CO2 Absorption Module Using Carbonate Solution Mediation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon dioxide absorbers face challenges in achieving high efficiency, particularly when moisture is scarce, as described in PTL 1.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide absorption module comprising a carbon dioxide absorber covered by a solution that promotes carbonate ion absorption, utilizing layered double hydroxides, basic metal oxides, or basic metal hydroxides, with mechanisms to enhance dissolution and dispersion, and a support medium to stabilize the absorbers, ensuring efficient carbonate ion absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a carbon dioxide absorber is used in a sealed container with limited moisture, then the device structure is simple, but the carbon dioxide absorption efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide absorption efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a solution as an intermediary medium between the carbon dioxide absorber and the carbon dioxide gas. This solution contains carbonate ions that facilitate the absorption process, significantly improving absorption efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The solution acts as a mediator that enhances the interaction between the absorber and carbon dioxide without requiring complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the absorption system by using a solution with specific pH levels and carbonate ion concentrations. By adjusting these chemical parameters, the absorption efficiency is dramatically improved. The solution's chemical composition is optimized to maximize carbonate ion availability, transforming the absorption process from a direct solid-gas interaction to a chemically-enhanced process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the carbon dioxide absorber is directly exposed to carbon dioxide gas, then the structure is simple, but the absorption efficiency is low especially when moisture is scarce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide absorption efficiencyVSAvoidmoisture quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The solution serves as an intermediary that carries carbonate ions to the carbon dioxide absorber surface. This eliminates the direct dependence on environmental moisture, as the solution provides the necessary liquid medium and reactive species (carbonate ions) for efficient absorption to occur, regardless of ambient humidity conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the moisture delivery mechanism from passive environmental moisture to active solution-based moisture delivery. By controlling the solution's composition and circulation, the system ensures adequate moisture supply to the absorber surface, maintaining high absorption efficiency independent of external humidity levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If more carbon dioxide absorber material is used, then the absorption capacity increases, but the device volume and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the absorption mechanism from relying solely on material quantity to relying on chemical reaction efficiency. By optimizing the solution's carbonate ion concentration and pH, the system achieves high absorption capacity with minimal absorber material. The chemical parameters are tuned to maximize the rate and extent of carbon dioxide uptake per unit of absorber material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a liquid solution (hydraulic approach) to deliver carbonate ions to the absorber, replacing the need for large quantities of solid absorber material. The solution's flow and concentration are controlled to optimize mass transfer, achieving high capacity in a compact volume by leveraging fluid dynamics and chemical concentration gradients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 module achieves enhanced carbon dioxide absorption efficiency by converting dissolved carbon dioxide into carbonate ions, maintaining optimal particle sizes, and using pH buffers and dissolution promoters to maintain high carbonate ion ratios, thereby improving overall absorption performance.

Implementation Method 1

a solution that covers the carbon dioxide absorber and in which carbon dioxide is dissolved, wherein a part of the dissolved carbon dioxide is converted into carbonate ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCarbon dioxide dissolution and carbonate ion formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the carbon dioxide absorber can efficiently absorb carbonate ions dissolved in the solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20260008001A1Carbon dioxide absorption module, carbon dioxide absorption tower, carbon dioxide absorption device, and carbon dioxide absorption method
Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • US20260008001A1 patent drawing
  • US20260008001A1 patent drawing
  • US20260008001A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A carbon dioxide absorption module includes a carbon dioxide absorber, a solution that covers the carbon dioxide absorber, and a supply unit that supplies carbon dioxide to the solution.