Compressor CO2 Separation via Membrane Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor systems fail to effectively reduce carbon dioxide concentration in compressed air, particularly in industrial and naval applications, where recirculation of air requires efficient CO2 separation without compromising oxygen content.
Innovation Solution
A compressor system with multiple stages and a membrane separator that recirculates a scavenging air flow with concentrated CO2 through a carbon dioxide separator, using a membrane that preferentially allows CO2 and water to pass through, thereby reducing CO2 concentration efficiently and minimizing the size and cost of the CO2 separator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a membrane separator is arranged downstream of the compressor outlet, then the system can reduce CO2 concentration effectively, but the separator must withstand high pressure requiring larger and more expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The compression process is divided into multiple stages with the membrane separator positioned between stages rather than at the final high-pressure outlet. This segmentation allows the separator to operate at intermediate pressure levels, reducing its structural requirements and cost while maintaining effective CO2 separation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane separator performs preliminary CO2 removal at an intermediate stage before final compression. By removing CO2 earlier in the process when pressure is lower, the system avoids the need for a high-pressure-rated separator, thus reducing equipment size and cost while still achieving the desired CO2 concentration reduction in the final compressed air.
2Manufacturing precision
If the entire compressed air volume is routed through the CO2 separator, then CO2 removal is maximized, but the separator becomes larger and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
A specific portion of the compressed air stream is extracted and routed through the CO2 separator for targeted CO2 removal. This selective extraction approach allows the separator to handle only the necessary volume for effective CO2 reduction, minimizing separator size and cost while avoiding the need to process the entire compressed air volume through the separation device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by routing only a portion of the compressed air through the CO2 separator rather than the entire volume. This partial processing is sufficient to achieve the required CO2 concentration reduction in the recirculated air stream without the excessive cost and size of a separator capable of handling 100% of the air volume.
3Use of energy by moving object
If air is recirculated in industrial plants or submarines, then oxygen efficiency is improved, but CO2 accumulation increases requiring additional filtration
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where compressed air is recirculated back to the compressor inlet after CO2 removal. This closed-loop feedback allows continuous oxygen utilization while actively managing CO2 levels by separating and removing accumulated CO2 from the recirculated stream, maintaining breathable air quality over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of CO2 accumulation into a manageable process by using the recirculated air stream itself as the vehicle for CO2 removal. The CO2 that accumulates during recirculation is captured and separated in the membrane separator, transforming the harmful accumulation problem into a controlled separation and removal process that enables sustained recirculation.
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 reduces CO2 concentration in compressed air while maintaining oxygen levels, allowing for efficient breathing air production and reducing the need for additional filtering, with the membrane separator acting as a dryer and the CO2 separator using soda lime for effective CO2 removal.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane separator (10) for separating a purge air flow (17) with a concentrated content of carbon dioxide from the compressed air
Implementation Method 2
a membrane separator (10) with a permeate outlet (18) connected via a return line (7) to the inlet side of an upstream compressor stage (3)
Implementation Method 3
the CO2 separator using soda lime for effective CO2 removal
Implementation Method 4
a compressor with at least one compressor stage and preferably at least two compressor stages arranged in series, which enable a stepwise pressure increase
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A compressor system (1) comprising a compressor (2) having at least one compressor stage (3, 4, 5, 6), at least one membrane separator (10) arranged on the outlet side of the at least one compressor stage (3, 4, 5, 6), a return line (7) connecting a permeate outlet (18) of the membrane separator (10) to the inlet side (20) of an upstream compressor stage (3, 4, 5, 6) located upstream of the membrane separator (10), and at least one carbon dioxide separator (9) arranged in the return line (7), which is configured to reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in a purge air stream (17) supplied to the inlet side (20) of the upstream compressor stage (3, 4, 5, 6) via the return line (7), is configured to provide compressed air with a reduced carbon dioxide concentration.