Apparatus for co2 capture

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method of treating gas, including receiving a stream of gas comprising carbon dioxide within a carbon capture vessel, the carbon capture vessel including a first end and second end, spraying droplets of a fluid comprising water via a plurality of nozzles, wherein the fluid contacts the stream of gas within the interior of the carbon capture vessel, wherein the droplets are electrically charged, thereby capturing carbon dioxide from the stream of gas into the droplets.

Description

APPARATUS FOR CO2 CAPTUREBACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTERCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 574,524 filed April 4, 2024, the contents of which are fully incorporated in its entirety. Field of the Disclosed Subject Matter

[0002] The disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for CO2 capture. Particularly, the present disclosed subject matter is directed to methods and systems for CO2 capture by active manipulation of droplets in a capture vessel.Description of Related Art

[0003] Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a significant greenhouse gas, and increased concentrations in the atmosphere and in the oceans are leading to global warming and ocean acidification, respectively. CO2 is generated by various sources including power plants, industrial processes, and automobile emissions. CO2 capture and sequestration technologies can greatly reduce CO2 emissions from certain sources. Captured CO2 has many uses, including as a precursor in the chemical industry (e.g., as syngas to produce CO2-derived fuels and chemicals, urea, and metal carbonates), in carbonated beverages, and as a compressed gas in portable pressure tools (e.g., welding and air guns). Current methods of CO2 capture and sequestration have certain limitations and drawbacks. For example, amine-based technologies have a high auxiliary load and are expensive. This application further fully incorporates by reference the contents of U.S. Pat. 11,691,104 to Verdouw et al. and U.S. Pat. 11,779,878 to Jolly et al.Alternate methods of CO2 capture are needed.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

[0004] The purpose and advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in, and apparent from the description that follows, and will be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter. Additional advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be realized and attained by the methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended drawings.

[0005] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the disclosed subject matter, as embodied and broadly described, the disclosed subject matter includes a method of treating gas, the method including receiving a stream of gas comprising carbon dioxide within a carbon capture vessel, the carbon capture vessel including a first end and second end, spraying droplets of a fluid comprising water via a plurality of nozzles, wherein the fluid contacts the stream of gas within the interior of the carbon capture vessel, wherein the droplets are electrically charged, thereby capturing carbon dioxide from the stream of gas into the droplets.

[0006] The disclosed subject matter also includes a system for treating a gas, the system including a gas conduit oriented along a first direction, a capture vessel in fluid communication with the gas conduit, the capture vessel extending along the first direction, the capture vessel including a first end and second end, a plurality of nozzles, at least one capacitor plate disposed in the vessel, and at least one drain formed within the capture vessel and / or on the top and / or side(s) of the capture vessel. In some embodiments, the capacitor plate is disposed at the bottom most portion of the vessel.

[0007] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the disclosed subject matter claimed.

[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the disclosed subject matter. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the disclosed subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A detailed description of various aspects, features, and embodiments of the subject matter described herein is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below. The drawings are illustrative and are not necessarily drawn to scale, with some components and features being exaggerated for clarity. The drawings illustrate various aspects and features of the present subject matter and may illustrate one or more embodiment(s) or example(s) of the present subject matter in whole or in part.

[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a capture vessel in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for carbon capture in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for carbon capture from a gas stream in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a plot of CO2 aqueous concentration in deionized (DI) water via Henry’sLaw vs. partial pressure of CO2 in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a plot of pH change by conventional CO2 capture in deionized (DI) water in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a plot of pH and voltage over time in first collection tank with grounding wire in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a dipole-induced dipole for H2O-CO2 at the liquid surface in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a dipole-induced dipole for CO2-CO2 at the liquid surface in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an ion-induced dipole for H2O, CO2, carbonic acid, bicarbonate and hydrogen ions at the liquid surface in accordance with the disclosed subject matter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The method and corresponding steps of the disclosed subject matter will be described in conjunction with the detailed description of the system.

