CO2 Distillation With Integrated Heat Recycling and NOx Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distillation processes for separating carbon dioxide from mixtures containing NOx are inefficient, particularly in achieving high purity levels and recycling energy within the separation process.
Innovation Solution
A process and device that involves cooling the gas mixture in a first exchanger, separating it in a distillation column, reheating the top gas and bottom liquid, and utilizing a refrigeration cycle to optimize energy reuse, with a stripping column for NOx removal fed by liquefied cycle gas, enhancing carbon dioxide separation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a distillation column with bottom heating is used to separate carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide separation is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to lack of heat recycling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling exchanger and heating exchanger into a single integrated heat recycler device. The bottom liquid from the distillation column is cooled in the first exchanger while the top gas is heated in the second exchanger, with both processes occurring simultaneously in the same device, enabling direct heat recovery from the temperature difference between these two streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the thermal energy from the hot bottom liquid is captured and fed back to preheat the incoming top gas. This creates a closed-loop heat recovery system where waste heat from one process stream is continuously reused to reduce the energy demand of another process stream, improving overall energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the bottom liquid is cooled and condensed in a separate exchanger, then heat recovery is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate heat exchange functions into a single integrated device. The first exchanger cools the bottom liquid while the second exchanger heats the top gas, and both functions are performed in one compact unit rather than requiring separate exchangers connected by piping, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining heat recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat recycler device is segmented into two distinct exchanger sections (first exchanger and second exchanger) that perform different functions within the same device. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each heat exchange process while maintaining a compact integrated structure, balancing heat recovery efficiency with device simplicity.
3Manufacturing precision
If NOx removal is performed before distillation, then gas purification is improved, but productivity decreases due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs NOx removal as a preliminary action before the main distillation process. By removing NOx contaminants from the feed gas beforehand, the subsequent distillation operation can proceed more efficiently with fewer interruptions and maintenance requirements, ultimately improving overall productivity despite the additional initial step.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful NOx components from the gas mixture before introducing it to the distillation column. This extraction of contaminants prevents interference with the distillation process and protects the equipment, ensuring smoother operation and maintained productivity throughout the separation process.
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 process achieves improved carbon dioxide purity and energy efficiency by recycling heat and using a stripping column for NOx removal, optimizing the separation and recycling of carbon dioxide-rich gases.
Implementation Method 1
the gas comprising at least 50% of carbon dioxide is cooled in a first exchanger in order to produce a cooled fluid
Implementation Method 2
a liquid derived from the cooled fluid is sent to a distillation column in order to be separated therein
Implementation Method 3
a top gas is withdrawn from the distillation column and is reheated in the first exchanger
Implementation Method 4
at least a first portion of the bottom liquid is evaporated in the first exchanger in order to produce an evaporated portion
Implementation Method 5
the gas thus formed is compressed in order to form a gaseous product rich in carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 6
the cooling and optionally the condensation is carried out of a portion of the compressed gas forming a cycle gas
Implementation Method 7
the column for removal of NOx is a stripping column, fed at the top with liquefied cycle gas
Data Source
AI summary
According to certain embodiments of the invention, a gas containing at least 50% of carbon dioxide is cooled in a first exchanger so as to produce a cooled fluid, a liquid derived from the cooled fluid is sent to a distillation column to be separated therein, a head gas is withdrawn from the distillation column and reheated in the first exchanger, a vat liquid, which is richer in carbon dioxide than the gas containing at least 50% of carbon dioxide, is withdrawn and at least a portion thereof is heated in the first exchanger, at least a first portion of the vat liquid is vaporized in the first exchanger in order to produce a vaporized portion, the vaporized portion is sent back to the column and an NOx removal column is supplied with the liquefied cycle gas produced by vaporizing and reliquefying the vat liquid from the column.