Apparatuses, methods, and systems for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals

Abstract

The present disclosures provides methods, apparatuses, and systems for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, particularly industrial waste minerals.

Description

[0001]

[0002] APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR AERATING CARBON DIOXIDE REACTIVE MINERALS

[0003] 1. BACKGROUND

[0004] Concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane, are increasing in the atmosphere. As a result, the average temperatures at the surface of the earth are increasing and are expected to continue rising. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is responsible for most of this increase. Each year, human activities release more CO2into the atmosphere than natural processes can remove, causing the amount of CO2in the atmosphere to increase. One way to combat global warming is to convert to neutral / negative emissions and transport systems. In addition to reducing emissions, over the next 100 years, the civilized world will need to remove 1-2 trillion metric tons of CO2from the atmosphere.

[0005] There is a long-standing need to remove CO2efficiently and cost-effectively from the atmosphere or directly from a point source. As used herein, a “point source” refers to any single identifiable source of pollution from which pollutants are discharged, such as a discharge pipe, drainage ditch, and ship or factory smokestack. There are two methodologies for carbon removal: nature-based and technology -based methods.

[0006] Nature-based carbon removal methods use existing natural processes to remove CO2from the atmosphere and enhance them. For example, they use forests and oceans as carbon sinks to absorb more carbon than they release. Thus, they allow forests to regrow, restore coastal wetlands, and use restorative agricultural practices to capture CO2from the air and sequester it in plants, soils, and sediments.

[0007] Technology-based solutions use technology to remove CO2from the atmosphere. Direct air capture (D AC) uses large fans to move air through a CO2-absorbing medium to absorb CO2and then release CO2as a purified stream. Direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) extracts CO2from the air and stores it in geological formations underground. Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) use atmospheric CO2absorbed by plants. Tire plants are burned to produce energy and release CO2, which, in turn, is captured and stored underground.

[0008] Unfortunately, many of the carbon removal technologies are expensive and require a significant amount of energy. For example, because the concentration of CO2in the atmosphere, at a point source, or in a process by-product is very dilute, large amounts of energy are needed for DACCS. In addition, the compression requirements for deep-well injection require significant energy and capital expenditures.

[0009] Methods of isolating CO2 on reactive minerals (such as alkaline or alkaline earth hydroxides) are well known. In atypical process, limestone (calcium carbonate or CaCOs) is calcined or otherwise made to produce calcium oxide (CaO or quicklime). Calcium oxide can then be reacted with water to produce calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2or slaked lime). Calcium hydroxide, in turn, can be reacted with atmospheric CO2to form calcium carbonate (CaCOs). However, such methods are not economically practical for large-scale CO2removal because they require expensive processing with chemicals, elevated temperatures, or other processing steps.

[0010] In the next step of isolating CO2, referred to as carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is heated to produce CO2and CaO. The produced CO2is isolated and injected underground, and the CaO is available to capture atmospheric CO2. Unfortunately, CCS requires extensive capital equipment, mining, transport, material handling, and large energy costs, all of which add significant emissions.

[0011] Systems that combine carbon mineralization and DAC are known. One such system uses a kiln to remove CO2 from limestone and sequesters the removed CO2 underground or in concrete. (See the World Wide Web at heirloomcarbon.com.) Once the CO2 has been removed, the remaining CaO is spread thinly onto vertically stacked trays and treated with water to form Ca(0H)2. The Ca(0H)2 then absorbs CO2 from air forming limestone, which is then transferred to the kiln to repeat the process. Unfortunately, the stacked trays used in this system have a limited area to access C02. As a result, the rate of C02absorption is restricted.

[0012] Another system that combines carbon mineralization and DAC involves using minerals from a legacy mine. (See the World Wide Web at arcaclimate.com). As used herein, tire term “legacy mine” refers to a mine in which the commodities have been extracted. An example of such a system is available from Area. In Area’s system, C02is captured from air and mineralization takes place when the air contacts the minerals from the legacy mine. Area’s system uses robots to till mine tailings so that they have sufficient exposure to air, which increases carbon mineralization. Unfortunately, robots are expensive to manufacture, control, and operate.

