Ammoniated Solution Non-Volatile Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing carbon dioxide from flue gases using ammoniated solutions are inefficient due to the buildup of non-volatile compounds, which increase corrosivity and reduce the effectiveness of the CO2 removal process, leading to higher operational and investment costs in industrial gas purification systems.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a gas-liquid separating device to separate ammonia-rich and ammonia-lean phases within the CO2 removal system, allowing for the reintroduction of the ammonia-rich gas phase into the circulating ammoniated solution and the removal of non-volatile compounds, thereby improving the CO2 absorption efficiency and reducing chemical consumption and waste volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ammoniated solution is circulated continuously for CO2 removal, then CO2 absorption efficiency is maintained, but non-volatile compounds accumulate increasing corrosivity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 absorption efficiencyVSAvoidcorrosivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes non-volatile compounds from the circulating ammoniated solution by introducing the solution to a stripper where non-volatile compounds are separated and removed, preventing their accumulation while maintaining continuous circulation for CO2 removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent discards non-volatile compounds that accumulate in the ammoniated solution through the stripper unit, recovering clean ammoniated solution that can continue to be used for CO2 absorption, thus maintaining efficiency while reducing corrosivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-volatile compounds are removed from ammoniated solution, then corrosivity decreases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecorrosivityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the non-volatile compound removal function with the existing CO2 removal system by integrating a stripper unit that can be combined with the absorber and regenerator, avoiding completely separate treatment systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stripper unit serves multiple functions: removing non-volatile compounds, preventing corrosion, and maintaining ammoniated solution quality for continuous CO2 removal, making the system more versatile without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If ammoniated solution is regenerated at elevated temperature, then CO2 is separated effectively, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 separation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter during regeneration to elevated levels to effectively separate CO2 from the ammoniated solution, then cools the solution back to operational temperature for the absorption cycle, optimizing the balance between separation efficiency and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the CO2 absorption process by reducing the concentration of non-volatile compounds, decreasing corrosivity, and lowering operational costs through reduced chemical consumption and waste management, while maintaining the efficiency of the CO2 removal system.

Implementation Method 1

separating the portion of the circulating ammoniated solution stream into an ammonia rich gas phase and a liquid phase comprising the non-volatile compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase separation: Two-Phase Flow

Implementation Method 2

capturing carbon dioxide from a flue gas... in a CO2 absorber by means of an ammoniated solution... The CO2 is absorbed by the ammoniated solution in the absorber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

the ammoniated solution is regenerated in a regenerator under elevated pressure and temperature to allow the CO2 to escape the ammoniated solution as gaseous carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 4

allow the CO2 to escape the ammoniated solution as gaseous carbon dioxide of high purity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2616161B1Removal of non-volatiles from ammonia-based co2-absorbent solution
Publication Date: 2017.01.25 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP2616161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2616161B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2616161B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system is arranged to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from a gas stream by bringing the gas stream into contact with a circulating ammoniated solution stream such that CO2 is removed from the gas stream by the ammoniated solution stream. A method of removing non-volatile compounds from the circulating ammoniated solution stream includes: introducing a portion of the circulating ammoniated solution stream into a gas-liquid separating device; and separating the introduced ammoniated solution into an ammonia rich gas phase and a liquid phase comprising the non-volatile compounds; and reintroducing the ammonia rich gas phase into the circulating ammoniated solution stream.