[0020] The methods and systems presented herein may be used for an apparatus for CO2 capture. The disclosed subject matter is particularly suited for methods and systems for pollutant capture via active manipulation of the droplets. For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the system in accordance with the disclosed subject matter is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference character 100. Similar reference numerals (differentiated by the leading numeral) may be provided among the variousviews and figures presented herein to denote functionally corresponding, but not necessarily identical structures.The Capture Vessel

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, system 100 for treating a gas is shown in isometric view. System 100 includes a capture vessel 104. Capture vessel 104 includes a first end 101 and a second end 102, the second end 102 oppositely spaced from the first end 101. Capture vessel 104 includes at least one sidewall 103 extending between the first end 101 and the second end 102. Capture vessel 104 may include at least one sidewall 103 extending between the first end 101 and the second end 102, defining an interior volume there between. In various embodiments, capture vessel 104 may be open or partially open, whereby the first end 101 and second 102 are oppositely spaced with an open volume there between. In various embodiments, capture vessel 104 may be round, wherein first end and second end 102 are spaced with a rounded sidewall extending there between. In various embodiments, capture vessel 104 may be oblong, wherein a sidewall proximate first end 101 is a different cross-sectional shape or diameter than the sidewall proximate the second end 102. In various embodiments, the capture vessel 104 may be prismatic, with planar sidewalls disposed between rectangular ends. In various embodiments, the capture vessel may be cylindrical, with a cylindrical sidewall extending therebetween. In various embodiments, capture vessel 104 may be horizontally arranged. In various embodiments, the capture vessel 104 may be vertically arranged, wherein the first end 101 is disposed over the second end 102.

[0022] System 100 includes a gas conduit 108. Gas conduit 108 may include a gas inlet to the capture vessel 104. Gas conduit 108 may be in fluid communication with the capture vessel 104. Gas conduit 108 may be configured to provide a stream of gas 110 into the capturevessel 104. The capture vessel 104 may extend along a first direction, the same first direction with which the gas conduit 108 is oriented. In various embodiments, the gas conduit 108 may be disposed at an angle to the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the gas conduit 108 may be disposed proximate the first end 101. For example, the gas conduit 108 may be disposed within the first end 101, such as an opening configured to provide gas from the conduit into the capture vessel. In various embodiments, gas conduit 108 may have any number of turns, bends or lengths of straight conduit. For example, the gas conduit 108 may be circular in cross section. In various embodiments, the gas conduit 108 may be prismatic, with a polygonal cross section, such as rectangular. In various embodiments, the gas conduit 108 may have an induced fan in fluid communication thereto or within. In various embodiments, the gas conduit 108 may include a damper configured to control pressure within the gas conduit 108. In various embodiments, the gas conduit 108 may be operably connected to a chiller to control the temperature within the gas conduit 108.

[0023] System 100 may include a gas outlet 112. Gas outlet 112 may be opposite spaced from the gas conduit 108 along the first direction. The gas outlet 112 may be disposed in the second end 102. In various embodiments, the gas outlet 112 may be in fluid communication with the capture vessel 104 at an angle, such as an opening in the sidewall formed proximate the second end 102. In various embodiments, the gas outlet 112 may be in fluid communication with the gas conduit 108. In various embodiments, the gas outlet 112 may be configured to deliver gas stream 110 from the capture vessel after capture of pollutants from gas stream 110. In various embodiments, the gas outlet 112 may be configured to deliver gas stream 110 out of the capture vessel before or during pollutant capture. In various embodiments, the gas outlet 112 may be configured to deliver gas stream 110 out of the capture vessel regardless of pollutant capture. Invarious embodiments, gas outlet 112 may have any number of turns, bends or lengths of straight conduit. For example, the gas outlet 112 may be circular in cross section. In various embodiments, the gas outlet 112 may be prismatic, with a polygonal cross section, such as rectangular.

[0024] System 100 includes a plurality of nozzles 116. Plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed within capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be arranged as described in U.S. Pat. 11,779,878 to Jolly et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 are disposed along a plurality of headers and oriented orthogonal to the first direction, the nozzles configured to dispense droplets of a fluid comprising water. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed in stages within the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, there may be one, two, three, four, 10, 20 or any number of stages disposed within the capture vessel 104. A plurality of nozzles 116 may be oriented along the first direction. In various embodiments, nozzles 116 may be configured to spray droplets in a direction parallel to the first direction of the gas stream 110. In various embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed proximate a sidewall of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed on more than sidewall of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed proximate one or more of first end 101 and second end 102. In various embodiments, each nozzle has at least one orifice from which fluid exits said nozzle. In various embodiments, each nozzle has a plurality of orifices disposed therein. In various embodiments, each nozzle may have a nozzle disposed at a tip, said tip pointed in the direction of spray of the nozzles. In various embodiments, there may be a plurality of orifices disposed around a perimeter of each nozzle. In various embodiments, the plurality oforifices angle from the nozzle and configured to spray droplets at an angle relative to the nozzles. In various embodiments, each nozzle may have adjustable orifices, wherein an angle or direction of spray may be adjusted manually or automatically. In various embodiments the diameter of the orifice may be sized corresponding to a desired droplet size. In various embodiments, the pressure at which fluid is continuously and operatively provided to the plurality of nozzles 116 may be adjusted based on orifice size and desired droplet size. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be ultrasonic nozzles. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be nozzles of any suitable type.

