Gas treatment equipment

Abstract

To provide a gas treatment device which can preferably separate and recover carbon dioxide at low cost.SOLUTION: A gas treatment device includes a treatment part for treating at least a part of impurities other than carbon dioxide contained in an exhaust gas, and a separation device for separating the exhaust gas treated by the treatment part into a permeable component containing carbon dioxide, and a non-permeable component having lower carbon dioxide concentration than that of the permeable component. The separation device may have a first separation part and a second separation part. The first separation part may separate the exhaust gas treated by the treatment part into a first permeable component containing carbon dioxide, and a first non-permeable component having lower carbon dioxide concentration than that of the first permeable component. The second separation part may separate the first permeable component into a second permeable component having higher carbon dioxide concentration than that of the first permeable component, and a second non-permeable component having lower carbon dioxide concentration than that of the second permeable component. The permeable component may be a second permeable component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes that "the water brought into contact with the exhaust gas is condensed water generated in a desulfurization tower, an absorption tower, or a regeneration tower" (abstract). Patent Document 2 describes that "it prevents deterioration of a CO2 absorbent and an adsorbent and a decrease in CO2 separation efficiency when directly removing CO2 from combustion exhaust gas." (abstract). Patent Document 3 describes that "when discharging exhaust gas from which CO2 has been removed outside the system, it provides an exhaust gas treatment system and method capable of significantly reducing entrainment of the CO2 absorbent and performing appropriate exhaust gas treatment." (abstract). Patent Document 4 describes that "it provides a carbon dioxide recovery system or the like capable of more efficiently separating and recovering carbon dioxide." (abstract). Patent Document 5 describes that "it provides a CO2 separation device in a gas, its membrane separation method, and a membrane separation management method for the CO2 separation device in a gas." (abstract). [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 061471 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-000231 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-193005 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-051427 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-093767

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In a gas treatment device, it is preferable that separation and recovery of carbon dioxide can be carried out at low cost.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In a first aspect of the present invention, a gas treatment apparatus is provided. The gas treatment apparatus comprises a processing unit for processing at least a portion of impurities other than carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas, and a separation apparatus for separating the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a non-permeable component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the permeable component.

[0005] The separation device may have a first separation unit and a second separation unit. The first separation unit may separate the exhaust gas treated by the processing unit into a first permeate component containing carbon dioxide and a first non-permeate component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeate component. The second separation unit may separate the first permeate component into a second permeate component having a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeate component and a second non-permeate component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the second permeate component. The permeate component may be the second permeate component.

[0006] The first separation section may contain an organic material. The first permeating component may permeate the organic material.

[0007] The sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas treated by the processing unit may be below a predetermined threshold concentration.

[0008] The first separation section may contain an inorganic material. The first permeating component may permeate the inorganic material.

[0009] The sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas treated by the processing unit may be greater than a predetermined threshold concentration.

[0010] The second separation section may contain an organic material. The second permeating component may permeate the organic material.

[0011] The first separation unit may include a first sub-separation unit containing an inorganic material and a second sub-separation unit containing an organic material. The gas treatment device may further include a switching control unit that switches between separating the exhaust gas into a first permeable component and a first impermeable component by the first sub-separation unit, or separating it into a first permeable component and a first impermeable component by the second sub-separation unit.

[0012] The switching control unit may switch, based on the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas, between separating the exhaust gas into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the first sub-separation unit, or separating it into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the second sub-separation unit.

[0013] The switching control unit may switch between separating the exhaust gas into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the first sub-separator, or separating it into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the second sub-separator, based on the fuel composition of the exhaust gas source that emits the exhaust gas.

[0014] The gas treatment device may further include a pressure control unit that controls the pressure of the exhaust gas flowing into the first separation unit so that the pressure of the exhaust gas flowing into the first separation unit is greater than the pressure of the first permeate component.

[0015] The gas treatment apparatus may further include a suction device for aspirating a first impermeable component and a second impermeable component, and a flow control unit for controlling the flow rates of the first impermeable component and the second impermeable component aspirated by the suction device.

[0016] The flow rate control unit may control the flow rates of the first impermeable component and the second impermeable component based on the pressure of the first impermeable component and the pressure of the second impermeable component.

[0017] The processing unit may include at least one of a sulfur oxide treatment device for treating sulfur oxides contained in the exhaust gas, a nitrogen oxide treatment device for treating nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas, and a dust removal device for removing particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas.

[0018] If the processing unit includes a sulfur oxide treatment device, the sulfur oxide treatment device may be supplied with a liquid for treating the exhaust gas. The processing unit may further include a liquid removal device that removes at least a portion of the liquid.

[0019] The processing unit may further include a cooling device for cooling the exhaust gas.

[0020] The gas treatment device further includes a first separation device having a first separation unit and a second separation unit, a third separation unit that separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a third permeation component containing carbon dioxide and a third non-permeation component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the third permeation component, and a fourth separation unit that separates the third permeation component into a fourth permeation component having a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the third permeation component and a fourth non-permeation component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the fourth permeation component. The third separation unit and the fourth separation unit contain an organic material, and the third permeation component and the fourth permeation component pass through the organic material. The gas treatment device may further include a switching control unit that switches whether to separate the exhaust gas by the first separation device or the second separation device based on the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas.

[0021] Note that the above summary of the invention does not list all the features of the present invention. Also, sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of a gas treatment system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an example of the details of the first separation unit 20. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the first separation unit 20 shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view showing another example of the details of the first separation unit 20. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the first separation unit 20 shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view showing an example of the details of the second separation unit 30. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a cross-section of the second separation unit 30 shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of the details of the processing unit 10. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of the sulfur oxide treatment device 18 and the liquid removal device 19. [Figure 10]Figure 9 shows an example of a top view of the scrubber 70. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a liquid removal device 19. [Figure 12] This figure shows another example of the gas processing system 200. [Figure 13] This figure shows another example of the gas processing system 200. [Figure 14] This flowchart shows an example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This flowchart shows another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This flowchart shows another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This flowchart shows another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of a computer 2200 in which a gas processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be fully or partially embodied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0024] Figure 1 shows an example of a gas treatment system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gas treatment system 200 comprises an exhaust gas source 12, a fuel tank 11, a gas treatment device 100, and a compressor 90. The gas treatment device 100 comprises a processing unit 10 and a first separation device 110. The first separation device 110 may comprise a first separation unit 20 and a second separation unit 30. In Figure 1, the area of ​​the gas treatment device 100 is enclosed by a dashed line, and the area of ​​the first separation device 110 is enclosed by a dashed line.

[0025] The gas treatment device 100 may include a valve 81 and a suction device 80. In this example, the gas treatment device 100 includes a valve 81 and a suction device 80. The valve 81 and the suction device 80 will be described later.