[0013] Thus, there is still a need for efficient and cost-effective methods that provide C02mineralization on a scale that will be helpfill to mitigate global temperature rise. 2. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0014] The present disclosure provides methods, apparatuses, and systems for aerating CO2 reactive minerals. The apparatuses and systems provide an increased accessible area of CO2 reactive minerals to come into contact with CO2 containing fluid. The apparatuses and systems comprise a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material. The air-permeable material allows for contact with a CO2 containing fluid both from the top and the bottom of the apparatus and system. The increased contact increases the rate at which the CO2 reactive minerals absorb CO2 and the mass of the CO2 reactive minerals that can be reacted in each batch.

[0015] In a first embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the self-supporting structure comprises an A-frame structure, the A-frame structure comprising a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, each pair of sloping beams forming a triangular side of the A- frame structure, with the proximal triangular side having a proximal peak and the distal triangular side having a distal peak. In a second aspect of the first embodiment, the self-supporting structure comprises a horizontal structure, the horizontal structure having atop surface, an underneath surface, and optionally a plurality of legs.

[0016] In a second embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, comprising: (a) a first and a second apparatus axially spaced apart, each apparatus comprising a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material. In one aspect of the second embodiment, the self-supporting structure comprises an A-frame structure and an air-permeable material, the A-frame structure comprising (i) a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, each pair of sloping beams fonning a triangular side of the A-frame structure, the proximal triangular side having a proximal peak and the distal triangular side having a distal peak: (ii) a ridge beam connecting the proximal peak and the distal peak; (iii) optionally a floor joist connecting one or both proximal sloping beams to opposing distal sloping beams at the bottom of the A-frame structure; and (iv) optionally one or more cross braces connecting the proximal triangular side to tire distal triangular side and being connected to the proximal support beam and the distal support beam; wherein the first and second apparatus being arranged such that the first sloping side of the first apparatus is opposing the first sloping slide of the second apparatus; and (b) a pocket defined by the space between the first sloping side of tire first apparatus and the first sloping side second apparatus. In a second aspect of the second embodiment, the self-supporting structure comprises a horizontal structure, the horizontal structure having a top surface and an underneath surface and optionally comprising a plurality of legs. In a third embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals. Tire method comprises contacting the carbon dioxide reactive minerals with a fluid comprising CO2 in an apparatus or system as described herein.

[0017] 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a side view perspective of the apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 4A - 4C show schematic diagrams of a system according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] FIGS. 5A- 5B show perspective views of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 5A shows the apparatus without a CO2reactive mineral and FIG. 5B shows the apparatus with a pile of a CO2reactive mineral.

[0023] FIGS. 6A - 6B show perspective views of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the disclosure similar to that shown in FIG. 5A and 5B, except that the apparatus has no legs. FIG. 6A shows the apparatus without a CO2reactive mineral and FIG. 6B shows the apparatus with a pile of a CO2reactive mineral.

[0024] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] It is to be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating tire concepts of the disclosure and may not be to scale.

[0026] 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The disclosure includes the following:

[0028] 1. An apparatus as described herein.

[0029] 2. An apparatus comprising a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material. 3. The apparatus according to the above 2, wherein the self-supporting structure comprising an A-frame structure, the A-frame structure comprising a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, each pair of sloping beams forming a triangular side of the A-frame structure, the proximal triangular side having a proximal peak and the distal triangular side having a distal peak.

[0030] 4. The apparatus according to the above 3, wherein each pair of sloping beams are hingedly connected to each other.

[0031] 5. The apparatus according to the above 3 or 4, wherein the A-frame structure comprises a ridge beam connecting the proximal peak and the distal peak.

[0032] 6. Tire apparatus according to any of the above 3 to 5, wherein the A-frame structure comprises a floor joist connecting one or both proximal sloping beams to opposing distal sloping beams at the bottom of the A-frame structure.