[0025] System 100 includes a plurality of nozzles 116, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles are configured to impart an electric charge to the droplets. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may induce an electric charge to the droplets. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may generate an electric field to which the droplets are exposed. In various embodiments, the electric charge imparted to the droplets by the plurality of nozzles 116 may be associated with an orifice size of the plurality of orifices, or associated with the pressure of the fluid being provided to the plurality of nozzles 116 by the process water inlet 115.

[0026] The nozzles 116 may be generally disposed centrally within a volume with the capture vessel 104 and oriented parallel to the stream of gas 110 travel direction. In various embodiments, spraying the fluid includes spraying the droplets of the fluid in a third direction, the third direction angled relative to the first direction. In various embodiments, the third direction may be perpendicular to the first direction, or at a 90-degree angle. For example, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed on a sidewall of the capture vessel 104, the stream of gas 110 passing laterally relative to the nozzles 516, the droplets sprayed into the stream of gas110 as it passes by. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be configured tospray droplets at an angle of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 180 degrees, or any angle therebetween relative to the stream of gas 110. In various embodiments, spraying the droplets may include spraying the droplets at more than one angle relative to the stream of gas 110. For example, a first portion of nozzles 116 may spray droplets substantially opposite the stream of gas, and a second portion of nozzles 116 may spray droplets at a 90-degree angle to the stream of gas 110.

[0027] With continued reference to FIG. 1, system 100 may include at least one capacitor plate 124 disposed in the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the at least one capacitor plate 124 may be disposed on the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the at least one capacitor plate 124 forms a portion of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a voltage potential may be applied to at least a portion of the capture vessel 104. The capacitor plate 124 may be electrically coupled to a portion of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 124 may be electrically isolated from capture vessel 104, or from a portion of capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 124 may be disposed within the interior of capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 124 may be disposed in a path contacted by the droplets or stream of gas 510. In various embodiments, wherein the capture vessel 104 is an open vessel, capacitor plate 124 may be configured to physically contact the droplets sprayed from nozzles 516 or stream of gas 510. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 124 may be disposed within capture vessel 104 and coupled thereto by a bracket, said bracket being electrically insulating. In various embodiments, the capacitor plate 124 may be mechanically coupled to at least a portion of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a voltage potential is applied to at least one nozzle 116 of the plurality of nozzles 104, which may contribute to the electric charge of droplets produced therefrom. The voltage potential may beapplied to more than one nozzle 116 of the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the voltage potential may be applied to at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 116 and the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the voltage potential is applied by one or more electrically conductive leads physically contacting at least one nozzle 116 and the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 124 may be disposed proximate to one or more drains 120 formed in the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 124 may be formed in a bottom-most portion of capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 104 may form one or more of first end 101 and second end 102. In various embodiments, capacitor plate 104 may form one or more of the sidewalls 103 or top of the capture vessel 104.

[0028] Capacitor plate 124 and / or the plurality of nozzles 116 may be configured to apply an electric field to at least a portion of a volume within the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric charge of the droplets generates an electric field in at least a portion of the volume within the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric field may encapsulate the entire volume within the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric field may encapsulate the capture vessel 104 as a whole. In various embodiments, the electric field may extend through the walls of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by the plurality of nozzles 116. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by a portion of nozzles of the plurality of nozzles 116. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by each of the plurality of nozzles 116, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 116 forming an equal portion of the electric field. In various embodiments, the electric field may be manipulated by applying or adjusting a voltage potential applied to at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 116. In various embodiments, the same voltage potential may be applied to each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 116.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic representation of a system 200 for treating a gas is depicted. System 200 may include all the same elements as system 100, in various embodiments. In various embodiments system 200 includes a pump 204. Pump 204 configured to provide fluid to the plurality of nozzles 116. A plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed within capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 are disposed along a plurality of headers and oriented orthogonal to the first direction, the nozzles configured to dispense droplets of a fluid comprising water. In various embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed proximate a sidewall of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed on more than one sidewall 103 of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed proximate one or more of first end 101 and second end 102.

