Chilled Ammonia CO2 Capture System with Two-Stage Absorbers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chilled ammonia carbon dioxide capture systems operate at low temperatures, leading to slower reaction rates and increased costs due to larger equipment and lower circulation rates, which is undesirable for efficient CO2 removal from flue gas streams in power generation systems.
Innovation Solution
The system operates by contacting a flue gas stream with an ammoniated solution in a first absorber at temperatures between 25 to 50 degrees Celsius, followed by a second absorber at 5 to 35 degrees Celsius, allowing for efficient carbon dioxide capture and ammonia recycling, thereby reducing equipment size and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the chilled ammonia process operates at low temperatures (below 20°C), then carbon dioxide can be captured from flue gas, but the reaction rate between ammonia solutions and water becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional low temperatures (below 20°C) to higher temperatures (25-50°C) in the first absorber and (5-35°C) in the second absorber. This parameter change accelerates the reaction rate between ammonia solutions and water, enabling faster CO2 capture while maintaining capture capability through the two-absorber configuration.
2Reliability
If the chilled ammonia process operates at low temperatures, then CO2 capture is achieved, but larger vessels are required with increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter to higher ranges (25-50°C in first absorber, 5-35°C in second absorber), the patent improves reaction kinetics which reduces the required contact time. This allows for smaller vessel volumes while maintaining CO2 capture capability, directly reducing equipment size and associated costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the CO2 capture process into two separate absorbers with different temperature conditions. The first absorber operates at higher temperatures (25-50°C) for rapid CO2 absorption, while the second absorber operates at lower temperatures (5-35°C) for ammonia recovery. This segmentation allows each vessel to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall equipment size compared to a single large absorber.
3Reliability
If the chilled ammonia process operates at low temperatures, then CO2 capture is achieved, but circulation rates are lower and the process is slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from conventional low temperatures to higher temperatures (25-50°C in first absorber, 5-35°C in second absorber). This parameter change significantly improves reaction kinetics, enabling higher circulation rates and faster CO2 capture processes while maintaining capture capability through the optimized two-absorber system.
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 enhances carbon dioxide capture efficiency, reduces ammonia usage by 70-90%, decreases capital and maintenance costs, and minimizes equipment size, resulting in a more cost-effective and efficient carbon dioxide capture process.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a flue gas stream with an ammoniated solution within a first absorber; wherein the first absorber operates at a temperature of about 25 to about 50 degrees Celsius; the ammoniated solution being operative to remove carbon dioxide from the flue gas stream
Implementation Method 2
the second absorber being operative to remove substantially all ammonia from the gaseous stream and the first portion stream
Data Source
AI summary
A chilled ammonia capture system for capturing carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream comprises a first absorber and a second absorber. The first absorber operates at a temperature of about 25 to about 50 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature permits the use of a lower circulation rate, which leads to smaller diameter vessels and to fewer recirculation pumps, which in turn leads to lower operating and maintenance costs.