CO2 Flue Gas Purification Sequence for Mercury Adsorption and Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning carbon dioxide rich flue gases generated in boiler systems combusting fuels in the presence of oxygen gas are inefficient, particularly in terms of mercury adsorption and water vapor removal, often requiring separate heating steps that increase power consumption and risk condensation issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving compressing the carbon dioxide rich flue gas, cooling it to specific temperatures to avoid condensation and optimize mercury adsorption and water vapor removal, followed by further cooling and passage through a drier, without the need for additional heating, utilizing a system comprising a compressor, first and second gas coolers, and a mercury adsorber and drier in sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the carbon dioxide rich flue gas is cooled to a first temperature for mercury adsorption, then the efficiency of mercury adsorption is improved, but water vapour condensation may occur which is harmful to the mercury adsorber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the cooling temperature to a first temperature that is above the dew point, ensuring optimal mercury adsorption conditions while preventing water vapour condensation. This temperature parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between adsorption efficiency and condensation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first cooling the compressed flue gas to a first temperature above dew point for mercury adsorption, and only after this step cooling further to a second temperature below dew point for water removal. This sequential approach prevents condensation during the mercury adsorption phase while still achieving effective water removal later.
2Reliability
If separate heating steps are added to optimize mercury adsorption and water vapor removal, then the efficiency of these operations is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing a continuous cooling process from the compressed flue gas through mercury adsorption to water removal, eliminating the need for intermittent heating steps. This continuous cooling approach maintains operational efficiency while significantly reducing power consumption compared to methods requiring separate heating cycles.
3Reliability
If the flue gas is cooled to a second temperature lower than the first temperature for water vapor removal, then the efficiency of water removal is improved, but the risk of water vapour condensation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first removing mercury at a higher first temperature above dew point, and only after this step cooling to a lower second temperature below dew point for water removal. This preliminary mercury removal at safer temperatures prevents condensation damage, while the subsequent water removal at lower temperatures achieves efficient drying without harming the mercury adsorber.
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 enhances the efficiency of mercury adsorption and water vapor removal, reduces power consumption, and minimizes equipment costs by eliminating the need for separate heating, while maintaining effective operation and extending the lifespan of mercury adsorber materials.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the carbon dioxide rich flue gas
Implementation Method 2
cooling the compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas to a first temperature
Implementation Method 3
forwarding the cooled compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas through a mercury adsorber to remove at least a portion of a mercury content
Implementation Method 4
further cooling the compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature
Implementation Method 5
forwarding the further cooled compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas through a drier to remove at least a portion of a water content
Data Source
AI summary
A gas purification system for cleaning a carbon dioxide rich flue gas generated in a boiler combusting a fuel in the presence of a gas containing oxygen. The gas purification system includes a compressor for compressing the carbon dioxide rich flue gas, a first gas cooler for cooling the compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas, a mercury adsorber arranged downstream of the first gas cooler for removing at least a portion of a mercury content of the cooled compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas, a second gas cooler arranged downstream of the mercury adsorber for further cooling the compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas, and a gas drier for removing at least a portion of a water content of the further cooled compressed carbon dioxide rich flue gas.