Integrated CO2 Capture and Conversion to Methanol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processes for producing methanol and glycols are energy-intensive, require excess water, and generate waste, with complex separation processes and low atom efficiency, whereas existing CO2 capture and conversion methods are inefficient and require separate steps.
Innovation Solution
An integrated process combining CO2, a hydrogenation catalyst, and a condensed phase amine to produce methanol and glycols in a single or two-step process, eliminating the need for excess water and simplifying separations by forming reactant water in situ and using the amine to capture and convert CO2.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional separate processes are used for CO2 capture and methanol production, then CO2 can be captured and converted, but the process requires multiple separate steps, excess water, and generates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture and methanol production into a single integrated process where CO2 is captured from the gas stream and converted to methanol in the same reactor system. The amine-based CO2 capture unit and the methanol synthesis reactor are coupled such that the captured CO2 is directly fed to the methanol synthesis step, eliminating the need for separate capture and conversion processes, excess water addition, and reducing waste generation.
2Productivity
If excess water is added to traditional methanol production processes, then methanol can be produced, but water must be removed in complex separation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for excess water from the methanol production process. By using an integrated CO2 capture and conversion system, the process avoids adding excess water that would traditionally be required, thereby eliminating the complex separation processes needed to remove water from the methanol product stream.
3Productivity
If traditional methanol production methods are used, then methanol can be produced, but atom efficiency is low and waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions into valuable methanol product. By integrating CO2 capture with methanol synthesis, the process transforms CO2 that would otherwise be wasted or require separate handling into a useful chemical feedstock, thereby improving atom efficiency and reducing waste generation while maintaining high methanol yield.
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 integrating CO2 capture and conversion, achieving higher yields and lower operational costs compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
contacting a gas stream comprising CO2 with an amine-containing solvent or solution to form a condensed phase solution
Implementation Method 2
combining a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase solution to form methanol and water
Implementation Method 3
combining a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase solution to form methanol and water
Implementation Method 4
combining the cyclic carbonate-containing mixture with the hydrogenation catalyst and hydrogen under conditions effective to concurrently form methanol and the glycol
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing methanol includes combining a hydrogenation catalyst, hydrogen, and CO2 with a condensed phase solution comprising an amine under conditions effective to form 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.