Three-Circulation Methanol Synthesis From Captured CO2
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing methanol from carbon dioxide are inefficient and do not effectively integrate carbon dioxide capture and utilization, particularly from industrial processes, leading to high CO2 emissions and high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A three-circulation process apparatus and method that integrates carbon dioxide capture and utilization by using a liquid absorbent of methanol and water to remove CO2 from gas mixtures, followed by desorption with hydrogen and subsequent methanol synthesis, optimizing temperature and pressure conditions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional methanol synthesis methods are used, then methanol production is achieved, but CO2 emissions remain high and process efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 capture and methanol synthesis into a single integrated process. The CO2 absorption unit and methanol synthesis unit are merged such that CO2 captured from industrial gas streams is directly converted to methanol without separate processing steps, thereby reducing emissions while maintaining high production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts harmful CO2 emissions into valuable methanol product. By using CO2 from industrial gas streams as a feedstock for methanol synthesis, the process transforms a harmful greenhouse gas into a useful chemical commodity, simultaneously reducing emissions and improving production efficiency
2Quantity of substance
If CO2 is removed from gas mixtures using conventional methods, then CO2 separation is achieved, but operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges CO2 separation with methanol synthesis in an integrated process. The CO2 absorbed by the liquid solvent is directly fed to the methanol synthesis unit, eliminating the need for separate CO2 purification and compression steps, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining high CO2 removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent operates the absorption and synthesis units at optimized pressure and temperature parameters. The liquid solvent absorption occurs at moderate conditions, and the synthesized methanol is efficiently separated, reducing energy consumption and operational costs compared to conventional high-pressure separation methods
3Object-generated harmful factors
If integrated methanol synthesis from CO2 is implemented, then emissions are reduced and sustainability is improved, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates CO2 capture, conversion, and methanol synthesis into a compact unified process. By combining these functions in a single integrated system rather than separate units, the patent reduces overall process complexity while achieving emission reduction goals
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid solvent serves multiple functions: it absorbs CO2 from gas streams, transports CO2 to the synthesis unit, and facilitates the conversion process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall process despite the integrated nature
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 continuous CO2 removal from industrial gas streams at low pressures, reducing emissions and operational costs while producing methanol efficiently, integrating hydrogen electrolysis for a sustainable process.
Implementation Method 1
an absorption stage (5) for carbon dioxide, having a passage for a carbon dioxide-containing gas
Implementation Method 2
a first heat exchanger (7) arranged between the absorption stage (5) and the desorption stage (6)
Implementation Method 3
an expansion throttle (9) arranged between the first heat exchanger (7) and the absorption stage (5)
Implementation Method 4
a methanol synthesis reactor (26) with a cooler (28)
Implementation Method 5
a methanol synthesis reactor (26) with a cooler (28)
Implementation Method 6
a circulation pump (8) arranged between the absorption stage (5) and the desorption stage (6)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for producing methanol from carbon dioxide. The apparatus includes a first circulation process for a circulating water and methanol which includes an absorption stage for carbon dioxide, a desorption stage with a hydrogen feed, a first heat exchanger, an outlet, a circulation pump, and an expansion throttle. The second circulation process for methanol, water, carbon dioxide and hydrogen includes the desorption stage, a first liquid-gas phase separation stage with a return conduit for liquid phases to the desorption stage, and a gas outlet from and an inlet into the desorption stage. The third circulation process for carbon dioxide and hydrogen includes a methanol synthesis reactor, a gas outlet of the first liquid-gas phase separation stage which opens out into the third circular conduit and an inlet into which the third circular conduit opens, a second heat exchanger, a gas outlet in the third circular conduit, and a fan.