CO2 Extraction from Gas Mixtures via Water Absorption and Flash Evaporation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing CO2 from gas mixtures, such as those emitted by fossil fuel power plants, are energy-intensive and costly, and do not effectively address global CO2 emissions contributing to global warming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize differences in gas solubility in water to separate CO2 from mixtures like flue gas by dissolving CO2 in water, then using a pressure drop to flash it into a gas phase, combined with a recirculating loop and heat exchanger to enhance separation efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CO2 separation methods (amine process) are used, then CO2 can be separated from gas mixtures, but the process becomes very energy consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using water as the absorbing medium instead of amine solutions, operating at atmospheric pressure instead of high pressure, and using temperature-driven flash evaporation instead of energy-intensive compression and heating processes. This fundamentally alters the energy consumption profile while maintaining CO2 separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical compression and heating systems required in conventional amine processes with a simpler thermal evaporation system. The CO2 is recovered through flash evaporation driven by temperature difference rather than mechanical compression, significantly reducing energy consumption and equipment complexity.
2Reliability
If water is used to dissolve CO2 from gas mixtures, then CO2 can be separated based on solubility differences, but the process requires pressure drop and flashing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition (flash evaporation) to separate CO2 from water. By controlling the temperature and pressure conditions, the dissolved CO2 is rapidly released from the aqueous phase back into the gas phase, enabling efficient separation without complex equipment. The phase transition occurs in a simple flash chamber rather than requiring complex distillation or extraction systems.
3Quantity of substance
If the gas mixture is dispensed deep in water volume by bubbling, then CO2 dissolution is enhanced, but the process requires additional mixing equipment and energy
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural buoyancy and rise of CO2 bubbles through the water column to achieve enhanced dissolution. The gas mixture is introduced at the bottom and bubbles naturally rise through the water, creating counterflow that enhances mass transfer without requiring external pumping or agitation energy. The water itself provides the driving force for the counterflow pattern.
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
Achieves high CO2 separation efficiency exceeding 97% with reduced energy requirements, enabling efficient long-term sequestration or utilization in industrial processes while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
utilize differences in gas solubility in water to separate CO2 from mixtures like flue gas by dissolving CO2 in water
Implementation Method 2
passing the water enriched in dissolved CO2 through a turbine into a recipient causing the CO2 enriched water experience a pressure drop, thereby eliciting flashing of the dissolved CO2 into gas phase
Data Source
AI summary
A method for extracting CO2 from a gas mixture comprising CO2 is disclosed. The method comprises dispensing the gas mixture in water in a first water volume, dissolving CO2 in the first water volume resulting in water enriched in dissolved 5CO2, and passing the water enriched in dissolved CO2 through a turbine. A corresponding system is also disclosed.