Cryogenic Gas Condensing Column with Novel Surfaces for CO2 Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current carbon capture systems for CO2 are inefficient and energy-intensive, leading to high costs and increased carbon emissions during the processing and transportation of CO2, which hinders the achievement of global warming reduction targets.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cryogenic gas separation system using Additive Manufacturing (AM) to optimize the design of Gas Condensing Columns (GCCs) with novel surfaces and geometries, enhancing thermal conductivity and efficiency in CO2 liquefaction and separation from atmospheric air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional carbon capture systems are used for CO2 separation and liquefaction, then CO2 can be captured from industrial processes, but the process is energy-intensive and time-consuming, leading to high costs and increased carbon emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the CO2 separation and liquefaction process into distinct stages using multiple Gas Condensing Columns arranged in series. Each column operates at different pressure levels (e.g., 73-100 psi, 100-150 psi, 150-200 psi), allowing progressive cooling and condensation of CO2 while separating it from other gases. This segmented approach improves efficiency by optimizing each stage for specific temperature and pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes controlled changes in pressure and temperature parameters to achieve efficient CO2 separation and liquefaction. By progressively increasing pressure and decreasing temperature across multiple columns, the system optimizes the phase transition of CO2 from gas to liquid while minimizing energy consumption and maximizing production rate.
2Reliability
If conventional heat exchangers and condensers are used for CO2 liquefaction, then CO2 can be separated from gaseous mixtures, but the process requires complex systems with multiple components and extended processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The Gas Condensing Column integrates multiple functions into a single device: cooling, condensation, and gas-liquid separation occur within the same column structure. The column combines heat exchange surfaces with separation chambers, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers and condensers, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The Gas Condensing Column is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs cooling, phase change, and separation simultaneously. This universal device can handle different gas mixtures and operating conditions, replacing multiple specialized components with a single versatile system that improves reliability and reduces complexity.
3Productivity
If traditional CO2 delivery methods via truck are used, then CO2 can be transported to utilization facilities, but logistics losses increase carbon intensity and reduce overall process efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system produces CO2 in liquid form under controlled pressure and temperature parameters, creating a dense, easily transportable product. By optimizing the liquefaction process to achieve high purity and appropriate physical state, the system reduces transportation volume and eliminates losses associated with traditional gas-phase delivery via truck, thereby improving delivery efficiency and reducing carbon intensity.
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 significantly reduces the time and energy required for CO2 liquefaction, increases the rate of CO2 production, and minimizes oxygen impurities in the liquefied product, thereby improving the overall efficiency and sustainability of carbon capture and utilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a cryogenic refrigerant supply adapted to supply a cryogenic refrigerant through the first refrigerant inlet into the first volume, wherein the cryogenic refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outside wall
Implementation Method 2
wherein CO2 molecules in the stream of gas condense on the outside wall, the plurality of fins and the plurality of packing elements
Implementation Method 3
the cryogenic refrigerant reduces the first temperature of the outside wall
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method, device and system to efficiently liquefy and isolate a gas from a gaseous mixture. In an embodiment of the present invention, separation of gasses from the atmosphere can be carried out using a cooled surface to separate the gasses from the atmosphere. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, removal of CO2 from the atmosphere can be carried out by using the method, device and system to efficiently cryogenically separate CO2 from air and capture the CO2 from a gaseous mixture using a surface and release the ‘CO2 lean air’ into the atmosphere and store the captured liquefied CO2.