CO2 Recovery Control via Flow Rate Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 recovery apparatuses face inefficiencies and instability due to variations in CO2 flow rates from boilers or similar facilities, as they struggle to optimize operation conditions based on load variations, leading to suboptimal energy consumption and operational stability.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 recovery apparatus with a CO2 absorption tower, a regeneration tower, a flow rate measuring unit, and a control unit that classifies gas flow rates into multiple ranges, adjusting the flow rates of the CO2 absorbing liquid and steam supplied to maintain set load values, thereby stabilizing operation conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flow rate of CO2 absorbing liquid and steam is continuously adjusted according to measured exhaust gas flow rate and CO2 concentration, then the operation can adapt to load variations, but the operational stability deteriorates due to frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous range of exhaust gas flow rates is segmented into multiple discrete ranges (first range, second range, third range, etc.). Instead of continuously adjusting the CO2 absorbing liquid flow rate and steam flow rate in response to every variation, the system selects from predetermined flow rate combinations corresponding to each segmented range. This segmentation reduces the frequency of adjustments while maintaining adaptability to load variations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes multiple sets of flow rate combinations for the CO2 absorbing liquid and steam corresponding to different exhaust gas flow rate ranges. By having these adjustments prepared in advance, the system can quickly switch to appropriate pre-determined settings when load variations occur, rather than making continuous incremental adjustments. This preliminary preparation reduces adjustment frequency and improves operational stability while maintaining adaptability.
2Productivity
If the flow rate of CO2 absorbing liquid is increased to handle higher CO2 flow rates, then CO2 absorption efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the flow rate of CO2 absorbing liquid and steam based on the measured exhaust gas flow rate and CO2 concentration. By continuously monitoring the actual load conditions and adapting the liquid and steam flow rates accordingly, the system ensures optimal CO2 absorption efficiency at each operating point while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would occur with fixed high flow rates. The dynamic adjustment allows the system to match energy input with actual processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters (flow rates of CO2 absorbing liquid and steam) based on the measured exhaust gas conditions. When CO2 flow rate is high, the system increases the liquid and steam flow rates to maintain absorption efficiency; when CO2 flow rate is low, the system reduces these flow rates to minimize energy consumption. This parameter adjustment strategy resolves the contradiction between maintaining high productivity and reducing energy loss.
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 configuration allows for improved operational efficiency and stability by maintaining consistent flow rates of the CO2 absorbing liquid and steam, even with varying CO2 flow rates, enhancing energy savings and process stability.
Implementation Method 1
a CO2 absorption tower that brings a gas to be treated containing CO2 into contact with a CO2 absorbing liquid and makes the CO2 absorbing liquid absorb CO2 contained in the gas to be treated
Implementation Method 2
a CO2 absorbing liquid regeneration tower that heats the CO2 absorbing liquid, which has absorbed CO2, with steam, releases CO2 from the CO2 absorbing liquid, and regenerates the CO2 absorbing liquid
Implementation Method 3
the CO2 absorbing liquid, which has absorbed CO2, is introduced into a regeneration tower and is decarboxylated, and a high-concentration CO2 gas is recovered therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
A CO2 recovery apparatus is provided with: a CO2 absorption tower for bringing exhaust gas into contact with a CO2 absorbing liquid and making the CO2 absorbing liquid absorb the CO2 contained in the exhaust gas; a CO2 absorbing liquid regeneration tower for heating the CO2 absorbing liquid with steam and releasing CO2 from the CO2 absorbing liquid and regenerating the CO2 absorbing liquid; a flowmeter for determining the flow rates of the exhaust gas introduced into the CO2 absorption tower; and a control unit for classifying the flow rates of the exhaust gas into multiple flow rate ranges, and controlling the flow rate of the CO2 absorbing liquid supplied to the CO2 absorption tower and the flow rate of steam supplied to the CO2 absorbing liquid regeneration tower on the basis of prescribed set load values which have been previously established in accordance with the multiple flow rate ranges.