Amine-Supported Sorbent Pellets for CO2 Scrubbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid sorbents for scrubbing carbon dioxide are expensive, flammable, and difficult to handle due to their small size and shape, making them unsuitable for large-scale commercial development and applications like indoor ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A solid supported amine sorbent is developed using organic amines and high surface area particles, formed into larger shapes such as pellets or monoliths, which can be easily handled and used as a fixed bed for flow-through adsorption, eliminating the need for expensive solvents and reducing movement during gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If small functionalized particles are used for carbon dioxide scrubbing, then the sorbent has high surface area for effective adsorption, but the particles are difficult to handle and move easily during gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple small functionalized particles into larger aggregated structures or monolithic forms while preserving the high surface area-to-volume ratio. This merging approach maintains the adsorption effectiveness of small particles while eliminating their handling difficulties and susceptibility to movement during gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates hierarchical structures where small high-surface-area particles are nested within or coated onto larger support structures. This nested arrangement allows the small particles to maintain their adsorption functionality while being stabilized within a larger framework that prevents movement and improves handleability.
2Reliability
If expensive solvents or water soluble alcohols are used to make solid sorbents, then the sorbent can be effectively formed, but the process becomes too expensive for large scale commercial development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive solvents and water-soluble alcohols with water as the processing medium. Water is abundant, inexpensive, and non-flammable, making the sorbent formation process economically viable for large-scale commercial development while maintaining effective sorbent formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the processing medium from organic solvents to water, fundamentally altering the cost profile and safety characteristics of the manufacturing process while achieving the same sorbent formation objectives.
3Reliability
If water soluble alcohols such as ethanol or methanol are used, then the sorbent can be formed, but the process becomes too dangerous due to flammability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flammable organic solvents with water, eliminating the fire hazard entirely. Water's non-flammable nature removes the safety risks associated with handling and processing alcoholic solvents while maintaining the ability to form effective solid sorbents.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inherently safe processing environment by using water, which acts as an inert medium from a fire safety perspective. This eliminates the need for special fire suppression measures or controlled atmospheres required when working with flammable solvents.
4Quantity of substance
If very small functionalized particles are used, then the adsorption capacity is high, but the particles are carried off in the movement of gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges small high-capacity particles into larger aggregated structures or monolithic forms, maintaining the total adsorption capacity while preventing individual particles from being carried away by gas flow. The larger composite structure retains the functional benefits of small particles without their susceptibility to entrainment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite structures combining small functionalized particles with larger support matrices or binding agents. This composite approach preserves the high surface area and adsorption capacity of the small particles while the composite structure as a whole resists gas flow entrainment.
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 sorbent effectively captures carbon dioxide and other gases, providing a cost-effective and safe solution for indoor air purification and industrial applications, with improved mechanical stability and handling properties.
Implementation Method 1
the organic amine and support particles are aggregated to form a larger pellets, clusters, or shaped form
Implementation Method 2
Solid sorbents have been used to scrub or remove carbon dioxide from gases emitted from combustion processes and the atmosphere
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention feature article of manufacture, methods of making and methods of using a paste of the reaction product of an organic amine and support particles, shaped as pellets, sheets, films, rings discs or other forms useful for scrubbing carbon dioxide from emissions and the atmosphere.