[0026] The exhaust gas 14 treated by the gas treatment device 100 is discharged from the exhaust gas source 12. The exhaust gas source 12 is, for example, an engine. When the gas treatment device 100 is installed on a ship, the exhaust gas source 12 may be a main engine or an auxiliary engine. The main engine is mainly operated when the ship is underway. The auxiliary engine is mainly operated when the ship is at anchor.

[0027] The exhaust gas source 12 is supplied with fuel 13 stored in the fuel tank 11. The processing unit 10 processes at least a portion of the impurities other than CO2 (carbon dioxide) contained in the exhaust gas 14. These impurities are referred to as impurities Im. Impurities Im may include sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), or particulate matter (PM). The processing unit 10 performs pretreatment of the exhaust gas 14 that flows into the first separation unit 110. The exhaust gas 14 treated by the processing unit 10 is referred to as exhaust gas 15.

[0028] The first separation device 110 separates the exhaust gas 15 into a permeable component and an impermeable component. The permeable component is denoted as permeable component Tc. The impermeable component is denoted as impermeable component Nc. Permeable component Tc contains CO2 (carbon dioxide). The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of impermeable component Nc is lower than the CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of permeable component Tc.

[0029] The first separation unit 20 separates the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component. The first permeable component is referred to as the first permeable component Tc1. The first non-permeable component is referred to as the first non-permeable component Nc1. The first permeable component Tc1 contains CO2 (carbon dioxide). The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the first non-permeable component Nc1 is lower than the CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the first permeable component Tc1.

[0030] The second separation unit 30 separates the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component and a second non-permeable component. The second permeable component is designated as the second permeable component Tc2. The second non-permeable component is designated as the second non-permeable component Nc2. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the second permeable component Tc2 is higher than that of the first permeable component Tc1. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the second non-permeable component Nc2 is lower than that of the second permeable component Tc2.

[0031] In this example, the permeable component Tc is the second permeable component Tc2. The non-permeable component Nc may be at least one of the first non-permeable component Nc1 and the second non-permeable component Nc2. In this example, the non-permeable component Nc is both the first non-permeable component Nc1 and the second non-permeable component Nc2.

[0032] The compressor 90 compresses the second permeate component Tc2 of the exhaust gas 15. The compressor 90 may liquefy the CO2 (carbon dioxide) in the second permeate component Tc2. The compressor 90 is, for example, a compressor. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) compressed by the compressor 90 may be recovered.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the details of the first separation section 20. The first separation section 20 in this example includes an organic material 24. The organic material 24 may be a polymer or a resin. The organic material 24 may be a hollow fiber porous material. The first separation section 20 in this example is a separation membrane in which the organic material 24 is a hollow fiber porous material.

[0034] The first permeating component Tc1 permeates through the organic material 24. The first permeating component Tc1 is the component of the exhaust gas 15 that permeates through the organic material 24. The first non-permeating component Nc1 does not permeate through the organic material 24. The first non-permeating component Nc1 is the component of the exhaust gas 15 that does not permeate through the organic material 24.

[0035] Figure 3 shows an example of a cross-section of the first separation section 20 shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 is a part of the cross-section of the first separation section 20 in a direction intersecting the direction of travel of the exhaust gas 15. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view including the outer surface of the cylindrical first separation section 20 shown in Figure 2. The first separation section 20 may include a base material 22. The base material 22 may be an organic material. The base material 22 may be a polymer, a resin, or a porous material. In the first separation section 20 of this example, an organic material 24 is formed in a film-like manner on the upper surface of the base material 22.

[0036] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing another example of the details of the first separation section 20. In this example, the first separation section 20 includes an inorganic material 23. The inorganic material 23 may be silicon oxide (SiO2) or an aluminosilicate (so-called zeolite). In this example, the first separation section 20 is a separation membrane in which the inorganic material 23 is formed in a hollow fiber shape. The first permeable component Tc1 permeates through the inorganic material 23. The first non-permeable component Nc1 is the component that did not permeate through the inorganic material 23.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of a cross-section of the first separation section 20 shown in Figure 4. Figure 5 is a part of the cross-section of the first separation section 20 in a direction intersecting the direction of travel of the exhaust gas 15. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view including the outer surface of the cylindrical first separation section 20 shown in Figure 4. The first separation section 20 may include a base material 21. The base material 21 may be an inorganic material. The base material 21 is, for example, a ceramic. In the first separation section 20 of this example, an inorganic material 23 is formed in a film-like manner on the upper surface of the base material 21.

[0038] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the details of the second separation section 30. The second separation section 30 in this example includes an organic material 34. The organic material 34 may be a polymer or a resin. The organic material 34 may be the same material as the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3) or a different material. The second separation section 30 in this example is a separation membrane in which the organic material 34 is a hollow fiber porous material.

[0039] Figure 7 shows an example of a cross-section of the second separation section 30 shown in Figure 6. Figure 7 is a part of the cross-section of the second separation section 30 in a direction intersecting the direction of propagation of the first permeable component Tc1. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view including the outer surface of the cylindrical second separation section 30 shown in Figure 6. The second separation section 30 may include a base material 32. The base material 32 may be an organic material. The base material 32 may be a polymer, a resin, or a porous material. The base material 32 may be the same material as the base material 22 (see Figure 3), or it may be a different material. In the second separation section 30 of this example, an organic material 34 is formed in a film-like manner on the upper surface of the base material 32.

[0040] The second permeable component Tc2 permeates through the organic material 34. The second permeable component Tc2 is the component of the first permeable component Tc1 that permeated through the organic material 34. The second non-permeable component Nc2 does not permeate through the organic material 34. The second non-permeable component Nc2 is the component of the first permeable component Tc1 that did not permeate through the organic material 34.

[0041] The gas treatment device 100 separates CO2 (carbon dioxide) contained in the exhaust gas 14 using a first separation unit 20 and a second separation unit 30. The gas treatment device 100 does not separate CO2 (carbon dioxide) using an amine absorbent. Therefore, in the gas treatment device 100, the amine absorbent that has absorbed CO2 (carbon dioxide) does not scatter, and the amine absorbent does not need to be neutralized. As a result, CO2 (carbon dioxide) can be easily recovered at low cost in the gas treatment device 100.

[0042] Figure 8 shows an example of the details of the processing unit 10. The processing unit 10 may have at least one of the following: a nitrogen oxide treatment device 16, a dust removal device 17, a sulfur oxide treatment device 18, a liquid removal device 19, and a cooling device 92. In this example, the processing unit 10 has a nitrogen oxide treatment device 16, a dust removal device 17, a sulfur oxide treatment device 18, a liquid removal device 19, and a cooling device 92. The cooling device 92 will be described later.