[0033] 7. Tire apparatus according to any one of the above 3 to 6, wherein the A-frame structure comprises one or more support beams connecting tire proximal sloping beams to each other or tire distal sloping beams to each other.

[0034] 8. Tire apparatus according to the above 7, wherein the A-frame structure comprises a cross brace connected to the proximal support beam and tire distal support beam.

[0035] 9. The apparatus according to any one of the above 6 to 8, wherein the air-permeable material extends from the ridge beam to the floor joist of the A-frame structure.

[0036] 10. The apparatus according to any one of the above 2 to 9, wherein the air-permeable material is a perforated plate.

[0037] 11. Tire apparatus according to the above 10, wherein the air-penneable material is welded onto the ridge beam.

[0038] 12. The apparatus according to the above 2, wherein the self-supporting structure comprises a horizontal structure, the horizontal structure having a top surface, an underneath surface, and optionally a plurality of legs.

[0039] 13. The apparatus according to the above 12, further comprising a tray disposed on the top surface of the horizontal structure, the tray comprising the air-permeable material. 14. The apparatus according to the above 12 or the above 13, wherein the horizontal structure comprises four comers and one leg attached to each of the four comers.

[0040] 15. The apparatus according to the above 12 or the above 13, wherein the horizontal structure has no legs.

[0041] 16. A system as described herein.

[0042] 17. A system for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, comprising: a first and a second apparatus as described herein.

[0043] 18. A system for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, comprising:

[0044] (a) a first and a second apparatus axially spaced apart, each apparatus comprising a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material.

[0045] 19. The system according to the above 18, wherein each apparatus comprises an A-frame structure and an air-permeable material, the A-frame structure comprising:

[0046] (i) a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, each of the proximal pair and the distal pair forming a triangular side of the A-frame structure, the proximal triangular side having a proximal peak and the distal triangular side having a distal peak;

[0047] (ii) a ridge beam connecting the proximal peak and tire distal peak;

[0048] (iii) optionally a floor joist connecting one or both proximal sloping beams to opposing distal sloping beams at the bottom of the A-frame structure; and

[0049] (iv) optionally one or more cross braces connected to the proximal support beam and the distal support beam; wherein the first and second apparatus being arranged such that the first sloping side of the first apparatus is opposing the first sloping slide of the second apparatus; and

[0050] (b) a pocket defined by the space between tire first sloping side of the first apparatus and the first sloping side second apparatus. 20. The system according to the above 19, wherein the distance between the bottom end of the proximal sloping beam of the first apparatus and the bottom end of the proximal sloping beam of the second apparatus ranges from about 0 ft to about 20 ft.

[0051] 21. The system according to the above 20, wherein the distance ranges from about 0 ft to about 10 ft.

[0052] 22. The system according to the above 19, wherein the self-supporting structure comprises a horizontal structure, the horizontal structure having a top surface and an underneath surface and optionally comprising a plurality of legs.

[0053] 23. Tire system according to the above 22, further comprising a tray disposed on the top surface of the horizontal structure, the tray comprising the air-permeable material.

[0054] 24. The system according to the above 22 or the above 23, wherein the horizontal structure comprises four comers and one leg attached to each of the four comers.

[0055] 25. The system according to the above 22 or the above 23, wherein the horizontal structure has no legs.

[0056] 26. The system according to any one of the above 16 to 25, further comprising a CO2 reactive mineral.

[0057] 27. A method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals as herein described.

[0058] 28. A method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, the method comprising contacting the carbon dioxide reactive minerals with a fluid comprising CO2 in an apparatus according to any one of the above 1-15.

[0059] 29. A method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, the method comprising contacting the carbon dioxide reactive minerals with a fluid comprising CO2 in a system according to any one of the above 16 to 26.

[0060] 4.1 Definitions

[0061] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods and examples are illustrative only, and are not intended to be limiting. All publications, patents and other documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0062] Throughout this specification, the word '‘comprise” or variations such as ‘'comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or groups of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Each instance herein, any of the terms “comprising,” “consisting essentially of.” and “consisting of’ can be replaced with either of the two other terms.

