CO2 Absorber Rich-Solution Preheating for Stable Regeneration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 recovery systems face inefficiencies in energy consumption and temperature variations during the regeneration process, leading to increased cooling demands and reduced energy-saving potential.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 recovery system that preheats a divided rich solution to match the temperature of a semi-lean solution in the regenerator, adjusting the flow rate to ensure consistent introduction temperatures, thereby stabilizing energy usage and reducing the need for reboiler vapor and cooling water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional CO2 recovery methods (pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, membrane separation) are used, then CO2 can be separated from flue gas, but the equipment becomes overly complex and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex adsorption and membrane separation components from the CO2 recovery system. Instead of using conventional pressure swing adsorption, temperature swing adsorption, or membrane separation equipment, the invention directly captures CO2 using a simplified chemical absorption process with amine-based solutions, thereby reducing equipment complexity while maintaining recovery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal CO2 recovery system that can handle various flue gas sources (coal-fired power plants, cement kilns, steel plants) with a single standardized chemical absorption process. The amine-based solution system provides multi-functional capability across different industrial applications, eliminating the need for application-specific complex equipment designs
2Reliability
If conventional CO2 recovery equipment is used, then CO2 separation can be achieved, but operational maintenance becomes overly intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service operational model where the chemical absorption system automatically cycles between CO2 absorption and regeneration modes. The amine-based solution naturally absorbs CO2 from flue gas, and the rich amine solution can be regenerated by stripping CO2 at elevated temperature, creating a self-regulating process that reduces intensive manual maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a circular economy approach where the amine-based solution is continuously regenerated and reused. Instead of discarding spent absorption solution, the system recovers and regenerates the amine by stripping CO2, thereby maintaining operational reliability while reducing maintenance intensity through solution reuse
3Reliability
If existing CO2 recovery technologies are applied, then CO2 can be captured from flue gas, but the process requires excessive energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the chemical absorption process to improve energy efficiency. By optimizing the temperature, pressure, and amine concentration parameters, the system achieves reliable CO2 capture with reduced energy consumption compared to conventional methods. The chemical reaction kinetics and equilibrium are manipulated to favor CO2 absorption at lower energy inputs
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 energy efficiency by optimizing temperature matching and reducing the amount of vapor and cooling water required, achieving stable and energy-saving CO2 recovery.
Implementation Method 1
CO2 recovery from flue gas using amine-based solutions has been practiced for many years
Implementation Method 2
The CO2 is recovered by contacting the flue gas with an amine-based solution, thereby forming carbaminates
Implementation Method 3
The carbaminates are then decomposed by heating the rich amine solution
Implementation Method 4
The carbaminates are then decomposed by heating the rich amine solution in a stripper
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Included are a CO2 absorber 13 for removing CO2 from a CO2-containing flue gas 11 with a CO2 absorbent 12, an absorbent regenerator 16 for regenerating the CO2 absorbent 12, a rich solution supply line L11 for supplying the rich solution 14 from the absorber 13 to a rich solution supply portion 16c of the regenerator 16, a rich/lean solution heat exchanger 21 for exchanging heat between the rich solution 14 and the lean solution 15, a first rich solution dividing line L13-1 for dividing a part of the rich solution 14 at a first dividing portion A-1 in the rich solution supply line L11 provided between the rich/lean solution heat exchanger 21 and the regenerator 16 and supplying the divided rich solution 14a at a first supply position B-1 on a side wall closer to a bottom 16b side than the rich solution supply portion 16c in the regenerator 16, a first rich solution heat exchanger 22-1 for preheating the divided rich solution 14a, and a first flow rate control device 23-1 for controlling a flow rate of the rich solution 14a divided at the first dividing portion A-1 such that the rich solution 14a is preheated to a predetermined temperature in the first rich solution heat exchanger 22-1.