[0043] The nitrogen oxide treatment device 16 treats nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas 14. Treating nitrogen oxides (NOx) may mean removing nitrogen oxides (NOx). The nitrogen oxide treatment device 16 may be a denitrification device. Such a denitrification device is, for example, a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device. Alternatively, instead of the processing unit 10 having the nitrogen oxide treatment device 16, the exhaust gas source 12 may have an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) function.

[0044] If the exhaust gas 15 contains nitrogen oxides (NOx), the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3), the inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5), and the organic material 34 (see Figures 6 and 7) are prone to degradation. For this reason, it is preferable that the nitrogen oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas 14 be treated.

[0045] The dust removal device 17 removes particulate matter (PM) contained in the exhaust gas 14. The dust removal device 17 may be an electrostatic precipitator (ESP), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), or an activated carbon filter.

[0046] If the exhaust gas 15 contains particulate matter (PM), the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3) and the organic material 34 (see Figures 6 and 7) are susceptible to deterioration due to contamination by the particulate matter (PM). Therefore, if the first separation unit 20 (see Figure 1) contains the organic material 24, it is preferable that the particulate matter (PM) contained in the exhaust gas 14 be removed.

[0047] The sulfur oxide treatment device 18 treats sulfur oxides (SOx) contained in the exhaust gas 14. Treating sulfur oxides (SOx) may mean removing sulfur oxides (SOx). If the gas treatment device 100 is installed on a ship, the sulfur oxide treatment device 18 may be a scrubber installed on the ship.

[0048] If the exhaust gas 15 contains sulfur oxides (SOx), the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3), the inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5), and the organic material 34 (see Figures 6 and 7) are prone to degradation. For this reason, it is preferable that the sulfur oxides (SOx) contained in the exhaust gas 14 be treated.

[0049] The cooling device 92 cools the exhaust gas 14. The cooling device 92 may be a heat exchanger. If the cooling device 92 is a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger may exchange heat between the heat of the exhaust gas 14 and the heat of the liquid 76.

[0050] The exhaust gas 14 emitted from the exhaust gas source 12 is prone to becoming hot. If the exhaust gas 14 is not cooled, the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3), inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5), and organic material 34 (see Figures 6 and 7) are prone to deterioration. For this reason, it is preferable that the exhaust gas 14 be cooled. When the exhaust gas 14 is desulfurized by the scrubber 70 (described later), the exhaust gas 14 is easily cooled by the liquid 76. If the fuel 13 is a fuel with a low sulfur concentration, such as heavy oil A, the exhaust gas 14 does not need to be desulfurized, so the scrubber 70 (described later) may not be necessary. If the scrubber 70 (described later) is not necessary, the exhaust gas 14 is not easily cooled. For this reason, it is preferable that the exhaust gas 14 be cooled by the cooling device 92.

[0051] Figure 9 shows an example of a sulfur oxide treatment device 18 and a liquid removal device 19. In Figure 9, the nitrogen oxide treatment device 16 and dust removal device 17 shown in Figure 8 are omitted. When the gas treatment device 100 (see Figure 1) is installed on a ship, the ship may be equipped with a scrubber 70. In this example, the sulfur oxide treatment device 18 and the liquid removal device 19 are included in the scrubber 70. In Figure 9, the respective areas of the sulfur oxide treatment device 18 and the liquid removal device 19 are indicated by double-headed arrows.

[0052] The scrubber 70 may have a reaction tower 71, a main pipe 72, branch pipes 73, and an outlet 74. The sulfur oxide treatment device 18 may be supplied with a liquid 76 for treating the exhaust gas 14. If the gas treatment device 100 (see Figure 1) is installed on a ship, the liquid 76 may be seawater. The liquid 76 may also be an alkaline aqueous solution such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

[0053] The liquid 76 supplied to the main pipe 72 may pass through the branch pipes 73 and then be ejected into the reaction tower 71 by the ejection section 74. The ejected liquid 76 may be in the form of a mist. In this example, the mist-like liquid 76 treats the exhaust gas 14 inside the reaction tower 71. When we say that the liquid 76 treats the exhaust gas 14, we mean that the liquid 76 treats the sulfur oxides (SOx) contained in the exhaust gas 14.

[0054] If liquid 76 is an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the reaction between sulfur dioxide (SO2) contained in exhaust gas 14 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is shown by the following chemical formula 1. [Chemical formula 1] SO2 + Na + +OH - →Na+HSO3 -

[0055] Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is converted into bisulfite ions (HSO3) through a chemical reaction. - ) becomes liquid 76 through this chemical reaction, which produces bisulfite ions (HSO3). - It becomes a liquid containing bisulfite ions (HSO3).- The liquid containing ) shall be referred to as liquid 79.

[0056] The reaction tower 71 may have an inner surface 75, a bottom surface 77, and a gas outlet 78. In this example, the exhaust gas 14 travels through the inside of the reaction tower 71 from the bottom surface 77 towards the gas outlet 78.

[0057] In this specification, technical matters may be described using the Cartesian coordinate axes X, Y, and Z. In this specification, the plane parallel to the bottom surface 77 of the reaction tower 71 is defined as the XY plane. In this specification, the direction connecting the bottom surface 77 and the gas outlet 78 (the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 77) is defined as the Z-axis direction. In this specification, a predetermined direction within the XY plane is defined as the X-axis direction, and a direction perpendicular to the X-axis within the XY plane is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0058] The Z-axis direction may be parallel to the direction of gravity. If the Z-axis direction is parallel to the direction of gravity, the XY plane may be a horizontal plane. The Z-axis direction may also be parallel to the horizontal direction. If the Z-axis direction is parallel to the horizontal direction, the XY plane may be parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0059] Figure 10 shows an example of a top view of the scrubber 70 shown in Figure 9. Figure 10 is a view of the scrubber 70 in Figure 9, from the gas outlet 78 towards the bottom surface 77. In Figure 10, components other than the reaction tower 71 shown in Figure 9 are omitted.

[0060] The exhaust gas 14 may swirl inside the reaction tower 71. In this example, the exhaust gas 14 swirls clockwise inside the reaction tower 71. The scrubber 70 may be a cyclone-type scrubber. In a cyclone-type scrubber, the exhaust gas 14 swirls inside the reaction tower 71, moving from the bottom surface 77 (see Figure 9) towards the gas outlet 78 (see Figure 9). The swirling direction of the exhaust gas 14 is denoted as swirling direction F1.

[0061] If the liquid 76 ejected from the ejection port 74 is in the form of a mist, the liquid 79 after the chemical reaction may also be in the form of a mist. When the liquid 79 is in the form of a mist, it is easily carried along with the exhaust gas 15. Therefore, when the liquid 79 is in the form of a mist, it is easily introduced into the first separation unit 20 after being discharged from the gas outlet 78. The liquid 79 contains bisulfite ions (HSO3 - Since it contains ), if the liquid 79 is introduced into the first separation section 20, the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3) or the inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5) is prone to degradation. For this reason, it is preferable that the liquid 79 is not introduced into the first separation section 20.