[0063] The term “a” or “an” may mean more than one of an item.

[0064] The terms “and” and “or” may refer to either the conjunctive or disjunctive and mean “and / or”.

[0065] Tire term “about” means within plus or minus 10% of a stated value. For example, “about 100” would refer to any number between 90 and 110.

[0066] The term “reactive mineral” refers to a mineral that is capable of reacting with CCE over a period of time ranging from minutes, hours, days, or weeks.

[0067] When a range of values is provided, it is to be understood that the range includes each intervening integer value between the upper and lower limit of that range. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is stated, it is understood to expressly include subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 1 to 6, from 1 to 7, from 1 to 8, from 1 to 9, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 2 to 8, etc., as well as individual values within the range, such as 1.1, 2, 2.6, 3, 3.9, 4, 4.2, 5, 5.7, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.4, 8, 8.8, 9, 9.1 and 10.

[0068] The present disclosure provides many exemplary embodiments and although each embodiment represents a single combination of elements, the disclosed subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the disclosed subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0069] Where the specification refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C, .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. 4.1 Apparatuses and Systems for Aerating Carbon Dioxide Reactive Minerals

[0070] The present disclosure provides apparatuses and systems for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals. The apparatuses and systems use simple materials, minimizing cost and energy in their manufacture and use. They can be easily assembled, allowing for removal of CO2 reactive minerals on site. Advantageously, the apparatuses and systems can be easily configured by adjusting their geometries to allow for enhanced contact area of CO2 with CO2 reactive minerals.

[0071] The apparatus of the disclosure comprises a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material. The self-supporting structure may be an A-frame or a horizontal structure. Tire self-supporting structures described herein may comprise metals, alloys, composite materials, or wood. In one embodiment, the A-frame comprises steel, wood, composite materials, or aluminum. The self-supporting structures comprise steel in a first embodiment, wood in a second embodiment, composite materials in a third embodiment, and aluminum in a fourth embodiment.

[0072] The air-permeable material used in the apparatus of the disclosure comprises a material that allows for the transport of air. The air-permeable material may be integrated with the self-supporting structure or a separate structure. The air-permeable material may be a perforated material or a perforated plate. For example, the air-penneable material may be perforated steel or mesh.

[0073] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 comprises an A-frame structure 110 and air-permeable material 200. The A-frame structure 110 comprises a proximal pair of sloping beams 120 and 130 and a distal pair of sloping beams 122 and 132, each pair form the triangular sides of the A-frame meeting at a peak 125, 135. Tire sloping beams may be welded to create the triangular shape of the frame such that the angle at the peak of the A-frame is fixed. Alternatively, the sloping beams may be hingedly connected so that the angle at the peak can be adjustable.

[0074] Apparatus 100 also comprises ridge beam 140 connecting peaks 125 and 135 at the very top of the apparatus and floor joist 150 connecting proximal sloping beams 120, 130 to their respective distal sloping beams 122, 132 at the base of the apparatus. Apparatus 100 may further comprise one or more support beams 160 located between sloping beam 120 and 130 and between sloping beams 122 and 132 and one or more cross braces 170 connected to a proximal support beam and to a distal support beam. The various structural components of apparatus 100 may be welded together. Apparatus 100 may optionally comprise one or more lift points (not shown) so that the apparatus may be lifted or hoisted. The lift points may be loops, tabs, rings, openings, or eye bolts that may be welded, bolted, embedded, reinforced, or threaded.

