Constant Pressure CO2 Stripping Process

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carbon dioxide removal processes from feed gases are economically inefficient due to the need for periodic pressure changes, which increase production costs and investment expenditure for equipment.

Innovation Solution

Feeding the feed gas to a stripper column instead of an absorption column, allowing for the stripping of the absorbed carbon dioxide, resulting in a higher concentration of carbon dioxide that can be condensed, and operating the plant at constant pressure to eliminate the need for pressure adjustment equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional absorption process is used with pressure changes for CO2 separation, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but production costs and investment expenditure increase due to pressure adjustment equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 removal efficiencyVSAvoidpressure adjustment equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional process flow by feeding the feed gas to the stripper column instead of the absorption column. This reversal allows the process to operate at constant pressure while achieving CO2 separation, eliminating the need for pressure adjustment equipment and associated costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from variable pressure (conventional process) to constant pressure (novel process). By operating both absorption and stripping at the same pressure, the process eliminates the need for compressors and pressure relief equipment, reducing both investment expenditure and production costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If pressure changes are implemented in conventional CO2 recovery process, then CO2 separation is achieved, but production costs increase due to periodic pressure rises and drops

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 separationVSAvoidproduction costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By reversing the process flow and feeding feed gas to the stripper column, the patent achieves CO2 separation without requiring periodic pressure changes. The inverted process allows both absorption and stripping to occur at constant pressure, eliminating energy costs associated with pressure adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous operation at constant pressure, eliminating the periodic interruptions and energy-consuming pressure adjustments required in conventional batch processes. This continuous constant-pressure operation reduces production costs while maintaining effective CO2 separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Quantity of substance

If feed gas is fed to absorption column in conventional process, then CO2 is absorbed, but pressure adjustment equipment is required increasing investment expenditure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 absorptionVSAvoidpressure adjustment equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sequence by first stripping the absorbing agent with feed gas in the stripper column, then using the enriched CO2 gas to absorb more CO2 in the absorption column. This inversion allows the process to operate at constant pressure, eliminating the need for pressure adjustment equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the CO2-enriched gas from the stripper column as an intermediary medium to enhance CO2 absorption in the absorption column. This intermediary gas stream allows the process to maintain constant pressure while achieving effective CO2 separation, avoiding the need for complex pressure adjustment equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 production and investment costs by eliminating the need for pressure adjustment equipment and allows for efficient carbon dioxide recovery, with the option to produce carbon dioxide as a product for further use in Enhanced Oil Recovery or sequestration.

Implementation Method 1

stripping said recycled absorbing agent containing carbon dioxide with the feed gas and thereby obtaining a gas having a higher concentration of carbon dioxide than the feed gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStripping: Desorption

Implementation Method 2

cooling the gas obtained in step b... separating the cooled gas obtained in step c into a carbon dioxide rich liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Implementation Method 3

absorbing carbon dioxide from the gas obtained in step d by means of the absorbing agent obtained in step e

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2217352B1Removal of carbon dioxide from a feed gas

Publication Date: 2014.05.14 UNION ENGINERING A/S

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a new process for removal of carbon dioxide from a feed gas, wherein the feed gas is fed to and concentrated in a stripper column (A) before condensation of the gaseous carbon dioxide. The present invention also relates to different uses of the removed carbon dioxide and to a plant for removal of carbon dioxide from the feed gas.