CO2 Absorption Medium pH Control via Recycle Stream
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sequestering carbon dioxide to produce biomass lack effective control of pH levels and HCO3-:CO32- molar ratios, which are crucial for optimizing carbon capture and microbial growth in industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A process that controls the pH of the absorption or dissolution medium using a recycle stream to maintain a HCO3-:CO32- molar ratio of at least 0.8, facilitating CO2-to-biomass conversion by contacting a carbon dioxide-containing feedstock with an absorption medium and recycling the liquid stream for reuse, while utilizing biological and chemical means to adjust pH conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional CO2 absorption methods are used without pH control, then the process is simpler to operate, but the HCO3-:CO32- molar ratio cannot be optimized for microbial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recycle stream that returns a portion of the treated liquid back to the absorption medium, creating a feedback loop that automatically maintains the HCO3-:CO32- molar ratio within the optimal range for microbial growth without requiring complex external pH control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the microbial conversion process itself to regulate the chemical environment - as microorganisms consume CO2 and produce biomass, they naturally maintain the pH and HCO3-:CO32- ratio within favorable ranges, eliminating the need for separate pH control mechanisms
2Productivity
If energy-intensive solvent regeneration methods are used, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the typically harmful high pH conditions that result from CO2 absorption into a beneficial feature - the high pH recycle stream automatically regulates the HCO3-:CO32- ratio and creates an optimal environment for microbial growth, eliminating the need for energy-intensive pH adjustment and solvent regeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by maintaining high pH conditions throughout the process rather than attempting to return to neutral pH, thereby eliminating the need for solvent regeneration and reducing energy consumption while simultaneously optimizing conditions for biomass production
3Productivity
If the absorbent liquid is not recycled, then the process is easier to manage, but CO2 absorption efficiency and microbial growth are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The recycle stream serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains the HCO3-:CO32- molar ratio for optimal microbial growth, regulates pH conditions, provides continuous CO2 supply to microorganisms, and eliminates the need for separate solvent regeneration - making the system more productive despite increased complexity
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 the energy efficiency and economic viability of carbon capture and utilization by reducing energy consumption in solvent regeneration and optimizing microbial growth, allowing for efficient carbon dioxide absorption and biomass production.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a raw carbon dioxide-containing feedstock with an absorption or dissolution medium to form a reagent stream comprising dissolved or absorbed inorganic carbon
Implementation Method 2
contacting a raw carbon dioxide-containing feedstock with an absorption or dissolution medium to form a reagent stream comprising dissolved or absorbed inorganic carbon
Implementation Method 3
contacting at least a portion of the reagent stream with a microbial broth in a bioreactor to produce a biomass-containing reaction product
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a process for sequestering carbon dioxide to produce a biomass containing reaction product, the process comprising the steps of:I. contacting a raw carbon dioxide-containing feedstock with an absorption or dissolution medium to form a reagent stream comprising dissolved or absorbed inorganic carbon at least in the form of HCO3- and CO32- wherein the HCO3- :CO32- molar ratio in the reagent stream is at least about 0.8;II. contacting at least a portion of the reagent stream with a microbial broth in a bioreactor to produce a biomass-containing reaction product;III. separating the biomass-containing reaction product into a biomass product and a liquid stream; andIV. recycling at least a portion of the liquid stream to step i. of the process for use as, or as part of, the absorption or dissolution medium,wherein the pH of the absorption or dissolution medium is controlled to maintain the HCO3- :CO32- molar ratio in the reagent stream at least about 0.8.