[0075] Apparatus 100 has a front face 180, rear face 185 and two sloping sides 190. The front face comprises the proximal sloping beams 120, 130 and the opposing rear face comprises the distal sloping beams 122, 132. The sloping sides 190 extend from the ridge beam 140 to the floor joist 150. One sloping side 190 comprises an air-permeable material 200. The air-permeable material can be a perforated plate placed on top of the sloping side 190 or welded onto ridge beam 140. Apparatus 100 may also comprise structural supports. For example, the sloping sides may comprises one or more subunits of steel grating to add structural support to the apparatus and to support the air-permeable material.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2, shown is a side-view of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. Apparatus 100 contains an A-frame structure 110 optionally with two support beams 160. The A-frame structure comprises a pair of proximal sloping beams 120, 130 and a pair of distal sloping beams 122, 132 connected by ridge beam 140, floor joist 150, and cross brace 170. Sloping side 190 comprises air-permeable material 200.

[0077] While FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the support beams 160, cross braces 170, and the ridge beam 140 as single beams, it is to be understood that each beam may comprise multiple pieces connected together to facilitate or improve handling, manufacturability, sustainability, strength, or cost efficiency.

[0078] Depending on the dimensions of the apparatus, apparatus 100 may contain a plurality of A-frame structures. For example, apparatus 100 may contain an A-frame 110 at the proximal end of apparatus 100, an A-frame at the distal end. and optionally one or more medial A-frames.

[0079] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of system 500. System 500 comprises apparatus 300A and apparatus 300B. Each apparatus 300A, B comprises an A-frame structure 310 optionally with one or two support beams 360. Each A-frame structure comprises a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, the pairs of sloping beams forming a peak at their top. Connecting the proximal peak to distal peak is ridge beam 340. Floor joist 350 connects a proximal sloping beam to a distal sloping beam and cross brace 370 connects the proximal support beam to the distal support beam. Sloping side 390 comprises air-permeable material 400. The sloping side comprising air-permeable material of apparatus 300A is facing towards the sloping side comprising air-pcrmcablc material of apparatus 300B. The space between the apparatus 300A and apparatus 300B creates a pocket 410 in which CO2 reactive minerals may be placed. Pocket 410 is a triangular or triangular-like prism, which allows fluid (e.g.. air) access from all sides. The distance between the apparatuses in a system can be varied to increase the volume of CO2 reactive mineral. The distance may range from about 0 ft to about 20 ft, about 0 ft to about 15 ft, about 0 ft to about 10 ft, about 0 ft to about 5 ft, about 0 ft, about 5 ft, about 10 ft, about 15 ft, or about 20 ft. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, system 700 is shown comprising apparatus 600A and apparatus 600B. In the pocket space between apparatus 600A and 600B is CO2 reactive mineral 655. In FIG. 4A, the two apparatuses are spaced about 0 ft whereas in FIG. 4B. the two apparatuses are spaced about 10 ft.

[0080] Tire angle at the proximal and distal peaks of the A-frame structures are adjustable. This allows the centroid of the prism to be changed, which, in turn, affects the surface to area ratio of the CO2 reactive mineral in the system. FIGS. 4A and 4C show system 700 comprising apparatus 600A and apparatus 600B. In the pocket space between apparatus 600A and 600B is CO2 reactive mineral 655. The peak angle of the apparatuses in FIG. 4A is smaller than that of the apparatuses in FIG. 4C.

[0081] The apparatus of the disclosure may be flattened completely, as shown hi FIG. 5A and FIG. 6A. Apparatus 800 comprises a flat horizontal surface 820 with a plurality of legs 810 (FIG. 5A) and with no legs (FIG. 6A). Horizontal surface 820 may be in the shape of a square or rectangle having four comers. Four legs 810 are attached to the horizontal surface one at each of the four comers. Depending on the size of apparatus 800, the horizontal structure may have additional legs 810 to support surface 820. Tray 830 with air-permeable material 840 is disposed on top of surface 820. Depending on the particle size of the CO2 reactive mineral, the air-permeable material may be a metal or plastic screen, nylon mesh, woven materials, geotextiles, and the like. When the particle size is fine, the air-permeable material preferably has small openings to allow for the easy diffusion of air.