[0030] System 200 includes a plurality of nozzles 116, wherein the plurality of nozzles is configured to generate, impart, or induce an electric charge to the droplets. In various embodiments, the electric charge imparted to the droplets by the plurality of nozzles 116 is associated with a pressure of the fluid being provided to the plurality of nozzles 116 by the pump 204. In various embodiments, pump 204 is configured to provide fluid to the plurality of nozzles 116 at a plurality of pressures. In various embodiments, pump 204 may be selectively configured to provide fluid to a portion of nozzles at a first pressure, and a second portion of nozzles at a second pressure. In various embodiments, pump 204 may be configured to provide fluid to the nozzles such that the droplets are sprayed at a speed substantially below Mach 1. Pump 204 may be configured to deliver fluid to the plurality of nozzles 116 at a continuous operating fluid pressure of between approximately 700 psi to approximately 3000 psi to each nozzle of theplurality of nozzles. For example, pump 204 may be configured to provide fluid to the plurality of nozzles 116 between 100 and 2000 psi.

[0031] In certain embodiments, pump 204 may be configured to provide fluid to the nozzles such that the droplets are sprayed at a droplet speed of less than Mach 1. In another embodiment, the relative velocity of the droplet is less than Mach 1, less than Mach 0.9, less than Mach 0.8, less than Mach 0.7, less than Mach 0.6, less than Mach 0.5, less than Mach 0.4, less than Mach 0.3, less than Mach 0.2, or less than Mach 0.1. In yet another embodiment, the relative velocity of the droplet is less than Mach 0.5.

[0032] In certain embodiments, pump 204 may be configured to provide fluid to the nozzles such that the droplets are sprayed at a droplet speed of less than 65,000 ft / min. In other embodiments, the droplet speed is less than 60,000 ft / min. In other embodiments, the droplet speed is less than 50,000 ft / min, 40,000 ft / min, 30,000 ft / min, 20,000 ft / min, 10,000 ft / min, or 5,000 ft / min.

[0033] The nozzles 116 may be generally disposed centrally within a volume with the capture vessel 104 and oriented parallel to the stream of gas 110 travel direction. In various embodiments, spraying the fluid includes spraying the droplets of the fluid in a third direction, the third direction angled relative to the first direction. In various embodiments, the third direction may be perpendicular to the first direction, opposite of the first direction, or at a 90- degree angle. For example, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be disposed on a sidewall of the capture vessel 104, the stream of gas 110 passing laterally relative to the nozzles 516, the droplets sprayed into the stream of gas 110 as it passes by. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles 116 may be configured to spray droplets at an angle of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60,70, 80, 90, 180 or any angle there between relative to the stream of gas 110. In variousembodiments, spraying the droplets may include spraying the droplets at more than one angle relative to the stream of gas 110. For example, a first portion of nozzles 116 may spray droplets substantially opposite the stream of gas, and a second portion of nozzles 116 may spray droplets at a 90-degree angle to the stream of gas 110.

[0034] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the droplets are electrically charged. In various embodiments, an electric charge is imparted to the droplets by virtue of friction between the fluid and the nozzle. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of nozzles is free of a voltage potential applied thereto. In various embodiments, the electric charge imparted to the droplets by the plurality of nozzles is associated with a pressure of the fluid being provided to the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the electric charge is produced by static electricity via the fluid exiting the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles are configured to impart an equal amount of electrical charge to the droplets exiting therefrom. In various embodiments, a first portion of nozzles is configured to impart a first amount of electric charge and a second portion of nozzles is configured to impart a second amount of electric charge. In various embodiments, each nozzle is configured to impart electric charge to the droplets as a function of pressure of the fluid provided to said nozzle. For example, a nozzle with a higher-pressure fluid provided to said nozzle may impart a greater electric charge to the droplets exiting said nozzle. In various embodiments, the electric charge of the droplets may be imparted after the droplets leave the nozzle by a separate source. Any suitable separate source may be used. For example, the separate source may be an electrostatic generator, the capacitor plate, and / or a pair of electrodes.

[0035] With continued reference to FIG. 2, system 200 may include a gas conduit 108. In various embodiments, gas conduit 108 may include a heat exchanger 208. Heat exchanger 208may be in fluid communication with the gas conduit and the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the heat exchanger 208 may be configured to draw heat from the incoming stream of gas 110 within gas conduit 108. For example, and without limitation, the stream of gas may be cooled from 250 C to 70 C, e.g. 250 C to 100 C, by the heat exchanger 208 before entering the capture vessel 104.With continued reference to FIG. 2, system 200 may include a sparger tank 212. System 200 may include any number of tanks, including one or more sparger tanks 212.Generation of Electric Fields to Influence Movement of Droplets

[0036] In various embodiments, an electric field may be created and sustained within the carbon capture vessel. The electric field may be generated by any suitable sources of electric potential, which may be components of the carbon capture vessel. For example, such sources of electric potential may include the nozzles, the water droplets, capacitor plates (which may, e.g., comprise a separate component within the carbon capture vessel, or may form a portion of the wall of the carbon capture vessel), and the like. In various embodiments, a more than 400V potential can be induced.