[0062] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing an example of the liquid removal device 19 in Figure 9. The liquid removal device 19 removes at least a portion of the liquid 79. In this example, the liquid removal device 19 removes at least a portion of the liquid 79 contained in the exhaust gas 15.

[0063] The liquid removal device 19 in this example has a plurality of blades 83. The liquid removal device 19 in this example swirls the exhaust gas 15 in a predetermined swirling direction using the blades 83. This swirling direction is called the swirling direction F2. When viewed from the gas outlet 78 (see Figure 9) to the bottom surface 77 (see Figure 9), the liquid removal device 19 in this example swirls the exhaust gas 15 in the swirling direction F2. The liquid removal device 19 in this example is a so-called swirler.

[0064] The liquid removal device 19 in this example increases the swirling speed of the exhaust gas 15. This makes it easier for the atomized liquid 79 carried in with the exhaust gas 15 to accumulate on the inner surface 75 of the reaction tower 71. The atomized liquid 79 accumulated on the inner surface 75 is prone to droplet formation. The dropletized liquid 79 is prone to falling to the bottom surface 77 of the reaction tower 71 (see Figure 1). As a result, at least a portion of the liquid 79 is removed from the exhaust gas 15. This makes it difficult for the liquid 79 to be discharged from the gas outlet 78. As a result, it is difficult for the liquid 79 to be introduced into the first separation unit 20 (see Figure 1).

[0065] The liquid removal device 19 may be a demister in which multiple wires are formed in a mesh-like manner, or it may be a louver in which multiple vanes are spaced apart and arranged continuously. If the scrubber 70 is a cyclone-type scrubber, the liquid removal device 19 is preferably a swirler due to its affinity with the swirling direction F1 (see Figure 10) of the exhaust gas 14.

[0066] Figure 12 shows another example of the gas treatment system 200. In the gas treatment apparatus 100 of this example, the first separation unit 20 has a first sub-separation unit 120 and a second sub-separation unit 122. The first sub-separation unit 120 contains an inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5). The second sub-separation unit 122 contains an organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3). The first sub-separation unit 120 separates the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first impermeable component Nc1. The second sub-separation unit 122 separates the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first impermeable component Nc1.

[0067] The first separation unit 20 may include switching units 124, 125, and 126. In this example, switching units 124 to 126 are three-way valves. Switching unit 124 switches whether the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 flows to the first sub-separation unit 120 or to the second sub-separation unit 122. Switching unit 125 switches whether the first permeable component Tc1 separated by the first sub-separation unit 120 flows out of the first separation unit 20 or whether the first permeable component Tc1 separated by the second sub-separation unit 122 flows out of the first separation unit 20. Switching unit 126 switches whether the first non-permeable component Nc1 separated by the first sub-separation unit 120 flows out of the first separation unit 20 or whether the first non-permeable component Nc1 separated by the second sub-separation unit 122 flows out of the first separation unit 20.

[0068] In the gas processing apparatus 100 of this example, the second separation unit 30 has a first sub-separation unit 130 and a second sub-separation unit 132. The first sub-separation unit 130 contains an inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5). The second sub-separation unit 132 contains an organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3). The first sub-separation unit 130 separates the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second impermeable component Nc2. The second sub-separation unit 132 separates the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second impermeable component Nc2.

[0069] The second separation unit 30 may include switching units 134, 135, and 136. In this example, switching units 134 to 136 are three-way valves. Switching unit 134 switches whether the first permeable component Tc1 flows to the first sub-separation unit 130 or to the second sub-separation unit 132. Switching unit 125 switches whether the second permeable component Tc2 separated by the first sub-separation unit 130 flows out of the second separation unit 30 or whether the second permeable component Tc2 separated by the second sub-separation unit 132 flows out of the second separation unit 30. Switching unit 136 switches whether the second non-permeable component Nc2 separated by the first sub-separation unit 130 flows out of the second separation unit 30 or whether the second non-permeable component Nc2 separated by the second sub-separation unit 132 flows out of the second separation unit 30.

[0070] The gas treatment device 100 may include one or more gas sensors 95, a composition acquisition unit 85, and a switching control unit 62. In this example, the gas treatment device 100 includes two gas sensors 95 (gas sensor 95-1 and gas sensor 95-2). Gas sensor 95-1 may measure the sulfur concentration of exhaust gas 15, or it may measure the sulfur concentration of exhaust gas 14. In this example, gas sensor 95-1 measures the sulfur concentration of exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20. Gas sensor 95-2 measures the sulfur concentration of the first permeate component Tc1.

[0071] The composition acquisition unit 85 acquires the composition of the fuel 13 from the exhaust gas source 12. The composition acquisition unit 85 may acquire the ratio (composition) of hydrocarbon components, sulfur components, and inorganic compound components of the fuel 13, or it may acquire the sulfur concentration of the fuel 13. The composition acquisition unit 85 may also acquire whether the fuel 13 is so-called A heavy oil, B heavy oil, C heavy oil, LNG, MGO (Marine Gas Oil), MDO (Marine Diesel Oil), or ISO380 (marine heavy oil).

[0072] The switching control unit 62 switches between separating the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the first sub-separation unit 120, or separating it into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the second sub-separation unit 122. The switching control unit 62 may switch between separating the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the first sub-separation unit 120, or separating it into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the second sub-separation unit 122, by controlling the switching units 124 to 126.

[0073] The switching control unit 62 may switch, based on the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15, between separating the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the first sub-separation unit 120, or separating it into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the second sub-separation unit 122. The fuel 13 may contain impurities other than hydrocarbon components. Such impurities are, for example, sulfur components. Inorganic materials 23 (see Figures 4 and 5) are less susceptible to degradation by sulfur components than organic materials 24 (see Figures 2 and 3). For this reason, if the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is greater than a predetermined threshold, it is preferable that the exhaust gas 15 be introduced into the first sub-separation unit 120. This threshold is denoted as threshold Ts. The threshold Ts is, for example, 20 ppm.

[0074] If the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is below the threshold Ts, the exhaust gas 15 may be introduced into the second sub-separation unit 122. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) separation performance of the organic material 24 tends to be higher than that of the inorganic material 23. For this reason, if the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is below the threshold Ts, it is preferable to introduce the exhaust gas 15 into the second sub-separation unit 122.

[0075] The switching control unit 62 may control switching units 124 to 126 so that the exhaust gas 15 is separated into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the first sub-separation unit 120 when the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is greater than the threshold Ts. The switching control unit 62 may control switching units 124 to 126 so that the exhaust gas 15 is separated into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the second sub-separation unit 122 when the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is less than or equal to the threshold Ts.

