in the liquid storage section 103.

[0095] When the carbon dioxide capture device 10 performs the desorption process, the absorption liquid 200 heated by the heater HA1 is supplied to the top of the porous separation layer SE3 and comes into contact with the solid matter remaining on the porous separation layer SE3. The absorption liquid 200 itself passes through the porous separation layer SE3 and falls into the liquid storage section 103, but the heated absorption liquid 200 is intermittently supplied to the solid matter on the porous separation layer SE3. This heats the solid matter, resulting in the desorption proceeding.

[0096] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a modified example of the configuration of the carbon dioxide capture apparatus of FIG. 7A, in which the porous separation layer SE3 is held so that it can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction by an elevator device 701 provided inside the treatment tank 101. The elevator device 701 can move the porous separation layer SE3 it holds vertically upward or downward by the driving force of a drive source (not shown). FIG. 7C is a diagram schematically showing the operation of the porous separation layer SE3 being raised and lowered in the vertical direction by the elevator device 701. In FIG. 7C, ST71 shows the porous separation layer SE3 in a raised state, and ST72 shows the porous separation layer SE3 in a lowered state. When performing an absorption process, the porous separation layer SE3 is held so that the central portion CP of the porous separation layer SE3 is positioned above the liquid level of the absorption liquid 200 stored in the treatment tank 101, and when performing a desorption process, the central portion CP of the porous separation layer SE3 is held so that it is in contact with the absorption liquid 200.

[0097] If solid-liquid separation is performed in the state of ST71, not only will solid matter 704 accumulate on the surface of the porous separation layer SE3, but solid matter 704 may also enter the internal cavities of the porous separation layer SE3. In such a case, the control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the drive source of the lifting device 701 to lower the porous separation layer SE3 so that the porous separation layer SE3 is immersed in the absorption liquid 200 in the liquid storage section 103 (ST72). The control device 30 (FIG. 8) raises the porous separation layer SE3 when performing the absorption treatment, and lowers the porous separation layer SE3 when performing the desorption treatment. This allows the absorption treatment and desorption treatment to be performed efficiently.

[0098] (Absorption treatment using separation equipment SE (process)) When the absorption process is performed, the separation devices SE (SE1, SE2, SE3) start operating, and continue operating during the absorption process.

[0099] The device MD1 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism closes and the device MD2 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism opens, thereby changing the air flow.

[0100] Next, the fan F1 is operated. When the fan F1 is operated, the inside of the processing tank 101 becomes negative pressure, and the unprocessed gas is taken into the processing tank 101 through the opening EN1.

[0101] The pump P1 operates to pump the absorbing liquid 200 from the treatment tank 101. The absorbing liquid 200 sucked by the pump P1 through the water pipe 401 is pumped by the pump P1 and input to the cooling devices (HE1, CR1) through the water pipe 402. A second temperature sensor T-2 is provided on the water pipe 403, and the control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the temperature of the cooling devices (HE1, CR1) based on the temperature detected by the second temperature sensor T-2 so as to cool the absorbing liquid 200 to a predetermined temperature.

[0102] The absorption liquid 200 cooled through the heat exchanger HE1 by the operation of the chiller CR1 is returned to the treatment tank 101 through the water pipe 403.

[0103] The gas-liquid contactor GL1 discharges (sprays) the absorbing liquid 200 returned through the water pipe 403 into the treatment tank 101. The untreated gas taken into the treatment tank 101 through the opening EN1 comes into contact with the absorbing liquid 200 sprayed by the gas-liquid contactor GL1 (gas-liquid contact), and carbon dioxide is recovered (absorbed) from the untreated gas.

[0104] The absorbent 200 that has been in gas-liquid contact is supplied to the separator SE. The solid matter separated by the separator SE remains in the separator SE, and the absorbent 200 that has permeated the separator SE falls into the liquid storage section 103 and is stored therein.

[0105] When the difference in the carbon dioxide concentrations detected by the first concentration sensor CO-1 and the second concentration sensor CO-2 becomes equal to or less than a certain value, the control device 30 (FIG. 8) determines that the absorption process has ended and shifts from the absorption process to the desorption process. The control device 30 controls the fan F1, chiller CR1, and pump P1 to stop operating.

[0106] (Desorption process using separation device SE) The device MD1 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism is opened and the device MD2 with an automatic opening / closing mechanism is closed, thereby changing the air flow.

