Aminosilicone Solvent CO2 Capture with Steam Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 absorption and desorption processes using non-aqueous aminosiloxane solvents are capital intensive, have high maintenance costs, and are affected by the high viscosity and expense of solvents, as well as heat-induced degradation, necessitating improvements in efficiency and solvent recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a lean aminosilicone solvent circulation in an absorber, followed by heat-treatment in a desorber with steam augmentation to regenerate the solvent, and controlled addition of make-up water to reduce viscosity and temperature requirements, enhancing the CO2 separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-aqueous aminosiloxane solvents are used for CO2 absorption, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but solvent viscosity increases and heat-induced degradation occurs during desorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the desorption process by introducing steam and operating at controlled temperatures and pressures. This allows regeneration of the solvent without causing thermal degradation, resolving the contradiction between effective CO2 removal and solvent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Steam is introduced as an intermediary substance to facilitate the desorption process. The steam provides the necessary heat and mass transfer medium to release CO2 from the solvent without directly heating the solvent to degradation temperatures, thus protecting the solvent while achieving efficient CO2 removal.
2Productivity
If thermal desorption is used to regenerate solvent, then CO2 removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to heating and cooling cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal energy that would otherwise degrade the solvent into a beneficial process driver. By using steam at controlled conditions, the thermal energy facilitates CO2 desorption while the steam condensation provides cooling, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling energy inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The process utilizes phase transitions of steam (vapor to liquid) to provide both heating during desorption and cooling during condensation. This eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling cycles, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective solvent regeneration.
3Productivity
If conventional absorption-desorption systems are implemented, then CO2 separation is achieved, but system complexity and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorption and desorption functions into a single integrated contactor device. The contactor performs both CO2 absorption from the gas stream and steam-driven desorption of the solvent in one unit, eliminating the need for separate absorption columns, desorption columns, and associated balance-of-plant equipment, thus reducing system complexity and capital costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor device is designed to perform multiple functions: CO2 absorption, steam injection, CO2 stripping, and solvent regeneration all in one unit. This multi-functional design replaces conventional multi-component systems, reducing both device complexity and capital investment while maintaining effective CO2 separation.
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 increases CO2 capture efficiency, reduces solvent loss, and minimizes heat-induced degradation, lowering energy costs and maintaining solvent effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
reacting the gas stream with the lean aminosilicone solvent within the absorber at a first temperature range, so as to generate a rich aminosilicone solvent stream
Implementation Method 2
directing the rich aminosilicone solvent stream to a desorber (solvent regenerator) that heat-treats the rich solvent in an endothermic desorption/regeneration reaction
Implementation Method 3
directing the regenerated, lean aminosilicone solvent through a steam-producing, indirect heat exchanger configured to supply steam to the desorber apparatus
Implementation Method 4
lower the partial pressure of CO2 in the vapor phase in the lower region of the desorber
Data Source
AI summary
A method for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream is disclosed, in which the gas stream is reacted with a lean aminosilicone solvent in an absorber, resulting in a rich aminosilicone solvent that is then treated in a desorber to release the CO2 and regenerate lean aminosilicone solvent in a desorption reaction. The regenerated solvent is directed into a steam-producing, indirect heat exchanger that is configured to supply steam to the desorber at a temperature high enough to augment the desorption reaction. Also, selected amounts of make-up water are added to the rich aminosilicone solvent at one or more process locations between the absorber and the desorber, to lower the viscosity of the solvent and to lower the temperature required for the desorption reaction.