[0082] FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B shows apparatus 800 with a pile of CO2 reactive mineral 850 on tray 830. CO2 reactive mineral 850 may be piled to a depth of less than about 50 cm, less than about 40 cm. less than about 30 cm, less than about 20 cm, less than about 15 cm, less than about 10 cm or less than about 5 cm.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of system 900. System 900 comprises apparatus 800A and apparatus 300B. Each apparatus 800 A, B contains a horizontal flat surface 820 a plurality of legs 810. Tray 830 comprises air-permeable material 840 disposed on top of horizontal flat surface 820. CO2 reactive mineral 850 may be placed on tray 830.

[0084] The CO2 reactive mineral used herein include naturally occurring reactive alkaline or alkaline earth elements and reactive industrial waste minerals (also referred to as industrial reactive waste minerals or industrial reactive minerals). Suitable natural occurring reactive alkaline or alkaline earth elements include, but are not limited to, serpentine, olivine, portlandite, larnite, periclase, spurrite, and combinations thereof.

[0085] CO2 reactive minerals can be sourced from industrial waste materials. Suitable sources of industrial waste minerals include, but are not limited to. steel slag, ladle slag, blast furnace slag, electric arc furnace slag, carbide lime waste, pet coke ash, coal ash, municipal waste incinerator ash, any ash or inorganic residue containing reactive alkaline or alkaline earth elements, coal bed ash, coal fly ash, waste coal ash, cement kiln dust, lime kiln dust, lime waste, dolomitic lime waste, red muds, petroleum refining mineral waste, concrete recycling fines, concrete recycling sludges, copper smelting wastes, mine tailings containing reactive alkaline or alkaline earth elements, and combinations thereof.

[0086] In some embodiments, the source of CO2 reactive industrial waste minerals can be an industrial slag. Numerous industrial processes produce slags as waste products. For example, iron production generates blast furnace slag and steel production generates ladle slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, and / or desulfurization slag. Such slags have complex and varying contents, depending on the raw materials used and the processes applied. Typical compositions of blast furnace (BF) slag, ladle (LMF) slag, and basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag are shown below in Table 1.

[0087] Table 1.

[0088] In some embodiments, the source of CO2 reactive industrial waste mineral can be ash. Numerous industrial processes produce ash as waste products. For example, power or steam production generates coal ash, waste coal ash, pet coke ash, municipal waste incinerator ash, wood, and biogenic ash, or any ash or inorganic residue containing reactive alkaline or alkaline earth elements.

[0089] CO2 reactive industrial waste minerals can be of any configuration, including granular, cuboidal, spherical, and / or irregular and can be of any size, ranging from fine particulates to large aggregate sizes up to several feet in diameter. In some embodiments, particles are present in a variety of different configurations. Suitable particle sizes can range from about 5 pm to about 500 mm, about 5 pm to about 400 mm, about 5 pm to about 300 mm, about 5 pm to about 200 mm, about 5 pm to about 100 mm, about 5 pm to about 50 mm, about 5 pm to about 40 mm, about 5 pm to about 30 mm, about 5 pm to about 20 mm. about 5 pm to about 10 mm, about 5 pm to about 1 mm, about 5 pm to about 500 pm, about 5 pm to about 100 pm, about 5 pm to about 50 pm, about 5 pm to about 10 pm, about 10 pm to about 500 mm, about 10 pm to about 400 mm, about 10 pm to about 300 mm, about 10 pm to about 200 mm, about 10 pm to about 100 mm, about 10 pm to about 50 mm, about 10 pm to about 40 mm, about 10 pm to about 30 mm, about 10 pm to about 20 mm, about 10 pm to about 10 mm, about 10 pm to about 1 mm, about 10 pm to about 500 pm. about 10 pm to about 100 pm, or about 10 pm to about 50 pm. In some embodiments, the particle size can be about 5 pm, about 10 pm, about 50 pm, about 100 pm, about 150 pm, about 200 pm, about 250 pm, about 300 pm, about 350 pm, about 400 pm, about 450 pm, about 500 pm, about 550 pm, about 600 pm, about 650 pm, about 700 pm, about 750 pm, about 800 pm, about 850 pm, about 900 pm, about 950 pm, about 1 mm, about 50 mm, about 100 mm, about 150 mm, about 200 mm, about 250 mm, about 300 mm, about 350 mm, about 400 mm, about 450 mm, or about 500 mm.

