Cascading Zeolite Membrane Separation System for CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current membrane separation systems for CO2 separation in CCS and CCUS processes face challenges in achieving high separation accuracy while maintaining a simple configuration and minimizing energy consumption, with existing methods often resulting in complex systems and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The proposed separation system includes a first and second separation part with zeolite membranes, connected by an intermediate part without pressure rising or reduction devices, where the mixed fluid is supplied at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and the permeate fluid pressure is reduced, using a pressure reducing part to achieve improved separation accuracy and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pressure rising devices and pressure reduction devices are added to improve separation accuracy, then separation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The separation system is divided into multiple separation membrane modules arranged in series, where each module performs partial separation. The permeate from one module becomes the feed for the next module, creating a cascading separation process that achieves high overall separation accuracy without requiring complex pressure control devices at each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using multiple pressure rising and reduction devices to force separation, the system inverts the approach by using the natural pressure gradient created by the sequential module arrangement. The pressure naturally decreases from the first module to the last, and this gradient is utilized to drive the separation process without additional energy input.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple compressors and vacuum pumps are used to maintain pressure differences across separation membranes, then separation accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a preliminary pressure gradient by arranging the separation membrane modules in series from the high-pressure supply side to the low-pressure exhaust side. This preliminary pressure distribution is set up once during system configuration, and then the natural flow of gas through the modules maintains the separation process without requiring continuous energy input from compressors or vacuum pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation system serves itself by using the pressure differential naturally created by the gas flow through the series-connected modules. Each module automatically operates at its appropriate pressure differential without external control, and the permeate gas naturally flows from one module to the next, eliminating the need for energy-consuming pressure control devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex system with multiple pressure control devices is implemented, then separation accuracy is improved, but the system configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separation membrane modules are merged into a single integrated system where the modules are connected in series. The permeate exhaust port of one module is directly connected to the supply port of the next module, combining multiple separation functions into a unified configuration that achieves high separation accuracy without requiring separate pressure control systems for each module.
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 configuration enhances separation accuracy and reduces energy consumption by maintaining a simple system design, achieving a CO2 concentration of up to 96% in the permeate fluid while minimizing the need for expensive compressors and vacuum pumps.
Implementation Method 1
In the membrane separation method, a partial pressure difference of a fluid component between a supply side and a permeate side of a separation membrane becomes a driving force
Implementation Method 2
a separation method of a mixed fluid composed of liquids, gases, vapors, or the like, a distillation method, a chemical absorption method, a physical absorption method, an adsorption method, a membrane separation method
Implementation Method 3
a separation system includes a first separation part having a separation membrane, and a second separation part having a separation membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A separation system includes first and second separation parts each having a separation membrane and provided with a fluid supply port, a permeate fluid exhaust port, and a non-permeate fluid exhaust port, an intermediate connecting part for connecting the permeate fluid exhaust port of the first separation part and the fluid supply port of the second separation part, a supply pipe connected to the fluid supply port of the first separation part, in which a mixed fluid flows at a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure, and a pressure reducing part connected to the permeate fluid exhaust port of the second separation part, for reducing a pressure inside the permeate fluid exhaust port to a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure. A pressure inside the intermediate connecting part is lower than a pressure inside the supply pipe and not lower than the atmospheric pressure.