[0076] The switching control unit 62 may switch between separating the first transparent component Tc1 into a second transparent component Tc2 and a second non-transparent component Nc2 by the first sub-separation unit 130, or separating it into a second transparent component Tc2 and a second non-transparent component Nc2 by the second sub-separation unit 132. The switching control unit 62 may switch between separating the first transparent component Tc1 into a second transparent component Tc2 and a second non-transparent component Nc2 by the first sub-separation unit 130, or separating it into a second transparent component Tc2 and a second non-transparent component Nc2 by the second sub-separation unit 132, by controlling the switching units 134 to 136.

[0077] The switching control unit 62 may switch between separating the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the first sub-separation unit 130, or separating it into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the second sub-separation unit 132, based on the sulfur concentration of the first permeable component Tc1. If the sulfur concentration of the first permeable component Tc1 is greater than the threshold Ts, the switching control unit 62 may control the switching units 134 to 136 to separate the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the first sub-separation unit 130. The switching control unit 62 may control the switching units 134 to 136 so that, when the sulfur concentration of the first permeate component Tc1 is less than or equal to the threshold Ts, the second sub-separation unit 132 separates the first permeate component Tc1 into the second permeate component Tc2 and the second non-permeate component Nc2.

[0078] The switching control unit 62 may switch, based on the composition of the fuel 13, to separate the exhaust gas 15 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the first sub-separation unit 120, or to separate it into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the second sub-separation unit 122. The switching control unit 62 may also switch, based on the composition of the fuel 13, to separate the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the first sub-separation unit 130, or to separate it into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the second sub-separation unit 132.

[0079] If the sulfur concentration of fuel 13 is 0.5%, the switching control unit 62 may control switching units 124 and 126 to separate the exhaust gas 15 using the first sub-separation unit 120. A sulfur concentration of 0.5% in fuel 13 is, for example, when fuel 13 is heavy oil C. If the sulfur concentration of fuel 13 is 0.1%, the switching control unit 62 may control switching units 124 and 126 to separate the exhaust gas 15 using the second sub-separation unit 122. A sulfur concentration of 0.1% in fuel 13 is, for example, when fuel 13 is heavy oil A. Heavy oil C may be less expensive than heavy oil A. Furthermore, the second sub-separation unit 122, which contains organic material 24, is more likely to have higher CO2 (carbon dioxide) separation performance and lower cost than the first sub-separation unit 120, which contains inorganic material 23. Therefore, by switching control unit 62 to switch whether to separate the exhaust gas 15 by the first sub-separation unit 120 or by the second sub-separation unit 122, the cost of gas treatment by the gas treatment device 100 can be reduced.

[0080] The gas processing device 100 may include one or more flow sensors 89, one or more pressure sensors 99, a valve 65, a pressure control unit 64, and a flow control unit 66. In this example, the gas processing device 100 includes three flow sensors 89 (flow sensors 89-1 to 89-3) and four pressure sensors 99 (pressure sensors 99-1 to 99-4).

[0081] Valve 65 switches whether or not exhaust gas 15 flows into the first separation section 20, or adjusts the flow rate of exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation section 20. Flow sensor 89-1 measures the flow rate of exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation section 20. Flow sensor 89-2 measures the flow rate of the first non-permeable component Nc1. Flow sensor 89-3 measures the flow rate of the second non-permeable component Nc2. The flow rate of exhaust gas 15 may be the volume or mass of exhaust gas 15 flowing per unit time. The same applies to the flow rates of the first non-permeable component Nc1 and the second non-permeable component Tc2.

[0082] Pressure sensor 99-1 measures the pressure of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation section 20. Pressure sensor 99-2 measures the pressure of the first permeable component Tc1. Pressure sensor 99-3 measures the pressure of the first non-permeable component Nc1. Pressure sensor 99-4 measures the pressure of the second non-permeable component Nc2.

[0083] The pressure control unit 64 may control the pressure of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 so that the pressure of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 is greater than the pressure of the first permeate component Tc1. The pressure control unit 64 may control the pressure of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 so that the pressure of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 is greater than the pressure of the first non-permeate component Nc1. This makes it less likely for the exhaust gas 15 to flow back from the first separation unit 20 to the exhaust gas source 12.

[0084] The flow rate control unit 66 may control the flow rate of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 so that the pressure of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 is greater than the pressure of the first permeate component Tc1. The flow rate control unit 66 may control the flow rate of the exhaust gas 15 flowing into the first separation unit 20 by adjusting the valve 65.

[0085] The suction device 80 aspirates the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2. The suction device 80 may be a suction blower, a suction pump, or a vacuum pump. The valve 81 adjusts the amount of the first impermeable component Nc1 aspirated by the suction device 80. The first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2 may each be aspirated by a separate suction device 80.

[0086] The flow rate control unit 66 may control the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2 that are drawn in by the suction device 80. The flow rate control unit 66 may control the flow rate of the first impermeable component Nc1 by adjusting the valve 81. The second impermeable component Nc2 is at least a part of the first permeable component Tc1 that has been separated by the second separation unit 30. Therefore, the flow rate of the second impermeable component Nc2 tends to be lower than the flow rate of the first impermeable component Nc1. Therefore, if the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2 that are drawn in by the suction device 80 are not controlled, the suction device 80 tends to draw in the first impermeable component Nc1 more easily than the second impermeable component Nc2. In this example, the flow rate control unit 66 controls the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2. Therefore, the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2, which are drawn in by the suction device 80, can be easily adjusted. The flow rate control unit 66 may control the ratio of the flow rate of the first impermeable component Nc1 to the flow rate of the second impermeable component Nc2.

[0087] The flow rate control unit 66 may control the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2 based on the pressure of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the pressure of the second impermeable component Nc2. The flow rate control unit 66 may also control the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2 so that the pressure of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the pressure of the second impermeable component Nc2 are equal. This makes it easier for the flow rates of the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2 drawn in by the suction device 80 to be equal.

[0088] The gas processing device 100 may include a control unit 60. In this example, the control unit 60 includes a switching control unit 62, a pressure control unit 64, and a flow rate control unit 66. The control unit 60 may be a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The gas processing device 100 may be a computer equipped with the PLC or the CPU.

[0089] Figure 13 shows another example of the gas processing system 200. In Figure 13, the gas processing device 100 is indicated by a thick dashed line. The gas processing device 100 in this example differs from the gas processing device 100 shown in Figure 1 in that it further includes a second separator 210 and switching units 222 to 225. In Figure 13, the areas of the first separator 110 and the second separator 210 are indicated by thin, coarse dashed lines.

