On-Site Carbon Dioxide Generator Using Oxalic Acid Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of economical on-site generators for carbon dioxide production, which is essential for various applications, as existing technologies do not provide for controlled generation of substantial CO2 quantities without relying on combustion or biological processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-cell electrolytic process using organic acids, specifically oxalic acid, to produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen gases on demand, utilizing electrochemical cells assembled in stacks, allowing for controlled generation and separation of CO2 and H2 streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional CO2 supply methods (cylinders, liquid trailers, tube trailers) are used, then substantial quantities of CO2 can be supplied, but the system requires heavy pressure vessels, storage facilities, and supplier dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables on-site CO2 generation through electrolysis of organic acids, allowing the user to produce their own CO2 without relying on external suppliers or storage infrastructure. The generator creates CO2 on-demand at the point of use, eliminating the need for cylinders, liquid trailers, or tube trailers while maintaining substantial supply capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical storage systems (pressure vessels, storage tanks) with an electrochemical generation system. Instead of storing CO2 under pressure and transporting it, the system uses electricity to electrolyze organic acids and generate CO2 chemically at the point of use, substituting a storage-based approach with a generation-based approach
2Adaptability or versatility
If on-site CO2 generators are developed, then independence from suppliers and storage needs are achieved, but economical generation of substantial CO2 quantities without combustion or biological processes has not been available
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the electrolysis process by using organic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid) as substrates instead of water. This parameter change enables CO2 generation through electrochemical oxidation of the organic acid molecules, achieving both on-site generation capability and economical operation without combustion or biological processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system can generate CO2 from multiple different organic acid substrates (formic acid, acetic acid, oxalic acid), providing versatility in fuel selection. The same electrochemical cell design works with different organic acids, making the system universally applicable and economically flexible based on substrate availability and cost
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 solution enables economical, on-site generation of substantial CO2 quantities, reducing dependence on suppliers and storage needs, while providing flexibility in production rates and purities of CO2 and H2 gases.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolytic process and method to produce carbon dioxide from organic acids
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electrochemical cells assembled in stacks to achieve production rates and volumes much larger than those described in these patents
Data Source
AI summary
Systems are described for the “on-site” production of substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The systems include a stack of multiple electrochemical cells, which decompose organic carboxylated compounds into CO2 and H2 without leaving any residue. From a bench-top small generator, producing about 1 lb of CO2 per day to a large-scale generator producing 1 ton of CO2 per day, the process is essentially identical.Oxalic acid, either anhydrous or in its dihydrate form, is used to efficiently generate the gases. The energy required is less than 0.3 Kilowatt-hours per lb of CO2 generated. Individual cells operate at less than 1.2 volts at current densities in excess of 0.75 amps/cm2. CO2 production rates can be controlled either through voltage or current regulation. Metering is not required since the current sets the gas production rate. These systems can competitively replace conventional compressed CO2 gas cylinders.