Carbonate Biocatalyst CO2 Capture Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture technologies, particularly those using amines, are energy-intensive and costly, with high capital and operating expenses, while carbonate-based solutions face limitations in absorption rate and equipment size, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective approach.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing a mixture of water, biocatalysts, and carbonate compounds to dissolve and transform CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, followed by desorption to release CO2, with optional recycling of the ion-rich solution and biocatalyst management to enhance absorption and desorption efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If amine-based solutions are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 absorption capacity is improved, but energy consumption and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the absorption solution by using carbonate-based solutions with specific pH ranges (9-11) and concentrations (0.1-2.0 M), replacing traditional amine solutions. This parameter change maintains CO2 absorption capacity while reducing the energy required for solvent regeneration from typical amine levels (30-50% energy penalty) to lower levels with carbonate solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs carbonate solutions that can be easily regenerated and reused multiple times, replacing expensive amine solutions that require high-energy regeneration. The carbonate system allows for simpler, less energy-intensive desorption processes, effectively treating the absorption medium as a reusable resource with lower operational costs.
2Use of energy by moving object
If carbonate solutions are used for CO2 capture, then energy consumption is reduced, but CO2 absorption rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces biocatalysts as intermediary substances that facilitate the CO2 absorption reaction in carbonate solutions. These biocatalysts act as mediators between CO2 and the carbonate solution, accelerating the reaction rate without requiring additional energy input, thus resolving the contradiction between low energy consumption and high absorption rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite absorption system combining carbonate solutions with biocatalytic agents. This composite material integrates the low energy consumption advantage of carbonates with the high reaction rate enhancement provided by biocatalysts, achieving both energy efficiency and high productivity simultaneously.
3Loss of energy
If carbonate solutions are used for CO2 capture, then operating costs are reduced, but equipment size increases due to lower absorption rate
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing biocatalysts as intermediaries, the patent accelerates the CO2 absorption reaction in carbonate solutions, allowing for more compact equipment design. The biocatalytic enhancement enables smaller absorption towers and contactors to achieve the same CO2 removal efficiency, reducing the equipment size penalty while maintaining low operating costs.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional amine capture technology is deployed at large scale, then CO2 capture capacity is sufficient, but capital costs and operating expenses become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental chemical parameters of the capture system by replacing amine-based chemistry with carbonate-based chemistry. This parameter change enables large-scale deployment with lower capital costs due to simpler equipment design (smaller towers, less complex heat exchangers) and lower operating costs, while maintaining sufficient CO2 capture capacity for industrial applications.
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 absorption rates, reduces energy consumption, and lowers capital costs by optimizing the use of carbonate solutions with biocatalysts, making the process more viable for industrial-scale CO2 capture.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the CO2-containing gas with an absorption mixture comprising water, biocatalysts and a carbonate compound to enable dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions
Implementation Method 2
subjecting the ion-rich solution to desorption wherein the carbonate compound promotes release of the bicarbonate ions from the ion-rich solution producing a CO2 gas stream
Data Source
AI summary
A formulation and process for capturing CO2 use an absorption mixture containing water, biocatalysts and a carbonate compound. The process includes contacting a CO2-containing gas with the absorption mixture to enable dissolution and transformation of CO2 into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, thereby producing a CO2-depleted gas and an ion-rich solution, followed by subjecting the ion-rich solution to desorption. The biocatalyst improves absorption of the mixture comprising carbonate compounds and the carbonate compound promotes release of the bicarbonate ions from the ion-rich solution during desorption, producing a CO2 gas stream and an ion-depleted solution.