[0090] The second separation device 210 has a third separation section 220 and a fourth separation section 230. The third separation section 220 separates the exhaust gas 15 into a third permeable component Tc3 and a third impermeable component Nc3. The third permeable component is referred to as the third permeable component Tc3. The third impermeable component is referred to as the third impermeable component Nc3. The third permeable component Tc3 contains CO2 (carbon dioxide). The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the third impermeable component Nc3 is lower than the CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the third permeable component Tc3.

[0091] The fourth separation unit 230 separates the fourth permeable component Tc4 into a fourth permeable component and a fourth non-permeable component. The fourth permeable component is designated as the fourth permeable component Tc4. The fourth non-permeable component is designated as the fourth non-permeable component Nc4. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the fourth permeable component Tc4 is higher than the CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the third permeable component Tc3. The CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the fourth non-permeable component Nc4 is lower than the CO2 (carbon dioxide) concentration of the fourth permeable component Tc4.

[0092] The third separation section 220 and the fourth separation section 230 contain an organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3). The third permeate component Tc3 and the fourth permeate component Tc4 pass through the organic material 24. The third permeate component Tc3 is the component of the exhaust gas 15 that has permeated through the organic material 24. The third non-permeate component Nc3 does not permeate through the organic material 24. The third non-permeate component Nc3 is the component of the exhaust gas 15 that has not permeated through the organic material 24. The fourth permeate component Tc4 is the component of the third permeate component Tc3 that has permeated through the organic material 34 (see Figures 6 and 7). The fourth non-permeate component Nc4 does not permeate through the organic material 34. The fourth non-permeate component Nc4 is the component of the third permeate component Tc3 that has not permeated through the organic material 34.

[0093] Switching units 222 to 225 are, for example, three-way valves. Switching unit 222 switches whether the exhaust gas 15 flows to the first separation device 110 or to the second separation device 210. Switching unit 223 switches whether the first impermeable component Nc1 separated by the first separation device 110 flows into the suction device 80 or whether the third impermeable component Nc3 separated by the second separation device 210 flows into the suction device 80. Switching unit 224 switches whether the second impermeable component Nc2 separated by the first separation device 110 flows into the suction device 80 or whether the third impermeable component Nc3 separated by the second separation device 210 flows into the suction device 80. The switching unit 225 switches between allowing the second permeate component Tc2 separated by the first separation device 110 to flow into the compressor 90, or allowing the fourth permeate component Tc4 separated by the second separation device 210 to flow into the compressor 90.

[0094] In this example, the switching control unit 62 switches whether to separate the exhaust gas 15 by the first separation device 110 or by the second separation device 210 based on the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15. In this example, the first separation unit 20 and the second separation unit 30 of the first separation device 110 include an inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5) and an organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3), respectively. In this example, the third separation unit 220 and the fourth separation unit 230 of the second separation device 210 include an organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0095] As described above, the inorganic material 23 (see Figures 4 and 5) is less susceptible to degradation by sulfur components than the organic material 24 (see Figures 2 and 3). For this reason, if the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is greater than the threshold Ts, it is preferable that the exhaust gas 15 be introduced into the first separation device 110. The threshold Ts is, for example, 20 ppm. If the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is less than or equal to the threshold Ts, the exhaust gas 15 may be introduced into the second separation device 210. As described above, the CO2 (carbon dioxide) separation performance of the organic material 24 tends to be higher than that of the inorganic material 23. For this reason, if the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas 15 is less than or equal to the threshold Ts, it is preferable that the exhaust gas 15 be introduced into the second separation device 210. The switching control unit 62 may switch between separating by the first separation device 110 or by separating by the second separation device 210 by adjusting the switching units 222 to 225.

[0096] Figure 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. The gas treatment method in this example will be explained using the gas treatment apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 as an example. The gas treatment method comprises a treatment step S100 and a separation step S1000.

[0097] Processing step S100 is a step in which the processing unit 10 processes at least a portion of the impurities Im other than CO2 (carbon dioxide) contained in the exhaust gas 14 (see Figure 1). Separation step S1000 is a step in which the first separation device 110 separates the exhaust gas 14 (i.e., exhaust gas 15) processed by the processing unit 10 into a permeable component Tc and an impermeable component Nc.

[0098] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the separation step S1000 includes a first separation step S110 and a second separation step S120. The first separation step S110 is a step in which the first separation unit 20 separates the exhaust gas 14 (i.e., exhaust gas 15) treated by the processing unit 10 into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1. The second separation step S120 is a step in which the first permeable component Tc1 is separated into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2.

[0099] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. This gas treatment method differs from the gas treatment method shown in Figure 15 in that it further comprises a suction step S130 and a compression step S140.

[0100] The suction step S130 is a step in which the suction device 80 (see Figure 1) suctions the first impermeable component Nc1 separated in the first separation step S110 and the second impermeable component Nc2 separated in the second separation step S120. The compression step S140 is a step in which the compressor 90 (see Figure 1) compresses the second permeable component Tc2 separated in the second separation step S120.

[0101] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the first separation step S110 includes a first sub-separation step S112 and a second sub-separation step S114, and the second separation step S120 includes a first sub-separation step S122 and a second sub-separation step S124. The gas treatment method in this example further includes a switching step S104 and a switching step S114. The gas treatment method in this example differs from the gas treatment method shown in Figure 16 in these respects. The gas treatment method in this example will be explained using the gas treatment apparatus 100 shown in Figure 12 as an example.

[0102] Switching step S104 is a step in which the switching control unit 62 (see Figure 12) switches whether to separate the exhaust gas 15 (see Figure 12) into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the first sub-separation unit 120 (see Figure 12), or into a first permeable component Tc1 and a first non-permeable component Nc1 by the second sub-separation unit 122 (see Figure 12). Switching step S108 is a step in which the switching control unit 62 (see Figure 12) switches whether to separate the first permeable component Tc1 into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the first sub-separation unit 130 (see Figure 12), or into a second permeable component Tc2 and a second non-permeable component Nc2 by the second sub-separation unit 132 (see Figure 12).

[0103] In this example, the suction step S130 is a step in which the suction device 80 (see Figure 12) suctions the first impermeable component Nc1 separated in the first sub-separation step S112 or the second sub-separation step S114, or the second impermeable component Nc2 separated in the first sub-separation step S122 or the second sub-separation step S124. In this example, the compression step S140 is a step in which the compressor 90 (see Figure 12) compresses the second permeable component Tc2 separated in the first sub-separation step S122 or the second sub-separation step S124.

[0104] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing another example of a gas treatment method according to one embodiment of the present invention. This gas treatment method differs from the gas treatment method shown in Figure 16 in that it further comprises a switching step S102, a third separation step S116, a fourth separation step S126, a switching step S106, a switching step S126, and a switching step S128. This gas treatment method will be explained using the gas treatment apparatus 100 shown in Figure 13 as an example.

