Adsorptive Gas Separation Process for CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional adsorptive gas separation processes for separating carbon dioxide from combustion gas streams are energy-intensive and inefficient, particularly due to high steam consumption and condensation issues that reduce adsorbent capacity and increase operating costs.
Innovation Solution
The process involves a multi-step adsorptive gas separation method using a system with adsorbent contactors, where a feed stream is adsorbed, followed by regeneration with a low exergy stream, and further desorption using temperature or partial pressure swings, with optional condensation and pressure reduction to enhance efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam is used as a regeneration stream to cause desorption of components from adsorbent material, then desorption efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and steam quantity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature swing adsorption where the adsorbent material is subjected to cyclic temperature changes. During the adsorption phase, the material is at a lower temperature to maximize component uptake. During the regeneration phase, the temperature is increased to induce desorption. This parameter change approach allows efficient desorption without requiring large quantities of steam, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If steam is used as a regeneration stream to cause desorption, then desorption is enhanced, but steam condenses and adsorbs on the adsorbent material reducing its capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cyclic process with distinct adsorption and regeneration phases. During the adsorption phase, the adsorbent operates at conditions optimized for component uptake. During the regeneration phase, temperature is increased to release adsorbed components. This periodic action prevents steam condensation issues by ensuring the adsorbent is in a dry state during adsorption, maintaining its capacity and reliability over multiple cycles.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional adsorptive gas separation processes are used, then carbon dioxide separation is achieved, but operating costs increase due to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regenerating adsorption system where the adsorbent material automatically releases adsorbed components during the temperature swing cycle without requiring external chemical agents or large amounts of steam. The heat required for regeneration can be recovered from the process stream itself, creating a self-sustaining cycle that maintains high carbon dioxide separation purity while significantly reducing operating costs associated with energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces energy consumption, minimizes steam usage, and maintains high purity of the separated carbon dioxide, thereby lowering operational costs and improving the overall efficiency of the gas separation process.
Implementation Method 1
adsorbing at least a portion of a first component of the feed stream on at least one adsorbent material in the at least one contactor
Implementation Method 2
desorbing at least a portion of the first component adsorbed on the at least one adsorbent material in the at least one contactor
Implementation Method 3
admitting the second product stream into a condenser, condensing at least a portion of the third component
Data Source
AI summary
An adsorptive gas separation process and system is provided for separating at least a first component from a multi-component fluid mixture, or specifically for separating carbon dioxide from a combustion gas stream. The adsorptive gas separation process comprises an adsorbing step, a first regenerating step, an optional second regenerating step and an optional conditioning step.