CO2 Absorbent Composition With Molecular Sieves for Stable Gas Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for quantitatively removing carbon dioxide from gas streams using sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide are hindered by water interference, leading to signal distortion, blockages, and inefficient reaction equilibrium, necessitating complex production and additional drying steps.

Innovation Solution

A mixture of sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and molecular sieves is used, with molecular sieves acting as a desiccant to retain water, maintaining reaction equilibrium and preventing blockages, while ensuring a stable gas stream for accurate analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional absorbents like amines are used to remove CO2, then CO2 removal is achieved, but the absorbents cannot be used in hydrocarbon processing due to solubility issues and require complex regeneration systems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 removal effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability in hydrocarbon processing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs porous solid absorbent materials with high surface area to volume ratio, such as porous polymers, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), or activated carbon, which provide numerous active sites for CO2 adsorption while maintaining physical stability in hydrocarbon environments. The porous structure enables quantitative CO2 removal without the solubility limitations of conventional amine absorbents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the chemical absorption mechanism of conventional amines with physical adsorption on porous surfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for complex thermal regeneration systems required by chemical absorbents, as the solid adsorbents can be regenerated through simpler means such as pressure swing or temperature swing adsorption, making them suitable for hydrocarbon processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional absorbents are used, then CO2 removal occurs, but they require complex regeneration systems and cannot achieve quantitative removal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 removal effectivenessVSAvoidregeneration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The porous structure of the solid absorbents provides high surface area with controlled pore sizes that can be optimized for selective CO2 adsorption. This physical structure enables quantitative CO2 removal capacity while the simplicity of the solid material form factor reduces regeneration system complexity compared to liquid amine systems requiring flash drums and heat exchangers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes changes in physical parameters such as pressure and temperature to control CO2 adsorption and desorption cycles. By adjusting these parameters, the solid absorbents can achieve quantitative CO2 removal during absorption and be regenerated through parameter reversal, eliminating the need for complex chemical regeneration processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the absorbent becomes saturated with CO2, then CO2 removal capacity is maximized, but the absorbent must be regenerated which complicates the process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 removal capacityVSAvoidabsorbent service life before regeneration
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The porous solid absorbents are designed with high CO2 capacity and can be engineered for specific service durations by controlling pore volume, surface area, and active site density. The solid material form provides structural stability that maintains absorbent integrity over extended service periods, allowing optimization between capacity and service life based on specific application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements periodic adsorption-desorption cycles where the absorbent operates at high CO2 capacity for extended periods, then undergoes regeneration. The solid absorbent material is designed to withstand repeated cycling, providing both high quantity of CO2 removed per cycle and sufficient duration between regenerations to maximize productivity while maintaining manageable regeneration frequency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 mixture provides a simple, safe, and effective method for carbon dioxide removal, extending service life and ensuring accurate gas analysis without additional drying needs, thereby preventing signal distortion and flow disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a solid absorbent for quantitative removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4547374B1Absorbent for the quantitative removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream and use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 ELEMENTAR ANALYSENSYSTEME GMBH
  • EP4547374B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a material for quantitatively removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream. The material comprises a mixture of sodium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide and at least one desiccant, the desiccant being a molecular sieve. The invention also relates to the use of said material in a suitable device, and to a gas analysis system.