[0037] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the droplets are electrically charged. In various embodiments, an electric charge is imparted to the droplets by virtue of friction between the fluid and the nozzle from which it is dispersed. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of nozzles is free of a voltage potential applied thereto. In various embodiments, the electric charge imparted to the droplets by the plurality of nozzles is associated with a pressure of the fluid being provided to the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the electric chargeis imparted (or partially imparted) by a voltage potential applied to the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles are configured to impart an equal amount of electrical charge to the droplets exiting therefrom. In various embodiments, a first portion of nozzles is configured to impart a first amount of electric charge and a second portion of nozzles is configured to impart a second amount of electric charge. In various embodiments, each nozzle is configured to impart electric charge to the droplets as a function of pressure of the fluid provided to said nozzle. For example, a nozzle with a higher-pressure fluid provided to said nozzle may impart a greater electric charge to the droplets exiting said nozzle.

[0038] In various embodiments, a voltage potential is applied to at least a portion of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the voltage potential is applied to a capacitor plate 124, which is electrically isolated from the remainder of the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the capacitor plate 124 may be mechanically coupled to at least a portion of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the capacitor plate 124 may form a portion of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the droplets are electrically charged by applying a voltage potential to at least one nozzle 116 of the plurality of nozzles 104. The voltage potential may be applied to more than one nozzle 116 of the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the voltage potential may be applied between at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 116 and the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the voltage potential is applied by one or more electrically conductive leads physically contacting at least one nozzle 116 and the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a capacitor plate 124 may be disposed proximate to one or more drains 120 formed in the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a capacitor plate 124 may be formed in a bottom-most portion of capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, a capacitor plate 104 may form one or more of first end 101 and second end 102.

[0039] Additionally, or alternatively, a capacitor plate 124 and / or the plurality of nozzles 116 may be configured to apply an electric field to at least a portion of a volume within the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric field may encapsulate the entire volume within the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric field may encapsulate the capture vessel 104 as a whole. In various embodiments, the electric field may extend through the walls of the capture vessel 104. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by the plurality of nozzles 116. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by a portion of nozzles of the plurality of nozzles 116. In various embodiments, the electric field may be manipulated by adjusting the voltage potential applied to at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles 116.

[0040] In various embodiments, a first voltage potential may be applied to one portion of nozzles, while a second voltage potential (or no voltage potential) may be applied to a second portion of nozzles, the first portion of nozzles larger than the second portion of nozzles. In various embodiments, a first voltage potential may be applied to one portion of nozzles, while a second voltage potential (or no voltage potential) may be applied to a second portion of nozzles, the first portion of nozzles may be smaller than the second portion of nozzles.

[0041] In various embodiments, a series of electrical circuits may be utilized in the system to measure and control the voltage during operations. Absolute measurement of the potential is very difficult with high voltage, low current systems due to the fact that the measurement system interacts directly with what is being measured. However, sustained voltage measurements were made during the tests from 25-40 V while providing capture results far in excess of those predicted by Henry’s Law alone.Methods of Capturing Carbon Dioxide

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the method 300 for capturing carbon dioxide from a stream of gas is presented in flow diagram form. Method 300 includes, at step 304, receiving a stream of gas including carbon dioxide (CO2) within a capture vessel. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may be flue gas. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may be industrial waste gas, such as exhaust from one or more systems or machines. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may be air. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may also include additional pollutants such as CO2, NOx among others.

[0043] In various embodiments, receiving the stream of gas includes receiving the stream of gas along a first direction. The first direction may be a generally linear direction, although this disclosure does not limit the path in which the incoming stream of gas can take. For example, the stream of gas may be routed through any number of turns or components, within any number of conduits to arrive in the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the capture vessel may be a closed vessel. In various embodiments, the capture vessel may be a partially open vessel, such as a walled area with an open top or bottom. In various embodiments, the capture vessel has a first end and a second end. In various embodiments, the capture vessel has at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, defining an interior volume therebetween. For example, and without limitation, the capture vessel may be cylindrical, with the first end and second end being circular, with the sidewall circumscribed about both ends and extending therebetween. In various embodiments, the capture vessel may be prismatic, such as a rectangular prism with square first ends and second ends.