[0107] The door 102 can be opened and closed by the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the treatment tank 101, and when the fan F1 stops and the flow of the untreated gas stops, the door 102 is closed.

[0108] The pump P2 operates to pump out the absorbing liquid 200 in the treatment tank 101. The absorbing liquid 200 sucked by the pump P2 through the water pipe 301 is pumped out by the pump P2 and input into the heating device HA1 through the water pipe 302.

[0109] The heating device HA1 is operated, and the absorbing liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 is returned to the treatment tank 101 through the water pipe 303.

[0110] A first temperature sensor T-1 is provided on the water pipe 303, and the control device 30 (FIG. 8) controls the heating device HA1 to heat the absorption liquid 200 to a predetermined temperature based on the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor T-1.

[0111] The absorption liquid 200 heated by the heating device HA1 is supplied to the separation device SE and comes into contact with the solid matter remaining in the separation device SE. When the solid matter remaining during the absorption treatment comes into contact with the absorption liquid 200 whose liquid temperature has been increased by heating, the solid matter is heated, and as a result, desorption proceeds.

[0112] At this time, purge air is supplied at a predetermined flow rate to a purge supply unit (not shown) provided inside the treatment tank 101. The purge air is a gas that promotes desorption of carbon dioxide from the absorbing liquid 200. The purge supply unit may have a configuration similar to that of the gas-liquid contactor GL1.

[0113] When the second concentration sensor CO-2 detects that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the treatment tank 101 has risen above a predetermined value, the air-cooling device AC starts operating, and the air containing a high concentration of carbon dioxide that flows through the ventilation pipe 501 is air-cooled.

[0114] When the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the second concentration sensor CO-2 falls below a predetermined value, the control device 30 (FIG. 8) determines that the desorption process has ended and shifts from the desorption process to the absorption process. The control device 30 controls the pump P2, the heating device HA1, and the air-cooling device AC to stop operating.

[0115] [Control device] FIG. 8 is a control block diagram of the carbon dioxide capture device 10 according to the embodiment. The control device 30 includes a processing unit 31 (processor), an interface unit 32, and a storage unit 33. The processing unit 31 is a general-purpose integrated circuit for executing operations by the carbon dioxide capture device 10. The processing unit 31 may be configured, for example, by a central processing unit (CPU). The processing unit 31 performs various processes by reading and executing programs stored in the storage unit 33. The storage unit 33 stores control information corresponding to various operation modes, and the processing unit 31 performs processing corresponding to the absorption process or desorption process based on the control information.

[0116] The interface unit 32 is an interface for various sensors 38 and devices 39 included in the carbon dioxide capture device 10, and the processing unit 31 (processor) controls the devices 39 based on information obtained from the sensors 38 via the interface unit 32.

[0117] Here, the sensor group 38 includes, for example, a first concentration sensor CO-1, a second concentration sensor CO-2, a first temperature sensor T-1, a second temperature sensor T-2, and a third temperature sensor T-3.

[0118] The device group 39 also includes devices with automatic opening and closing mechanisms MDi (i=1, 2), MD2), an air-cooling device AC1, a fan F1, cooling devices (HE1, CR1), a pump Pi (i=1, 2), a heating device HA1, a gas-liquid contactor GL1, a dispersion device MX, and a separation device SE. The carbon dioxide capture device 10 includes at least one of a dispersion device MX and a separation device SE.

[0119] The storage unit 33 is a device for storing information used in the operation of the carbon dioxide capture device 10, software, and reference values ​​(threshold values) for comparison with information detected by various sensors. The storage unit 33 may be configured by a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0120] The input device 25 is a device that accepts input from a user operating the carbon dioxide capture device 10, and may be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel type device. The display device 26 is a device that presents the operating status of the carbon dioxide capture device 10 to the user. The processing unit 31 functions as a display control unit, and presents various types of sensor information from the sensor group 38, such as the amount of carbon dioxide captured and the concentration of the captured carbon dioxide, on the display device 26.

[0121] As described above, the techniques disclosed in the embodiments and modifications can provide a technique that has excellent carbon dioxide recovery capability regardless of the properties of the absorbent.

