Aqueous Amine Blend for Fast CO2 Absorption With Lower Volatility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aqueous amine-based absorption media for removing acid gases face challenges in achieving efficient carbon dioxide removal with high reaction rates while minimizing activator concentrations to reduce costs and volatility-related issues, particularly with activators like piperazine and NMEA.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous absorption medium comprising a blend of tertiary alkanolamine (MDEA) and secondary alkanolamine (MAPD) as an activator, with a weight ratio of MAPD to MDEA optimized to achieve high reaction rates and minimize volatility, using a secondary amine like methylaminopropanediol (MAPD) to enhance carbon dioxide removal efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high concentrations of activator (e.g., piperazine, NMEA) are used to achieve high reaction rates for CO2 removal, then the reaction rate improves, but volatility-related issues and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the absorption medium by using tertiary alkanolamines with specific molecular structures (formulas I and II) and optimizing their concentration ranges. This modifies the reaction kinetics and volatility characteristics to achieve high reaction rates at lower activator concentrations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite absorption medium by blending multiple tertiary alkanolamines with different molecular structures and properties. The synergistic interaction between components (e.g., MDEA with MAPD) enhances reaction rate while reducing overall volatility compared to single-component systems
2Productivity
If high concentrations of activator are used to maximize acid gas removal efficiency, then acid gas removal efficiency improves, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of tertiary alkanolamines within specific ranges (e.g., 30-70 wt% MDEA, 10-30 wt% MAPD) to achieve maximum acid gas removal efficiency at reduced activator concentrations, lowering material costs and operational expenses
3Object-generated harmful factors
If tertiary alkanolamines with specific molecular structures are used to reduce volatility, then volatility decreases, but reaction rate may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent formulates composite absorption media combining tertiary alkanolamines with complementary properties (e.g., MDEA for low volatility with MAPD for enhanced reaction kinetics). The composite system achieves both low volatility and high reaction rate through synergistic component interaction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces secondary alkanolamines as localized activator components within the tertiary alkanolamine system. These secondary alkanolamines are strategically positioned in the molecular structure to provide high reaction rate enhancement at specific sites without increasing overall system volatility
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 MDEA/MAPD blend achieves efficient carbon dioxide removal at lower solvent circulation rates and reduced activator concentrations, minimizing solvent loss and operational costs, while maintaining effective reaction rates.
Implementation Method 1
Aqueous amine based absorption media are probably the most common absorbents for removing acid gases
Implementation Method 2
at least one tertiary alkanolamine having the general formula (I)... at least one secondary alkanolamine having the general formula (II)
Data Source
AI summary
An aqueous absorption medium for removal of acid gases from a gaseous stream includes at least one tertiary alkanolamine and at least one secondary alkanolamine. A total weight of the at least one tertiary alkanolamine and the at least one secondary alkanolamine account for an amine weight of the aqueous absorption medium. The amine weight of the aqueous absorption medium is from 25 wt % to 65 wt %, based on a total weight of the aqueous absorption medium, and the at least one secondary alkanolamine is present in an amount from 11 wt % to 45 wt %, based on the amine weight of the aqueous absorption medium.