Bubble-Assisted Phase Separation for CO2 Capture Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 capture technologies face challenges with long static separation times, insufficient continuity, and weak antioxidant performance of phase change absorbents, leading to inefficiencies and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize bubbles to disturb CO2-containing phase change solutions, forming a non-uniform multiphase system to accelerate separation, enhance capture rate, and improve antioxidant performance by using inert gases like CO2 to remove dissolved oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional static separation method is used for CO2-containing phase change solution, then the separation process is simple, but the separation time is long and continuity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic separation mechanism where the separator can move between a first position (connected to absorption tower) and a second position (connected to desorption tower). This dynamic positioning enables continuous operation by allowing one separator to separate phases while another simultaneously transfers liquids, eliminating idle time and improving overall productivity without extending separation duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple separators operating in sequence with continuous liquid circulation. While one separator performs phase separation, another simultaneously transfers the CO2-rich liquid to the desorption tower and returns CO2-lean liquid to the absorption tower. This continuous cyclic operation eliminates interruptions and maintains constant productive action, resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and separation time.
2Use of energy by moving object
If phase change absorbent is used for CO2 capture, then energy consumption is reduced, but antioxidant performance is weak and amine concentration decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inert gas (nitrogen or carbon dioxide) into the CO2-rich liquid phase in the desorption tower to create an inert atmosphere. This inert gas environment prevents oxidation reactions by excluding oxygen, thereby maintaining the antioxidant performance and stabilizing the amine concentration of the phase change absorbent while preserving the energy efficiency benefits of phase change capture technology.
3Productivity
If CO2-rich liquid is sent to desorption tower for regeneration, then CO2 removal is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change properties of the absorbent material, which transitions between liquid and vapor phases during the absorption and desorption cycles. This phase transition mechanism enables CO2 removal through physical phase changes rather than requiring high-energy chemical reactions, significantly reducing desorption energy consumption while maintaining high CO2 removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous cyclic operation with multiple separators ensures that CO2-rich liquid is continuously transferred to the desorption tower and regenerated liquid is continuously returned to the absorption tower. This continuous operation optimizes energy utilization by maintaining steady-state conditions and avoiding repeated startup/shutdown energy losses, thereby achieving efficient CO2 removal with reduced energy consumption.
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 method and apparatus significantly enhance separation efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of the CO2-rich liquid phase by maintaining amine concentration, while maintaining stable operation and reducing footprint.
Implementation Method 1
the thrust effect generated by the bubble generator can promote the form of eddy current in the phase separator, which further accelerates the separation of different density solution system
Implementation Method 2
the thrust effect generated by the bubble generator can promote the form of eddy current in the phase separator, which further accelerates the separation of different density solution system
Implementation Method 3
accelerates the separation of different density solution system
Implementation Method 4
The gas that generates bubbles is inert gas such as CO2, which can also remove dissolved oxygen in the lower CO2-rich liquid phase and improve the antioxidant performance
Data Source
AI summary
A separation method and a separation apparatus for CO2-containing phase change solution are provided. Bubbles are used to disturb CO2-containing phase change solution in order to obtain at least two separated liquid phases. The bubbles and the CO2-containing phase change solution form a non-uniform multiphase system. During the process of bubble uplift, the bubbles combine with the less dense solution system and move upward together to accelerate the separation of different density solution system. At the same time, the thrust effect generated by the bubble generator can promote the form of eddy current in the phase separator, which further accelerates the separation of different density solution system and improves the separation efficiency of the phase change solution.