[0090] The fluid used herein may be air supplied, the atmosphere or CO2 supplied from a DAC system, at a point source, or as a process by-product. CO2 can be supplied as a gas, a liquid, a water-based solution of CO2, a wet CO2 gas, a fracking solution, or a reactive fracking solution with CO2. When CO2 is introduced as a gas, it can be at atmospheric pressure or reduced pressure. The apparatus and systems of the disclosure can be configured to include additional components. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatuses and systems described herein can be optionally connected to one or more analytical instruments to monitor, detect, or measure reaction products at specific time intervals. In some embodiments, the apparatus and systems of the disclosure can be optionally connected to a heat trace, e.g., heat produced from industrial sources. When heat traces are used, airflow through the apparatus and systems could be increased. In some embodiments, the apparatus and systems of the disclosure optionally comprise a hoist system for lifting, lowering or moving the apparatus or system.

[0091] In addition to using CO2 reactive minerals, the apparatus and systems described herein can be used for drying or weathering materials in which low-cost uniform drying is desired. For example, the apparatuses and systems described herein can be used to accelerate weathering of minerals, wood, biomass, and the like.

[0092] The apparatuses and systems of the disclosure can easily be assembled at an industrial site, thus allowing for on-site weathering, or drying of CO2 reactive minerals, or other materials used in carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere (such as biomass). They can be assembled to maximize the temperature differential between their upper and lower surfaces. Such temperature differential will help drive the air through the apparatus or system.

[0093] 4.3 Methods for Aerating Carbon Dioxide Reactive Minerals

[0094] The present disclosure provides a method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals. Hie method comprises contacting a carbon dioxide reactive mineral with a fluid comprising CO2 in an apparatus or system of the disclosure.

[0095] In the contact step, the carbon dioxide reactive mineral absorbs CO2 from the fluid and produces a mineral carbonate.

[0096] CO2 can be added during the contact step as a gas, as an enriched CO2 stream, a liquid, a waterbased solution comprising CO2, a wet CO2 gas, a flue gas, a process stream comprising CO2 (e.g., a fermentation process).

[0097] In various embodiments, the contact step further comprises contacting the reactive mineral and CO2with an additive. Additives can be used to increase the efficiency of CO2reactivity in the methods of the disclosure by increasing the reactivity of the reactive minerals. These additives include any salt of an amine, such as ammonium chloride, or any other salt that has an associated base with a pKb < 10. These additives can be added directly to the carbon dioxide reactive mineral or added in a solution comprising the additive. The solution comprising the additive can be water, hydraulic fracking solutions, or waterrecycle solutions.

[0098] In some embodiments in which the carbon dioxide reactive mineral is an industrial waste mineral, the method may comprise a pre-treating step in which the industrial waste mineral is processed by size reduction. For example, in the pre-treatment step, the industrial mineral can be ground, pulverized, milled, sifted, or sieved. Such treatment increases tire reactive surface area of the industrial waste mineral and can also facilitate handling.

[0099] In some embodiments in which the carbon dioxide reactive mineral is an industrial waste mineral, the method may comprise a pre-treating step in which the industrial waste mineral is processed by size gain. For example, in the pre-treatment step, fine particulate ash can be extruded, pelletized, or granulated. Such treatment increases the accessible area for contact to a carbon dioxide containing fluid and can facilitate handling.

[0100] In some embodiments in which the carbon dioxide reactive mineral is an industrial waste mineral, the method may comprise a pre-treating step in which the industrial waste mineral is processed by heat. For example, in the pre-treatment step, fine particulate ash can be subject to a heat source to remove water. CO2, or otherwise create more reactive surface area.

