Cryogenic Gas Separation With Membrane CO Retentate Recycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryogenic separation processes for carbon monoxide and hydrogen mixtures result in significant carbon monoxide losses due to residual gas mixtures being discarded, leading to reduced carbon monoxide yields.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a membrane separation process to recirculate carbon monoxide-rich retentates back into the cryogenic separation process, forming hydrogen-rich permeates and carbon monoxide-rich retentates, thereby recovering lost carbon monoxide and increasing overall yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the feed mixture is subjected to a conventional cryogenic separation process, then carbon monoxide can be condensed and separated from hydrogen, but significant carbon monoxide losses occur in the residual gas mixtures which are discarded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by capturing the residual gas mixtures that would normally be discarded and subjecting them to membrane separation. This process recovers carbon monoxide from the residual gas, converting what was previously waste into a recoverable resource. The recovered carbon monoxide is then recirculated back to the cryogenic separation process, thereby reducing carbon monoxide losses and improving overall yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by recirculating the carbon monoxide-rich retentate from the membrane separation process back to the cryogenic separation process. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that carbon monoxide that would otherwise be lost in the residual gas is returned to the separation process, continuously improving carbon monoxide recovery and reducing losses with each cycle.
2Device complexity
If residual gas mixtures are discarded after cryogenic separation, then the separation process can be simplified, but carbon monoxide yield is reduced due to losses in the discarded gas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary membrane separation process between the cryogenic separation and the final product output. This intermediary step processes the residual gas mixtures, separating carbon monoxide from hydrogen through membrane technology. The intermediary process acts as a bridge that recovers valuable carbon monoxide without significantly complicating the overall system, as the membrane module can be integrated into the existing process flow.
3Productivity
If membrane separation is added to recirculate carbon monoxide, then carbon monoxide yield increases, but device complexity increases due to additional separation equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the overall separation process into two distinct functional segments: the cryogenic separation process for initial carbon monoxide condensation, and the membrane separation process for recovering carbon monoxide from residual gases. This segmentation allows each process to be optimized independently and facilitates modular integration, where the membrane module can be added as a separate unit without redesigning the entire separation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by operating the membrane separation process at different pressure conditions than the cryogenic separation. The membrane process operates at higher pressure to drive the separation, while the cryogenic process operates at lower pressure and lower temperature. By changing operational parameters, the patent enables the integration of two different separation mechanisms without requiring complex pressure control systems throughout the entire process.
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 membrane separation process effectively recovers carbon monoxide from residual gas mixtures, enhancing the carbon monoxide yield by reducing losses and improving the efficiency of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one residual gas mixture is subjected to a membrane separation process (20) in which at least one hydrogen-rich permeate and at least one carbon monoxide-rich retentate are formed
Implementation Method 2
the feed mixture is subjected to a cryogenic separation process (10) in which a carbon monoxide-rich liquid and at least one residual gas mixture which is depleted in carbon monoxide and enriched in hydrogen, in comparison with the feed mixture, are formed
Data Source
AI summary
A process and plant are proposed for separating a feed mixture predominantly or exclusively containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen, in which the feed mixture is subjected to a cryogenic separation process in which a carbon monoxide-rich liquid and at least one residual gas mixture which is depleted in carbon monoxide and enriched in hydrogen, in comparison with the feed mixture, are formed. It is intended that the at least one residual gas mixture is subjected to a membrane separation process in which at least one hydrogen-rich permeate and at least one carbon monoxide-rich retentate are formed, wherein the or at least one of the carbon monoxide-rich retentates is recirculated to the cryogenic separation process.