Carbonation Gas Recirculation for Higher CO2 Use in Sugar Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing carbonation processes in beet sugar or cane sugar production suffer from low CO₂ gas utilization rates and high emissions, leading to inefficiencies and environmental impact, particularly when transitioning from coke-fired to gas-fired lime kilns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a pre-carbonation step where CO₂-depleted exhaust gas from a subsequent carbonation step is reintroduced into the alkaline carbonation reactant before the first carbonation step, enhancing CO₂ utilization by converting excess calcium hydroxide into calcium carbonate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If CO2-enriched gas is introduced into the alkaline carbonation educt before the first carbonation step using exhaust gas from further carbonation steps, then the total CO2 gas utilization rate increases, but the process complexity increases due to additional gas recirculation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers CO2 from exhaust gas that would otherwise be discarded, by introducing it into the alkaline carbonation educt before the first carbonation step. This transforms waste CO2 into a useful resource, increasing the total CO2 gas utilization rate from conventional levels to above 98%
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous CO2 utilization cycle where exhaust gas from carbonation steps is continuously recirculated back to the beginning of the carbonation process. This continuous recirculation ensures maximum CO2 utilization throughout the entire process
2Productivity
If CO2-depleted exhaust gas is discharged from carbonation steps, then the carbonation process can proceed, but significant CO2 emissions occur causing environmental harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions into a beneficial resource by recirculating the CO2-containing exhaust gas back into the carbonation process. The CO2 that would have been emitted is instead utilized to neutralize calcium hydroxide, transforming an environmental problem into a process advantage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding CO2 through emissions, the patent recovers it from the exhaust gas stream and reintroduces it into the carbonation educt, eliminating harmful emissions while maintaining process productivity
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 significantly increases overall CO₂ utilization rates and reduces emissions by recycling unused CO₂, achieving higher efficiency and environmental sustainability in sugar production processes.
Implementation Method 1
the calcium hydroxide is neutralized by introducing freshly produced lime kiln gas, i.e. a gas containing carbon dioxide... and the calcium hydroxide is precipitated as calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 2
introducing at least a portion of the CO2-depleted exhaust gas from the at least one further carbonation step into the alkaline carbonation educt before the first carbonation step
Implementation Method 3
the precipitated calcium carbonate, in particular in the form of calcium carbonate crystals, is able to exert a cleaning effect through the adsorption of precipitated colloids and other non-precipitable non-sugar substances
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing a carbonation product from a carbonation reactant and to a device for producing a carbonation product from a carbonation reactant, in particular suitable and designed for carrying out the method according to the invention.