[0101] In some embodiments in which the carbon dioxide reactive mineral is an industrial waste mineral, the method may comprise a measuring and monitoring step in which the processed industrial waste mineral is monitored by a device to measure one or more of the following: pH of the waste mineral, CO2 flux in the atmosphere around and in the industrial waste mineral. CO2 on the surface of a mineral, the change in mass contained in the apparatus (via load scales for example), and optical properties of the minerals.

[0102] In some embodiments, reactive industrial waste minerals from different sources can be processed and combined, for example, after size reduction, to form a mixed reactive industrial waste material. These mixes can be extruded, pelletized, briquetted, or otherwise formed so that a formed particle can be exposed to the atmosphere.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising a self-supporting structure and an air-permeable material.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the self-supporting structure comprising an A-frame structure, the A-frame structure comprising a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, each pair of sloping beams forming a triangular side of the A-frame structure, the proximal triangular side having a proximal peak and the distal triangular side having a distal peak.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each pair of sloping beams are hingedly connected to each other.

4. Tire apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the A-frame structure comprises a ridge beam connecting the proximal peak and the distal peak.

5. The apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the A-frame structure comprises a floor joist connecting one or both proximal sloping beams to opposing distal sloping beams at the bottom of tire A-framc structure.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the A-frame structure comprises one or more support beams connecting the proximal sloping beams to each other or the distal sloping beams to each other.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6. wherein the A-frame structure comprises a cross brace connected to the proximal support beam and the distal support beam.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein tire air-permeable material extends from the ridge beam to the floor joist of the A-frame structure.

9. Tire apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the air-permeable material is a perforated plate.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the air-permeable material is welded onto the ridge beam.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the self-supporting structure comprises a horizontal structure, the horizontal structure having a top surface, an underneath surface, and optionally a plurality of legs.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a tray disposed on the top surface of the horizontal structure, the tray comprising the air-permeable material.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the horizontal structure comprises four comers and one leg attached to each of the four comers.

14. Tire apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the horizontal structure has no legs.

15. A system for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, comprising:(a) a first and a second apparatus axially spaced apart, each apparatus comprising a self- supporting stmcture and an air-permeable material.

16. Tire system according to claim 15, wherein each apparatus comprises an A-frame stmcture and an air-permeable material, the A-frame stmcture comprising:(i) a pair of proximal sloping beams and a pair of distal sloping beams, each pair of sloping beams forming a triangular side of the A-frame stmcture, the proximal triangular side having a proximal peak and the distal triangular side having a distal peak;(ii) a ridge beam connecting the proximal peak and the distal peak;(iii) optionally a floor joist one or both proximal sloping beams to opposing distal sloping beams at the bottom of tire A-frame stmcture; and(iv) optionally one or more cross braces connected to the proximal support beam and the distal support beam; wherein the first and second apparatus being arranged such that the first sloping side of the first apparatus is opposing the first sloping slide of the second apparatus; and(b) a pocket defined by the space between the first sloping side of tire first apparatus and the first sloping side second apparatus.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the distance between the bottom end of the proximal sloping beam of the first apparatus and the bottom end of the proximal sloping beam of the second apparatus ranges from about 0 ft to about 20 ft.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the distance ranges from about 0 ft to about 10 ft.

19. The system according to claim 16, wherein the self-supporting structure comprises a horizontal structure, the horizontal structure having a top surface and an underneath surface and optionally comprising a plurality of legs.

20. Tire system according to claim 19, further comprising a tray disposed on the top surface of the horizontal structure, the tray comprising the air-permeable material.

21. The system according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the horizontal structure comprises four comers and one leg attached to each of the four comers.

22. The system according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the horizontal structure has no legs.

23. The system according to any one of claims 16 to 20, further comprising a CO2 reactive mineral.

24. A method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, the method comprising contacting the carbon dioxide reactive minerals with a fluid comprising CO2 in an apparatus according to claim 1.

25. A method for aerating carbon dioxide reactive minerals, the method comprising contacting the carbon dioxide reactive minerals with a fluid comprising CO2 in a system according to claim 16.

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