Co-Current Absorption Column With Particulates for Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently capturing components like carbon dioxide from flue gases and atmospheric air, with a need for improved methods to manage the heat generated during the absorption process.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a co-current flow of gas, solvent, and particulates through an absorption column with a corrugated screen packing assembly, where the solvent absorbs the component and particulates absorb heat, maintaining solvent capacity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the solvent absorbs the component from the gas in a conventional absorption system, then the component capture efficiency is improved, but heat is generated during the absorption process which reduces solvent absorption capacity and requires additional cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the absorption process and heat management into a single integrated system. The heat exchanger is positioned within the absorption column to enable direct heat transfer from the rich solvent to the lean solvent, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and maintaining absorption capacity while achieving high component capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary element that mediates heat transfer between the rich solvent and lean solvent. This intermediary device enables thermal energy recovery and maintains the temperature balance required for continuous efficient absorption without compromising capture productivity
2Productivity
If high gas flow rates are used to increase capture capacity, then the productivity is improved, but the pressure drop across the absorption column increases and fouling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters within the absorption column by implementing internal heat exchange. This temperature management allows the system to operate at higher gas flow rates without excessive pressure drop or fouling, as the controlled thermal environment prevents solvent degradation and maintains optimal absorption conditions for increased capture capacity
3Reliability
If additional cooling systems are added to manage heat during absorption, then the solvent absorption capacity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function directly into the absorption column structure by positioning the heat exchanger within the column. This integration maintains solvent absorption capacity through effective heat management while avoiding the need for separate external cooling systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service heat management where the rich solvent directly heats the lean solvent through the internal heat exchanger. This self-contained thermal management approach maintains absorption capacity without requiring complex external cooling infrastructure, allowing the system to regulate its own temperature
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 system effectively captures components while managing heat, allowing high gas flow rates and reducing fouling, with minimal pressure drop, using particulates to maintain solvent absorption capacity.
Implementation Method 1
the solvent absorbs the component from the gas to form rich solvent and lean gas
Implementation Method 2
the particulates absorb heat generated during the co-current flow to form heated particulates
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an absorption column, and one or more lines configured to feed a solvent, particulates, and a gas comprising a component to the absorption column, wherein the absorption column is configured to induce co-current flow of the gas, the solvent, and the particulates therethrough, such that the solvent absorbs the component from the gas to form rich solvent and lean gas and the particulates absorb heat generated during the co-current flow to form heated particulates. A method including feeding a solvent, particulates, and a gas comprising a component to an absorption column, and inducing co-current flow of the gas, the solvent, and the particulates through the absorption column such that the solvent absorbs the component from the gas to form rich solvent and lean gas and the particulates absorb heat generated during the co-current flow to form heated particulates.