Integrated CO2 Capture and Conversion to Methanol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for converting CO2 to methane, methanol, or methanol and glycol are energy-intensive, require separate steps, and involve complex separations, often needing added water and bases, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
An integrated process that combines CO2 with a hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen in a condensed phase containing an amine, operating at lower temperatures and pressures, to directly form methanol, methane, or both, eliminating the need for separate water addition and simplifying separations by using the amine to capture and convert CO2 in situ.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional CO2 conversion processes are used, then CO2 can be converted to methane or methanol, but the process requires high energy input and operates at high temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of CO2 from gas to liquid (supercritical fluid) by adjusting temperature and pressure parameters to a specific range (31-50°C and 73-300 atm), enabling the reaction to proceed under milder conditions than conventional high-temperature gas-phase processes, thus reducing energy input while maintaining conversion efficiency
2Productivity
If conventional CO2 conversion processes are used, then CO2 can be converted to methane or methanol, but the process requires separate steps for CO2 capture and conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the CO2 capture and conversion steps into a single integrated process by using a liquid amine solution that simultaneously captures CO2 from the gas stream and facilitates its hydrogenation reaction in the same reactor vessel, eliminating the need for separate capture and conversion units and reducing overall process complexity
3Loss of substance
If conventional CO2 conversion processes are used, then CO2 can be converted to methanol, but additional water and bases must be added, leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid amine solution in the patent serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the CO2 absorbent, provides the reaction medium for hydrogenation, and eliminates the need for additional water and base additives required in conventional processes, thereby preventing waste generation from unnecessary substance additions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent recycles the liquid amine solution after CO2 release through heating or pressure reduction, allowing the amine to be reused continuously in the capture and conversion process, thereby minimizing waste and reducing the quantity of substances that would otherwise need to be continuously added and disposed of
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 process reduces energy requirements, simplifies equipment, minimizes waste, and improves atom efficiency by operating at lower temperatures and eliminating the need for separate water addition, making it more economically viable than existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
combining CO2 from a gas stream with a liquid amine solution
Implementation Method 2
combining a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase comprising an amine under conditions effective to provide a reaction between the hydrogen and CO2 to form methanol and water
Implementation Method 3
combining a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase comprising an amine under conditions effective to provide a reaction between the hydrogen and CO2 to form methane and water
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing methane or methanol includes combining a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase solution comprising an amine under conditions effective to form methane or methanol, and water. A process for coproduction of methanol and a glycol includes combining an epoxide, a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase solution comprising an amine under conditions effective to form methanol and a glycol.