Gas-Liquid Contactor for CO2 Removal Using Segmented Nozzle Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for reducing carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from power plant waste streams are inefficient and costly, requiring significant energy inputs and lacking in economic viability for large-scale implementation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a gas-liquid contactor with features like shed rows, anti-foaming devices, pumps, and varying liquid introduction configurations to efficiently transfer pollutants from gases into a liquid phase, allowing for subsequent sequestration or conversion into valuable products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If current technologies are used to remove carbon dioxide and atmospheric pollutants from power plant waste streams, then some pollution reduction is achieved, but very large energy inputs are required and the technologies are inefficient and cost prohibitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide and atmospheric pollutants removal efficiencyVSAvoidenergy input requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The waste gas stream is divided into multiple segments that are treated in parallel through multiple nozzles arranged in arrays. Each nozzle handles a portion of the gas flow, allowing for more efficient contact with liquid absorbents and reducing the energy burden on any single treatment point while maintaining overall high removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by forcing waste gas through multiple nozzles at controlled pressures to create turbulent flow patterns that enhance mass transfer. Hydraulic principles are applied through liquid absorbent delivery systems that pump and distribute absorbent materials efficiently through the nozzle arrays, optimizing the gas-liquid contact process without requiring excessive energy input

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If current technologies are used to remove carbon dioxide and atmospheric pollutants, then some emission reduction is achieved, but the technologies lack economic viability for large-scale implementation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatmospheric emissions reductionVSAvoideconomic viability and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle arrays are designed to handle multiple types of pollutants (CO2, SOx, NOx, VOCs, particulates) simultaneously using the same basic hardware configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate treatment systems for each pollutant type, significantly reducing equipment costs and making large-scale implementation economically viable while achieving comprehensive emissions reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for easy adjustment of operational parameters such as gas flow rates, liquid absorbent flow rates, nozzle positioning, and pressure settings to optimize performance for different pollutant concentrations and types. This flexibility enables the system to maintain high removal efficiency across varying operational conditions without requiring expensive reconfiguration or additional equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively absorbs at least 50% of carbon dioxide and 80% of sulfur oxides from waste gases using less than 30% of the power plant's energy, producing saleable products like building materials and potable water while reducing atmospheric emissions.

Implementation Method 1

The system effectively absorbs at least 50% of carbon dioxide and 80% of sulfur oxides from waste gases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8137444B2Systems and methods for processing CO<sub>2 </sub>
Publication Date: 2012.03.20 ARELAC INC
  • US8137444B2 patent drawing
  • US8137444B2 patent drawing
  • US8137444B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for lowering levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants are provided. Economically viable systems and processes capable of removing vast quantities of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants from gaseous waste streams and sequestering them in storage-stable forms are also discussed.