Carbon Capture Chamber Using Droplet and Bubble Packetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon-capturing devices face inefficiencies due to limited surface area and chemical flow issues, particularly in systems using chemical-impregnated suspension lattices and free-standing chemicals, which impede the dissolution and desorption of carbon dioxide.
Innovation Solution
The invention introduces droplet and bubble delivery systems that packetize chemical fluids or gases within an admixing chamber, utilizing streaming means, atomizers, and various packetization methods to enhance surface area and chemical flow, allowing for continuous or intermittent interaction with feed gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If chemical-impregnated suspension lattices or free-standing chemicals are used in carbon-capturing devices, then the device structure is simplified, but the surface area for gas-chemical interaction is limited and chemical flow is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chemical fluid into numerous small droplets dispersed throughout the admixing chamber, transforming a single continuous phase into many discrete units. This segmentation dramatically increases the total surface area available for CO2 absorption while maintaining structural simplicity. The droplet generator creates thousands of micro-droplets that collectively provide vastly more interaction surface than traditional suspension lattices or free-standing chemical beds.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional surface contact (as in suspension lattices where gas flows over a fixed surface) to three-dimensional volumetric distribution of chemical droplets throughout the chamber. This dimensional change allows the chemical fluid to occupy and interact with the entire volume of the admixing chamber, maximizing surface area without increasing device footprint or structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional chemical-impregnated suspension lattices are used, then device structure is simplified, but chemical flow and dissolution efficiency are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static suspension lattices with dynamic, freely moving chemical droplets that are continuously generated, dispersed, and recirculated. This dynamic approach allows the chemical fluid to actively seek out and interact with CO2 throughout the chamber volume, dramatically improving dissolution efficiency and capture productivity compared to static chemical beds where gas must flow over fixed surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs fluid dynamic principles by generating and dispersing chemical droplets through the gas stream using pneumatic atomization. The droplet generator uses pressurized gas to break up the chemical fluid into fine droplets that are carried by the gas flow, creating intense mixing and contact between chemical and CO2. This pneumatic-hydraulic approach maximizes mass transfer efficiency and capture productivity.
3Device complexity
If free-standing chemicals are used, then device structure is simplified, but surface area exposure and chemical flow are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the chemical fluid by transforming it from a continuous liquid phase or solid impregnated material into a dispersed droplet phase. This parameter change from bulk to dispersed state increases the surface-area-to-volume ratio by orders of magnitude, exposing vastly more chemical surface area to the gas stream without complicating the device structure. The droplet size distribution and concentration are optimized to maximize exposed surface area.
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 packetization systems significantly increase the exposed surface area and efficiency of carbon capture, enabling more effective sequestration of carbon dioxide and reducing the need for recycling, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
An atomizer, housed inside the admixing chamber, releases chemical droplets into the chamber.
Implementation Method 2
The feed gas makes contact with the solvent, causing carbon dioxide to be scrubbed from the feed gas and dissolved into the solvent.
Implementation Method 3
Within that vessel, saturated solvent is heated to critical temperature, causing the dissolved carbon dioxide to be released/desorbed.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices and methods for capturing carbon dioxide and other gases. All gas-capturing systems employ chemical fluid/media for binding purposes. One system delivers chemicals in droplet form, while another system delivers feed gas in bubble form. All systems employ an admixing chamber for confining and uniting particles of matter, as well as streaming means for placing gas in confinement. The droplet-based delivery system packetizes chemicals using an atomizing device, while the bubble-based delivery system packetizes gaseous feedstock using metering means, rerouting means, perturbation means, and stream-dividing means. The droplet and bubble systems feature common or unique advantages relating to chemical flow, surface area, and/or progressive cycling. These advantages increase the efficiency of gas-capturing devices in general and decarbonizing devices in particular.