CO2 Sequestration Using Group 2 Silicates and Chlor-Alkali Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for carbon dioxide sequestration from power plant flue gas are energy-intensive and economically unfeasible, consuming more energy than they generate and often requiring costly processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the conversion of magnesium chloride salt and water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen chloride, which is then used to react with carbon dioxide, forming calcium carbonate, with byproducts recycled to sequester CO2 into mineral products, utilizing Group 2 silicate minerals and chlor-alkali electrolysis for efficient carbon capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional carbon dioxide sequestration methods are used, then CO2 removal is achieved, but energy consumption is excessive and economic feasibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recycles byproducts from the CO2 sequestration process back into the system. Specifically, HCl produced in the magnesium chloride hydration step is reused to treat silicate minerals, and the resulting magnesium chloride is recycled back into the system. This closed-loop approach recovers valuable materials that would otherwise be wasted, reducing the need for fresh reagents and lowering overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own byproducts to sustain the reaction cycle. The HCl generated during magnesium chloride hydration automatically serves as the reagent for dissolving silicate minerals, and the magnesium chloride produced from silicate treatment feeds back into the hydration step. This self-sustaining mechanism eliminates the need for external energy input for many process steps.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional CO2 removal processes are implemented, then carbon capture is achieved, but operational costs are prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recycles byproducts from the CO2 sequestration process. HCl produced during magnesium chloride hydration is reused to treat silicate minerals, and the resulting magnesium chloride is recycled back into the system. This recovery approach eliminates waste disposal costs and reduces the need for purchasing fresh reagents, significantly lowering operational expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be harmful or wasteful byproducts into valuable process inputs. HCl, which could be considered a waste product of magnesium chloride hydration, is instead utilized to dissolve silicate minerals. Similarly, the magnesium chloride generated from silicate treatment becomes a feedstock for the hydration step, transforming potential waste streams into process assets that reduce overall costs.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If energy-intensive sequestration methods are applied, then CO2 is removed from flue gas, but more energy is consumed than generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous reaction cycle where the output of one step becomes the input of the next. Magnesium chloride hydrates to form HCl and magnesium hydroxide, which captures CO2 while regenerating magnesium chloride. The HCl byproduct continuously treats silicate minerals to produce more magnesium chloride, creating an unbroken chain of useful actions that eliminates idle steps and minimizes energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own reagents through internal reactions. The HCl produced during CO2 sequestration automatically serves to dissolve silicate minerals, and the magnesium chloride produced from this treatment feeds back into the hydration step. This self-service mechanism means the system sustains itself with minimal external energy input, as the chemical reactions within the cycle provide the necessary reagents and energy.
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 reduces energy consumption and costs by recycling byproducts, achieving efficient carbon sequestration with ecological efficiencies superior to prior art, and producing valuable chloro-hydro-carbonate products while capturing significant CO2 emissions.
Implementation Method 1
admixing a magnesium chloride salt and water in a first admixture under conditions suitable to form (i) magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and/or MgCl(OH) and (ii) hydrogen chloride
Implementation Method 2
admixing (i) magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide and/or MgCl(OH), (ii) CaCl2 and (iii) carbon dioxide produced by the source in a second admixture under conditions suitable to foam (iv) calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 3
some of the hydrogen chloride is obtained from a chlor-alkali electrolytic cell
Implementation Method 4
admixing a Group 2 silicate mineral with hydrogen chloride under conditions suitable to form a Group 2 chloride salt, water, and silicon dioxide
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy efficient carbon dioxide sequestration processes whereby Group 2 silicate minerals and CO2 are converted into limestone and sand using a two-salt thermolytic process that allows for the cycling of heat and chemicals from one step to another.