[0044] In various embodiments, the first end may be spaced oppositely from the second end, such that the stream of gas enters proximate the first end and exits the vessel at the second end. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may enter the capture vessel proximate the first end, such as in an adjacent wall to the first end and exit the vessel similarly. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may enter the capture vessel from more than one conduit, each disposed proximate the first end. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may be generated within the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the capture vessel may be in fluid communication with one or more components that generate pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and the stream of gas. In various embodiments, the stream of gas may carry the pollutants from the generative component to the capture vessel.

[0045] With continued reference to FIG. 3, method 300 for treating gas includes, at step 308, spraying droplets of a fluid comprising water via a plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the fluid is essentially amine free. In various embodiments, at least 90% of the droplets have a droplet size of less than 100 microns. In various preferred embodiments, at least 90% of the droplets have a droplet size of less than 20 microns. In other preferred embodiments, at least 90% of the droplets have a droplet size of about 1-35 microns. In various embodiments, the fluid is at least one of reverse osmosis water or deionized water. In various embodiments, the fluid may be reverse osmosis water. In various embodiments, the fluid may be deionized water. In various embodiments, the fluid may be both reverse osmosis and deionized water. In various embodiments, the fluid may be city water that is treated or untreated. The fact that the water must be RO / DI water (e.g., no dissolved solids, and no potential ion species), and is relatively temperature independent between 10-70 C ensures that CO2 capture will not be hindered by unexpected impurities.

[0046] Spraying the droplets includes contacting the droplets with the stream of gas within the interior of the capture vessel. The nozzles may be disposed within a volume at least partially enclosed by the capture vessel. Spraying the droplets may include dispensing the fluid in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction. In various embodiments, the droplets may be sprayed in a direction opposite the incoming stream of gas. For example, the stream of gas may move in the capture vessel from the first and to the second end, the droplets sprayed generally from the direction of the second end towards the first end. As will be discussed further herein, the nozzles may be generally disposed centrally within a volume with the carbon capture vessel and oriented parallel to the stream of gas travel direction. In various embodiments, spraying the fluid includes spraying the droplets of the fluid in a third direction, the third direction angled relative to the first direction. In various embodiments, the third direction may be perpendicular to the first direction, or at a 90-degree angle. For example, the plurality of nozzles may be disposed on a sidewall of the capture vessel, the stream of gas passing laterally relative to the nozzles, the droplets sprayed into the stream of gas as it passes by. In various embodiments, the plurality of nozzles may be configured to spray droplets at an angle of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 180 or any angle therebetween relative to the stream of gas. In various embodiments, spraying the droplets may include spraying the droplets at more than one angle relative to the stream of gas. For example, a first portion of nozzles may spray droplets substantially opposite the stream of gas, and a second portion of nozzles may spray droplets at a 90-degree angle to the stream of gas. In various embodiments, contacting the stream of gas with the droplets includes capturing carbon dioxide from the stream of gas into the droplets.

[0047] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the droplets are electrically charged.In various embodiments, an electric charge is imparted to the droplets by virtue of frictionbetween the fluid and the nozzle. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of nozzles is free of a voltage potential applied thereto. In various embodiments, the electric charge imparted to the droplets by the plurality of nozzles is associated with a pressure of the fluid being provided to the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the electric charge is produced by static electricity via the fluid exiting the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles are configured to impart an equal amount of electrical charge to the droplets exiting therefrom. In various embodiments, a first portion of nozzles is configured to impart a first amount of electric charge and a second portion of nozzles is configured to impart a second amount of electric charge. In various embodiments, each nozzle is configured to impart electric charge to the droplets as a function of pressure of the fluid provided to said nozzle. For example, a nozzle with a higher-pressure fluid provided to said nozzle may impart a greater electric charge to the droplets exiting said nozzle. Note that the voltage buildup can be controlled. Firstly, in a straightforward manner, the number of nozzles provides a direct control for the voltage, each nozzle contributes a relatively fixed amount to the overall system charge. Additionally, or alternatively, a potential (voltage gradient) across the reactor to support the capture can be formed. This voltage can be manipulated in a number of ways to optimize the capture ability.

[0048] In various embodiments, the droplets are electrically charged by applying a voltage potential to at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles. The voltage potential may be applied between more than one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the voltage potential may be applied between at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles and the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the voltage potential is applied by one or more electrically conductive leads physically contacting at least one nozzle and the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the voltage potential is applied to at least a portion of the capture vessel.In various embodiments, the voltage potential is generated by a capacitor plate. The capacitor plate may be electrically coupled to a portion of the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the capacitor plate may be mechanically coupled to at least a portion of the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the capacitor plate may form a portion of the capacitor plate.