[0122] [Other embodiments] Furthermore, a program for realizing one or more functions described in each embodiment can be supplied to the control device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or control device can read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized in such an embodiment.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10: carbon dioxide recovery device, 30: control device, 101: treatment tank, 103: liquid storage section, MX: separation device, SE: separation device

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide recovery apparatus capable of alternately performing an absorption process in which carbon dioxide contained in the gas is absorbed by the absorption solution by bringing the gas into contact with an absorption solution inside a treatment tank, and a desorption process in which the carbon dioxide is desorbed from the absorption solution that has been subjected to the absorption process, a dispersion device that suppresses aggregation of solids in the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank, and / or a separation device that separates solids from the absorption liquid, The dispersion device is a stirring means for stirring the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank; means for generating ultrasonic vibrations in the stored absorption liquid; a water flow generating means for generating a water flow in the stored absorption liquid; and an injection means for injecting a surfactant into the stored absorption liquid, The separation device comprises: a centrifugal separator for separating the solid matter from the absorption liquid; a solid-liquid separation membrane installed at an angle with respect to the liquid level of the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank; a porous separation layer formed so that the central portion thereof is inclined downward in a side view of the treatment tank, The absorption liquid includes an absorbent and a solvent, The absorbent includes an amine compound capable of absorbing carbon dioxide, The carbon dioxide recovery device is characterized in that the solvent contains at least one of water, alcohols, ionic liquids, and polar solvents.

2. The solid-liquid separation membrane is It is formed into an endless belt shape, 2. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the solid-liquid separation membrane is installed so that an upper side in a side view is located above the liquid level of the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank, and a lower side in a side view of the solid-liquid separation membrane is in contact with the absorption liquid.

3. The solid-liquid separation membrane is attached to a drive pulley rotated by a drive source and a driven pulley, The upper side of the solid-liquid separation membrane in a side view and the lower side of the solid-liquid separation membrane in a side view are switched in accordance with the execution of the absorption treatment or the desorption treatment.

3. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 2.

4. 2. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the porous separation layer is formed to a predetermined thickness in the radial direction of the treatment tank.

5. the porous separation layer is held so as to be able to move up and down in the vertical direction by an elevating means provided inside the treatment tank, 2. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 1, wherein the holding position of the porous separation layer is switched in accordance with the execution of the absorption process or the desorption process.

6. The carbon dioxide recovery device described in claim 5, characterized in that when the absorption treatment is performed, the porous separation layer is held so that the central portion of the porous separation layer is positioned above the liquid level of the absorption liquid stored in the treatment tank, and when the desorption treatment is performed, the porous separation layer is held so that the central portion of the porous separation layer is in contact with the absorption liquid.

7. a cooling means for cooling the absorption liquid pumped from the treatment tank by the operation of a first pump to a predetermined temperature when the absorption treatment is performed; and a cooling liquid supply means for returning the absorption liquid cooled by the cooling means to the treatment tank.

2. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 1.

8. the cooling means includes a chiller and a heat exchanger; The carbon dioxide recovery system according to claim 7, wherein the absorption liquid is cooled through the heat exchanger by the operation of the chiller.

9. 2. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 1, wherein an opening of the treatment tank is provided with a door that opens and closes depending on the pressure inside the treatment tank.

10. 10. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 9, further comprising a fan provided on a first exhaust route for exhausting gas in the treatment tank to the outside when the absorption treatment is performed.

11. The carbon dioxide recovery device described in claim 10, further comprising a gas cooling means provided on a second exhaust route for exhausting gas in the treatment tank to the outside when performing the desorption treatment, and cooling the gas flowing through the second exhaust route to a predetermined temperature.

12. a heating means for heating the absorption liquid pumped from the treatment tank by the operation of a second pump to a predetermined temperature when the desorption treatment is performed; a heated liquid supply means for supplying the absorption liquid heated by the heating means to the separation device, 2. The carbon dioxide recovery system according to claim 1, wherein the solid matter separated from the absorption liquid by the separation device and remaining in the separation device comes into contact with the heated absorption liquid.

13. a first concentration sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas taken in through the opening of the treatment tank; a second concentration sensor that detects the concentration of carbon dioxide in the gas after absorption by the absorption liquid when the absorption treatment is performed, and detects the concentration of carbon dioxide desorbed from the absorption liquid when the desorption treatment is performed; The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 1, further comprising a control means for controlling switching between the absorption process and the desorption process.

14. The control means When a difference between the concentrations detected by the first concentration sensor and the second concentration sensor becomes equal to or smaller than a predetermined difference concentration, the absorption process is switched to the desorption process; 14. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 13, wherein the desorption process is switched to the absorption process when the concentration detected by the second concentration sensor becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined concentration.

15. 14. The carbon dioxide recovery device according to claim 13, wherein the control means controls the switching every time a predetermined time elapses.

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