[0105] The switching step S102 is the step in which the switching control unit 62 (see Figure 13) switches whether to separate the exhaust gas 15 (see Figure 13) by the first separation device 110 (see Figure 13) or by the second separation device 210 (see Figure 13). The third separation step S116 is the step in which the third separation unit 220 (see Figure 13) separates the exhaust gas 15 into a third permeable component Tc3 and a third non-permeable component Nc3. The fourth separation step S126 is the step in which the fourth separation unit 230 (see Figure 13) separates the third permeable component Tc3 into a fourth permeable component Tc4 and a fourth non-permeable component Nc4.

[0106] Switching step S106 is the step in which the switching control unit 62 (see Figure 13) switches whether to introduce the first impermeable component Nc1 or the third impermeable component Nc3 into the suction machine 80 (see Figure 13). Switching step S126 is the step in which the switching control unit 62 switches whether to introduce the second impermeable component Nc2 or the fourth impermeable component Nc4 into the suction machine 80. Switching step S128 is the step in which the switching control unit 62 switches whether to introduce the second permeable component Tc2 or the fourth permeable component Tc4 into the compressor 90 (see Figure 13).

[0107] In this example, the suction step S130 is the step in which the suction device 80 (see Figure 12) suctions the first impermeable component Nc1 and the second impermeable component Nc2, or suctions the third impermeable component Nc3 and the fourth impermeable component Nc4. In this example, the compression step S140 is the step in which the compressor 90 (see Figure 12) compresses the second permeable component Tc2 or the fourth permeable component Tc4.

[0108] Various embodiments of the present invention may be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams. In various embodiments of the present invention, a block may represent (1) a stage in a process in which an operation is performed or (2) a section of equipment having the role of performing the operation.

[0109] Certain stages may be performed by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits, or processors. Certain sections may be implemented by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits, or processors. Such programmable circuits and processors may be supplied with computer-readable instructions. Such computer-readable instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0110] A dedicated circuit may include at least one of a digital hardware circuit and an analog hardware circuit. A dedicated circuit may also include at least one of an integrated circuit (IC) and a discrete circuit. A programmable circuit may include hardware circuits for logic AND, logic OR, logic XOR, logic NAND, logic NOR, or other logic operations. A programmable circuit may also include reconfigurable hardware circuits, such as memory elements including flip-flops, registers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and programmable logic arrays (PLAs).

[0111] A computer-readable medium may include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that are executed by a suitable device. By including such a tangible device, the computer-readable medium having instructions stored in such device comprises a product that includes instructions that can be executed to create means for performing operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram.

[0112] Computer-readable media may include, for example, electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specifically, computer-readable media may include, for example, floppy disks (registered trademark), diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disc (DVD), Blu-ray (RTM) disc, memory stick, integrated circuit card, etc.

[0113] Computer-readable instructions may include assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, source code, and object code. The source code and object code may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​and conventional procedural programming languages. Object-oriented programming languages ​​may include, for example, Smalltalk®, Java®, and C++. Procedural programming languages ​​may include, for example, the C programming language.

[0114] Computer-readable instructions may be provided locally or via a wide area network (WAN), such as a local area network (LAN) or the internet, to the processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device. The processor or programmable circuit of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device may execute computer-readable instructions to create means for performing operations specified in the flowcharts shown in Figures 14 to 18, or the block diagrams shown in Figures 1, 8, 12, or 13. The processor may be, for example, a computer processor, a processing unit, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, a controller, a microcontroller, etc.

[0115] Figure 19 shows an example of a computer 2200 in which a gas processing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be fully or partially embodied. A program installed on the computer 2200 can cause the computer 2200 to function as an operation associated with the gas processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, or as one or more sections of the gas processing apparatus 100, or to execute such operation or one or more sections, or to cause the computer 2200 to execute each stage (see Figures 14 to 18) of the gas processing method of the present invention. The program may be executed by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform specific operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts (Figures 14 to 18) and block diagrams (Figures 1, 8, 12, or 13) described herein.

[0116] A program that causes the computer 2200 to perform operations associated with the gas processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be stored in the memory unit. The control unit 60 (see Figure 12) may have a processor. This processor is, for example, a CPU 2212.

[0117] A program that causes the computer 2200 to perform operations associated with the gas processing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention causes the processor in the control unit 60 to execute processing step S100, first separation step S110, and second separation step S120 (see Figures 14 to 18).

[0118] A computer 2200 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a CPU 2212, RAM 2214, a graphics controller 2216, and a display device 2218. The CPU 2212, RAM 2214, graphics controller 2216, and display device 2218 are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 further includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive. The communication interface 2222, hard disk drive 2224, DVD-ROM drive 2226, and IC card drive are connected to the host controller 2210 via an input / output controller 2220. The computer further includes legacy input / output units such as a ROM 2230 and a keyboard 2242. The ROM 2230 and keyboard 2242 are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

[0119] The CPU 2212 controls each unit by operating according to programs stored in the ROM 2230 and RAM 2214. The graphics controller 2216 retrieves the image data generated by the CPU 2212 and places it in the frame buffer or other location provided in RAM 2214, or in RAM 2214 itself, so that the image data is displayed on the display device 2218.

[0120] The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the read programs or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads programs and data from or writes programs and data to the IC card.

[0121] ROM2230 stores boot programs executed by computer 2200 upon activation, or programs that depend on the computer 2200's hardware. The input / output chip 2240 may connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, etc.

[0122] The program is provided on a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable medium and installed on a hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which are also examples of computer-readable medium, and executed by the CPU 2212. The information processing described within these programs is read by the computer 2200, resulting in coordination between the program and the various types of hardware resources described above. The apparatus or method may be configured to realize the manipulation or processing of information in accordance with the use of the computer 2200.

[0123] For example, when communication is performed between a computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 may execute a communication program loaded into RAM 2214 and instruct the communication interface 2222 to perform communication processing based on the processing described in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in a recording medium such as RAM 2214, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM 2201, or an IC card, transmits the read transmission data to the network, or writes received data received from the network to a reception buffer processing area provided on the recording medium.

[0124] The CPU 2212 may read all or necessary parts of a file or database stored on an external recording medium such as a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM 2201), or an IC card into the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on the data in the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 may then write the processed data back to the external recording medium.

[0125] Various types of information, such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases, may be stored on the recording medium and processed. The CPU 2212 may perform various types of processing on the data read from the RAM 2214, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional decisions, conditional branching, unconditional branching, information retrieval, or replacement, as specified by the program instruction sequence described in this disclosure. The CPU 2212 may write the results back to the RAM 2214.

