CO2 Removal via Hydroxide Electrolysis and Mineralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing carbon dioxide from waste streams, such as those emitted by power plants, are inefficient and economically unfeasible due to high capital costs and energy consumption, particularly in sequestration techniques like geologic and ocean storage, and existing technologies do not effectively address the need for cost-effective CO2 capture and utilization of by-products.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of an aqueous mixture of hydroxide to absorb CO2 from gas streams, producing carbonate and bicarbonate products, which are then separated, and further processed to reduce CO2 levels, with by-products like chlorine gas and hydrogen being utilized to offset costs and enhance ecological efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If geologic and ocean storage techniques are used for CO2 sequestration, then CO2 removal is achieved, but capital costs and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful CO2 emissions into valuable carbonate and bicarbonate mineral products that can be sold as commodities. Instead of merely storing CO2 in geologic formations or oceans, the process transforms it into marketable materials like building blocks, agricultural supplements, and industrial chemicals, thereby generating revenue to offset operational costs and reduce overall energy consumption requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of CO2 by converting it from a gaseous state into solid carbonate and bicarbonate minerals through controlled chemical reactions. This transformation alters the state, solubility, and reactivity of CO2, enabling it to be captured and utilized in various industrial applications rather than requiring high-energy storage solutions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If geologic and ocean storage techniques are used for CO2 sequestration, then CO2 removal is achieved, but capital costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms CO2 from a waste product requiring expensive storage infrastructure into a valuable feedstock for producing saleable minerals. By establishing production facilities that convert CO2 into carbonate and bicarbonate products, the system generates revenue streams that directly offset capital expenditures and operational costs, making the overall process economically viable without requiring massive geologic storage investments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive chemical processing equipment compared to the massive infrastructure required for geologic storage. The system uses conventional chemical reactors, separation units, and mineralization vessels that can be deployed at smaller scales and lower capital costs, treating CO2 conversion as a continuous chemical process rather than a large-scale storage project
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing CO2 removal technologies are used, then some CO2 capture is achieved, but by-products are not effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and utilizes CO2 that would otherwise be discarded in conventional removal processes. Instead of simply sequestering CO2 without further use, the system captures it and converts it into valuable carbonate and bicarbonate minerals that can be sold, thereby recovering economic value from what would be a waste stream and eliminating the loss of substance associated with unused by-products
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 effectively reduces CO2 levels in waste streams while generating economically valuable by-products, reducing energy consumption and capital costs, and can be retrofitted into existing power plants, making it a more efficient and profitable solution for carbon dioxide removal.
Implementation Method 1
the absorption of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from concentrated flue-gas-like streams
Implementation Method 2
admixing the hydroxide with the gas stream to produce carbonate products, bicarbonate products, or a mixture of carbonate and bicarbonate products
Implementation Method 3
combining chlorine with water to form hypochlorous acid
Implementation Method 4
decaying the hypochlorous acid to form hydrochloric acid and oxygen
Implementation Method 5
combining the hydrochloric acid with calcium carbonate to form calcium chloride and a reduced amount of carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 6
combusting the hydrogen in a power plant
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants including heavy metals from a gas stream are provided. The methods include obtaining a water-condensate from the flue-gas stream; obtaining a chloride salt; admixing the salt with water, steam, or both to produce a solution; electrolyzing the solution to produce a hydroxide and chlorine gas; admixing a portion of the hydroxide with the flue-gas stream to produce carbonate products, bicarbonate products, or a mixture of carbonate and bicarbonate products in an admixture; separating said carbonate and/or bicarbonate products from the admixture, thereby removing carbon dioxide from the flue-gas stream; adding a portion of the hydroxide to the water-condensate to change the pH of the water-condensate from acidic to basic, resulting in precipitation of the heavy metals; and passing the water-condensate through a filtering medium.