[0049] Method 300 for treating gas may include, in various embodiments, applying an electric field to at least a portion of a volume within the carbon capture vessel. In various embodiments, the electric charge of the droplets may generate or contribute to an electric field in at least a portion of the volume within the carbon capture vessel. In various embodiments, the electric field may encapsulate the entire volume within the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the electric field may encapsulate the capture vessel as a whole. In various embodiments, the electric field may extend through the walls of the capture vessel. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by a portion of nozzles of the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, the electric field is generated by the plurality of nozzles, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles contributing an equal portion of the electric field. In various embodiments, the electric field may be manipulated by adjusting the voltage potential applied to at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles. In various embodiments, each nozzle to which voltage potential is applied may contribute about an equal portion of the electric field.Absorption of Carbon Dioxide

[0050] Henry’s law posits that the CO2 concentration in water is proportional to the partial pressure of CO2 above the water. Formally,

[0051] Where the ‘Henry’s Constant’ is given by

[0052] And where C is a constant and TK is the system temperature.

[0053] Henry’s law alone only provides for the concentration of CO2 due to dissolution of CO2 within the water. Additional chemical reactions of varying importance may occur that further affect the ability of water to retain carbon dioxide particularly the formation of carbonic acid through the acidification of the water and the hydrogen reactions as shown below.

[0054] Here, aqueous CO2 is in equilibrium with the carbonic acid providing additional potential sites for CO2 to report. FIG. 4 plots the aqueous concentration of CO2 as a function of the partial pressure of CO2 above the water for deionized water. Note that the concentration is low, on the order of 0.2 g per liter of water at a partial pressure of 15%.

[0055] Overall, Henry’s law provides for the assumed potential for water as a carbon capture mechanism. As measured by pH, Henry’s law provides for an exponential decay in the amount of aqueous CO2 retained as a function of partial pressure as shown in FIG. 5.

[0056] However, based upon experiments, in certain circumstances a much higher pH is measured in process water than predicted by Henry’s Law alone. In the plot shown in FIG. 6, input gas concentration provides for a CO2 partial pressure of 15% while the pH in the sparging tank exceeded that for a partial pressure of 50% indicating that utilizing RO / DI water does, in fact, have potential as a carbon capture medium.

[0057] In various embodiments, a process gas may be introduced counter current to the water spray stream. Process gases may be metered through mass flow control units calibrated for the specific gases while water flow and droplet size can be controlled by pressure and thenumber of nozzles. For example and without limitation, a given nozzle can provide for a droplet with a Sauter mean diameter of 9 microns with a flow of 0.046 gpm at 2000 psi as a typical flow rating, with actual ratings provided as per the nozzle manufacturers product data sheets.

[0058] Clearly the answer lies within the small droplet size creating high surface area and the potential for additional force interactions as well as additional chemical reactions that are promoted by the high surface area. In various embodiments, potential inter-molecular forces include Van der Waals forces, Pauli exclusion principle (repulsive), Electrostatic forces (attractive or repulsive) including dipoles, inductive / polarization forces (attractive) or Debeye forces, and / or dispersion (London) forces (attractive).

[0059] The most likely attractive forces include the Van der Walls Forces which includes the electrostatic, Debeye and London dispersive forces. In order of strength, they are ion-ion forces, ion-dipole, hydrogen, dipole-dipole, dipole-induced dipole, and / or dispersion as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9.

[0060] The H2O - CO2 system has the potential to capitalize on all of these forces, when considering both the electrostatic forces as well as the chemical reactions and subsequent ion attractions. The dipole - induced dipole forces between H2O (which has a dipole moment and the CO2 which does not, where the H2O induces the dipole moment onto the CO2 is a starting point. However, as seen with Henry’s Law, the chemistry changes with the acidification of the water, bringing to bare the hydrogen forces, ion-dipole and ion-ion forces at least.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, in various embodiments, a dipole-induced dipole for H2O-CO2 at the liquid surface of a drop creates an attraction between the two molecules. In liquid, the 0 o mean separation distance between H2O molecules is about 2 A = 2 x 10 cm, this equates to approximately 3 x 106molecules H2O at the surface of a drop with radius about 1 x 10’6cm.This, in turn, equates to the capture of 23.7 g CO2 per kg H20 for a single layer of CO2 molecules as depicted.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, the induced dipole in the first layer of CO2 induces a dipole in the next layer of CO2 creating an attraction between the two molecules, This, in turn, equates to the capture of an additional 23.7 g CO2 per kg H2O for each single layer of CO2 molecules as depicted. It would take something on the order of 100 such layers to achieve the capture rates expected.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, the CO2 and H2CO3 will be in equilibrium so, as CO2 goes, so too does carbonic acid -> H+and HCO3’ providing for increased number of sites at the liquid vapor interface where CO2 can be carried along by these forces. This has the net effect of intensifying the range of influence of the induced dipoles as the ion-dipole interaction is much stronger than the dipole - induced dipole interaction.