[0126] CPU2212 may search for information in files, databases, etc., within the recording medium. For example, if multiple entries are stored in the recording medium, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with the attribute value of a second attribute, CPU2212 may search among the multiple entries for an entry that matches the specified condition for the attribute value of the first attribute, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored within that entry, and thereby obtain the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0127] The program or software module described above may be stored on or on a computer-readable medium of the computer 2200. A recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided within a server system connected to a dedicated communication network or the Internet can be used as a computer-readable medium. The program may be provided to the computer 2200 via such a recording medium.

[0128] Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It will be clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0129] It should be noted that the execution order of operations, procedures, steps, and stages in the apparatus, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not explicitly stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and that these can be implemented in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operation flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is described using phrases such as "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the operations in that order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10... Processing unit, 11... Fuel tank, 12... Exhaust gas source, 13... Fuel, 14... Exhaust gas, 15... Exhaust gas, 16... Nitrogen oxide treatment unit, 17... Dust removal unit, 18... Sulfur oxide treatment unit, 19... Liquid removal unit, 20... First separation unit, 21... Substrate, 22... Substrate, 23... Inorganic material, 24... Organic material, 30... Second separation unit, 32... Substrate, 34... Organic material, 60... Control unit, 62... Switching control unit, 64... Pressure control Section, 65... Valve, 66... ​​Flow control unit, 70... Scrubber, 71... Reaction tower, 72... Main pipe, 73... Branch pipe, 74... Outlet section, 75... Inner surface, 76... Liquid, 77... Bottom surface, 78... Gas outlet, 79... Liquid, 80... Suction machine, 81... Valve, 83... Blade section, 85... Composition acquisition section, 89... Flow sensor, 90... Compressor, 92... Cooling device, 95... Gas sensor, 99... Pressure sensor, 100... Gas treatment device, 110 ...First separation unit, 120...First sub-separation unit, 122...Second sub-separation unit, 124...Switching unit, 125...Switching unit, 126...Switching unit, 130...First sub-separation unit, 132...Second sub-separation unit, 134...Switching unit, 135...Switching unit, 136...Switching unit, 200...Gas processing system, 210...Second separation unit, 220...Third separation unit, 222...Switching unit, 223...Switching unit, 224...Switching unit, 225...Switching unit, 230...Fourth separation unit, 2 200...Computer, 2201...DVD-ROM, 2210...Host controller, 2212...CPU, 2214...RAM, 2216...Graphics controller, 2218...Display device, 2220...Input / output controller, 2222...Communication interface, 2224...Hard disk drive, 2226...DVD-ROM drive, 2230...ROM, 2240...Input / output chip, 2242...Keyboard

Claims

1. A processing unit that processes at least some of the impurities other than carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas, A separation device that separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a non-permeable component with a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the permeable component using a separation membrane, Equipped with, The processing unit includes a sulfur oxide treatment device for treating sulfur oxides contained in the exhaust gas, The sulfur oxide treatment apparatus is supplied with a liquid for treating the exhaust gas. The processing unit further includes a liquid removal device that removes at least a portion of the liquid contained in the exhaust gas discharged from the sulfur oxide processing device, The liquid is either an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide or seawater. Gas treatment device.

2. The separation device has a first separation section and a second separation section, The first separation unit separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a first permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a first non-permeable component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeable component. The second separation unit separates the first permeate component into a second permeate component having a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeate component and a second non-permeate component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the second permeate component. The aforementioned permeable component is the second permeable component, The gas treatment apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first separation unit contains an organic material, The first permeating component permeates the organic material, The gas treatment apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The gas treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas treated by the processing unit is below a predetermined threshold concentration.

5. A processing unit for processing at least a portion of impurities other than carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas, A separation device that separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a non-permeable component with a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the permeable component using a separation membrane, Equipped with, The separation device has a first separation section and a second separation section, The first separation unit separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a first permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a first non-permeable component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeable component. The second separation unit separates the first permeate component into a second permeate component having a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeate component and a second non-permeate component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the second permeate component. The aforementioned permeating component is the second permeating component, The first separation unit includes an inorganic material, The first permeable component permeates the inorganic material, Gas treatment device.

6. The gas treatment apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas treated by the processing unit is greater than a predetermined threshold concentration.

7. The second separation unit contains an organic material, The second permeating component permeates the organic material, The gas apparatus according to claim 5 or 6.

8. A processing unit for processing at least a portion of impurities other than carbon dioxide contained in exhaust gas, A separation device that separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a non-permeable component with a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the permeable component using a separation membrane, Equipped with, The separation device has a first separation section and a second separation section, The first separation unit separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a first permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a first non-permeable component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeable component. The second separation unit separates the first permeate component into a second permeate component having a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the first permeate component and a second non-permeate component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the second permeate component. The aforementioned permeating component is the second permeating component, The first separation unit comprises a first sub-separation unit containing an inorganic material and a second sub-separation unit containing an organic material. The system further includes a switching control unit that switches between separating the exhaust gas into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the first sub-separation unit, or separating it into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the second sub-separation unit. Gas treatment device.

9. The gas treatment apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the switching control unit switches, based on the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas, whether to separate the exhaust gas into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the first sub-separation unit, or to separate it into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the second sub-separation unit.

10. The gas processing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the switching control unit switches between separating the exhaust gas into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the first sub-separation unit, or separating it into a first permeable component and a first non-permeable component by the second sub-separation unit, based on the fuel composition of the exhaust gas source that discharges the exhaust gas.

11. The gas processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10, further comprising a pressure control unit that controls the pressure of the exhaust gas flowing into the first separation unit such that the pressure of the exhaust gas flowing into the first separation unit is greater than the pressure of the first permeate component.

12. A suction device for aspirating the first impermeable component and the second impermeable component, A flow control unit that controls the flow rate of the first non-permeable component and the flow rate of the second non-permeable component, which are drawn up by the suction device, A gas processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 11, further comprising:

13. The gas processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the flow rate control unit controls the flow rate of the first impermeable component and the flow rate of the second impermeable component based on the pressure of the first impermeable component and the pressure of the second impermeable component.

14. The gas treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the processing unit comprises at least one nitrogen oxide treatment apparatus for processing nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas and a dust removal apparatus for removing particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas.

15. The gas treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit further comprises a cooling device for cooling the exhaust gas.

16. A first separation device having the first separation unit and the second separation unit, A second separation apparatus comprising: a third separation unit that separates the exhaust gas processed by the processing unit into a third permeable component containing carbon dioxide and a third non-permeable component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the third permeable component; and a fourth separation unit that separates the third permeable component into a fourth permeable component having a higher carbon dioxide concentration than the third permeable component and a fourth non-permeable component having a lower carbon dioxide concentration than the fourth permeable component, wherein the third and fourth separation units contain an organic material, and the third and fourth permeable components pass through the organic material; A switching control unit that switches whether to separate the exhaust gas by the first separation device or by the second separation device based on the sulfur concentration of the exhaust gas, The gas apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

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