Sterically Hindered Alkanolamine Solvent for High CO2 Pressure Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solvents for removing carbon dioxide from gaseous mixtures with high CO2 partial pressures face challenges in achieving high CO2 loading capacity without precipitation and efficient regeneration, particularly when using solvents like 2-amino-2-methyl propanol, which results in insoluble bicarbonate salts.
Innovation Solution
A solvent composition comprising a sterically hindered alkanolamine, such as 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol or 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol, combined with a polyamine like 2-piperazine-1-ethylamine, in specific weight percentages, enhances CO2 loading capacity and solubility of bicarbonate salts, preventing precipitation and improving absorption kinetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional solvents like 2-amino-2-methyl propanol are used to remove CO2 from gaseous mixtures, then CO2 absorption capacity is achieved, but bicarbonate salts precipitate and solubility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameter of the alkanolamine from 2-amino-2-methyl propanol to sterically hindered alkanolamines (2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol or 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol). This structural modification prevents bicarbonate salt precipitation while maintaining high CO2 loading capacity, resolving the contradiction between absorption capacity and salt solubility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite solvent system combining sterically hindered alkanolamine (40-60 wt%), polyamine (5-20 wt%), and optional tertiary amine (10-30 wt%). This composite formulation synergistically improves both CO2 loading capacity and prevents bicarbonate precipitation, addressing the solubility limitation of traditional single-component solvents.
2Productivity
If solvents are used to achieve high CO2 loading capacity, then absorption efficiency is improved, but regeneration energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the solvent composition parameters to include sterically hindered alkanolamines with specific molecular structures that facilitate easier CO2 release during regeneration. The optimized weight percentages (40-60% alkanolamine, 5-20% polyamine) create a balance between high absorption capacity and reduced regeneration energy requirements compared to traditional solvents.
3Loss of substance
If conventional solvents are used for CO2 removal, then basic absorption function is provided, but vapor pressure is high causing evaporative losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates a composite solvent where sterically hindered alkanolamine (40-60 wt%) serves as the base component with inherently lower vapor pressure. The addition of polyamine (5-20 wt%) further modifies the vapor-liquid equilibrium characteristics. This composite formulation significantly reduces vapor pressure and evaporative losses while maintaining effective CO2 absorption performance.
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
The solvent achieves higher CO2 loading capacities and reduced vapor pressure, leading to more efficient carbon dioxide removal and reduced evaporative losses, compared to traditional solvents like N-methyl diethanolamine, with improved operational performance in acid gas cleaning systems.
Implementation Method 1
a solvent for removing gases from a gaseous mixture comprising: a polyamine present in an amount from 3% to 25% by weight; a sterically hindered alkanolamine present in an amount from 10% to 65% by weight
Implementation Method 2
a selective activator (otherwise referred to as a polyamine) to promote the reaction kinetics
Implementation Method 3
enhances CO2 loading capacity and solubility of bicarbonate salts, preventing precipitation
Implementation Method 4
The solvent achieves higher CO2 loading capacities and reduced vapor pressure, leading to more efficient carbon dioxide removal and reduced evaporative losses
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an absorption solvent and, more particularly, to an absorption solvent for removing carbon dioxide from a gaseous mixture having high carbon dioxide partial pressure.