[0064] As the concentration of CO2 at the liquid droplet interface increases due to the dipole-induced dipole interaction, the concentration of CO2 within the water droplet will go up as well. This has the effect of increasing the capture potential. The surface tension of the droplet increases with decreasing size, and, hence, the internal pressure of the droplet does as well.

[0065] While the disclosed subject matter is described herein in terms of certain preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and improvements may be made to the disclosed subject matter without departing from the scope thereof. Moreover, although individual features of one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter may be discussed herein or shown in the drawings of the one embodiment and not in other embodiments, it should be apparent that individual features of one embodiment may becombined with one or more features of another embodiment or features from a plurality of embodiments.

[0066] In addition to the specific embodiments claimed below, the disclosed subject matter is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below and those disclosed above. As such, the particular features presented in the dependent claims and disclosed above can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combinations. Thus, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

[0067] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the method and system of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter include modifications and variations that are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of treating a gas mixture, the method comprising: receiving a stream of gas comprising carbon dioxide within a carbon capture vessel, the carbon capture vessel including a first end and second end; and spraying droplets of a fluid comprising water via a plurality of nozzles, wherein the droplets contact the stream of gas within the interior of the carbon capture vessel, and wherein the droplets are electrically charged, thereby capturing carbon dioxide from the stream of gas into the droplets.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a voltage potential to at least one nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is free of an applied voltage potential.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising applying a secondary electric field to at least a portion of a volume within the carbon capture vessel.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the carbon capture vessel has at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, defining an interior volume there between.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein dispensing the fluid comprises spraying the droplets of the fluid in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein dispensing the fluid comprises spraying the droplets of the fluid in a third direction, the third direction angled relative to the first direction.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fluid is essentially amine free.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least 90% of the droplets have a droplet size of about 1-35 microns.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the fluid is at least one of reverse osmosis water or deionized water.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid is city water.

12. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electric charge is produced by static electricity via the fluid exiting the plurality of nozzles.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the electric field is generated by each of the plurality of nozzles, each nozzle forming about an equal portion of the electric field.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the electric field is generated by each of the plurality of nozzles, each nozzle forming an unequal portion of the electric field.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the electric charge is produced by a voltage potential applied to at least one portion of the carbon capture vessel, or a component thereof.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15 , wherein the carbon capture vessel further comprises a capacitor plate, and the voltage potential is applied to the capacitor plate.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the capacitor plate forms a portion of a sidewall of the carbon capture vessel.

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the capacitor plate forms a portion of a top or bottom surface of the carbon capture vessel.

19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17 , wherein the electric charge of the droplets generates an electric field in at least a portion of a volume within the carbon capture vessel.

20. A system for treating a gas, the system comprising:a gas conduit oriented along a first direction; a capture vessel in fluid communication with the gas conduit, the capture vessel extending along the first direction, the capture vessel including a first end and second end; a plurality of nozzles; and at least one drain formed within the capture vessel.21 . The system of claim 20 , wherein the capture vessel comprises at least one sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, defining an interior volume therebetween.22 . The system of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the plurality of nozzles are disposed along a plurality of headers and oriented orthogonal to the first direction, the nozzles configured to dispense droplets of a fluid comprising water.23 . The system of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein each of the plurality of nozzles is configured to impart an electric charge to the droplets.24 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the electric charge imparted to the droplets by the plurality of nozzles is associated with a pressure of the fluid being provided to the plurality of nozzles.25 . The system of claim 23 or 24, wherein the electric charge imparted to the droplet by the plurality of nozzles is associated with a number of nozzles of the plurality of nozzles.26 . The system of any one of claims 20 to 25, further comprising at least one capacitor plate.27 . The system of any one of claims 20 to 26, further comprising a pump, the pump configured to provide the fluid.28 . The system of any one of claims 20 to 27, further comprising a gas conduit, the gas conduit comprising a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger in fluid communication with the capture vessel.

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