Alkali Sorbent CO2 Capture Isothermal Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture technologies from combustion flue gases are inefficient due to low CO2 concentrations and pressures, requiring high energy for separation, especially in post-combustion processes, which increases the cost of electricity generation.
Innovation Solution
A sorbent-based process using alkali or alkaline earth metals dispersed on a solid support, such as alumina, that alternately contacts CO2-rich gas streams and steam at isothermal conditions for adsorption and desorption, minimizing energy input and maintaining constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional absorption processes are used for CO2 capture from flue gas, then CO2 separation can be achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly and electricity generation cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using isothermal conditions instead of temperature swing, and by using concentration swing (varying CO2 partial pressure) instead of pressure swing. This allows CO2 capture at lower energy costs while maintaining separation efficiency through these parameter changes in the adsorption process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical compression and heating systems with a chemical adsorption system that uses concentration gradients and isothermal conditions. This substitution eliminates the need for high-energy compression equipment while achieving effective CO2 separation through chemical affinity
2Productivity
If post-combustion CO2 capture is implemented, then CO2 can be removed from flue gas, but the low CO2 concentration and pressure require high energy input for separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - the sorbent material - that mediates between the CO2-rich flue gas and the separation process. The sorbent selectively adsorbs CO2 based on concentration gradients, enabling effective separation without requiring high energy input for compression or heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in CO2 partial pressure (concentration swing) as the driving force for separation. By maintaining isothermal conditions and using partial pressure gradients, the system achieves high CO2 recovery rates without the high energy input required by conventional methods that rely on temperature or mechanical compression
3Productivity
If conventional CO2 separation methods are used, then CO2 can be separated from flue gas, but the process complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation systems (compression, fractionation, membranes) with a simpler chemical adsorption system. The process uses only gas-solid contact, concentration gradients, and isothermal conditions, dramatically reducing device complexity while maintaining separation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption system is self-regulating through concentration gradients. The sorbent automatically adsorbs CO2 when partial pressure is high and releases it when partial pressure is low, eliminating the need for complex external control systems, heating mechanisms, or compression equipment
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 process effectively captures and regenerates CO2 with reduced energy consumption and costs, achieving high CO2 recovery rates while maintaining system efficiency and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
A sorbent-based process using alkali or alkaline earth metals dispersed on a solid support, such as alumina, that alternately contacts CO2-rich gas streams and steam at isothermal conditions for adsorption and desorption
Implementation Method 2
A sorbent-based process using alkali or alkaline earth metals dispersed on a solid support, such as alumina, that alternately contacts CO2-rich gas streams and steam at isothermal conditions for adsorption and desorption
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods of preparing the compositions are disclosed for sorbents and other surfaces that can adsorb and desorb carbon dioxide. A sorbent or surface can include a metal compound such as an alkali or alkaline earth compound and a support. The sorbent can be prepared by several methods, including an incipient wetness technique. The sorbents have a CO2 adsorption and desorption profile. A sorbent having high levels of a metal compound and adsorbed CO2 is disclosed.