Continuous CO2 Conversion Using Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon dioxide conversion processes require significant energy and resources, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and inefficiencies due to separate processes for conversion and product separation, which disrupt continuous operation and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A continuous carbon dioxide conversion process utilizing carbonic anhydrase in a liquid reaction system where carbon dioxide is converted to bicarbonate ions, with a closed-loop system for regeneration and recirculation of the liquid, allowing simultaneous conversion and separation without additional resources or time, using natural drainage for liquid flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional carbon dioxide conversion processes are used, then carbon dioxide can be converted, but significant energy and resources are required leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the conversion process by using carbonic anhydrase enzyme to catalyze the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate ions, operating at specific pH levels (7-11) and temperatures (20-40°C) to achieve efficient conversion with lower energy consumption compared to conventional thermal conversion methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces carbonic anhydrase as an intermediary substance (enzyme) that facilitates the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate ions through catalysis, enabling the reaction to proceed at much lower energy costs than direct thermal conversion, thus reducing overall energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions
2Manufacturing precision
If conversion process and product separation process are performed separately, then separation can be achieved, but the conversion process must be stopped and energy and time are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conversion process and separation process into a single integrated system where carbon dioxide conversion to bicarbonate ions occurs in the same reactor where subsequent separation of products is achieved, eliminating the need to stop the conversion process for separation operations and continuous operation is maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the reactor system to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both the conversion reactor for carbon dioxide to bicarbonate ions and the separation reactor for product removal, allowing continuous operation without process interruption and reducing overall time loss
3Manufacturing precision
If conversion process and product separation process are performed separately, then separation can be achieved, but additional energy and resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conversion and separation functions in a single reactor system, eliminating the need for separate separation equipment and associated energy consumption, thereby reducing total energy requirements while maintaining effective product separation
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the bicarbonate ions produced during conversion as part of the separation mechanism, where the chemical properties of the produced substances enable automatic separation without requiring additional external energy input, making the separation process self-sustaining
4Productivity
If large amount of liquid is used for conversion, then conversion efficiency can be maintained, but water and energy for the process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the liquid parameters by maintaining specific pH levels (7-11) and using controlled amounts of buffer solutions, achieving high conversion efficiency without requiring excessive quantities of liquid, thus reducing water consumption while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a system to recover and recycle the liquid buffer solution used in the conversion process, minimizing water consumption by reusing the same liquid medium for multiple conversion cycles rather than continuously discarding and replacing it
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 minimizes energy consumption, maintains high conversion efficiency, reduces water usage, and enables continuous operation by integrating conversion and separation processes, enhancing economic and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
carbon dioxide introduced into a first reaction portion is converted into bicarbonate ions through a conversion reaction portion including a liquid, which includes water, and carbonic anhydrase positioned in the vicinity of the surface of the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a carbon dioxide conversion process and, more particularly, to a continuous carbon dioxide conversion process and a system therefor.