Multi-Stage Desublimation Exchangers for Solid CO2 Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating components like carbon dioxide from complex gases, such as flue gas, are inefficient and require multiple unit operations with high energy costs, lacking a simple and energy-efficient process for complete separation.
Innovation Solution
A process utilizing a series of direct- and indirect-contact heat exchangers, where desublimation occurs in a single exchanger, with a vibration-inducing mechanism to separate solid products from the carrier gas, and a solvent-based contact fluid for efficient solidification and separation, allowing for the formation and separation of solid products from the process fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple indirect-contact heat exchangers are used for desublimation and separation, then separation completeness is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines direct-contact and indirect-contact heat exchangers into a single integrated system. The direct-contact exchanger performs initial cooling and condensation, while the indirect-contact exchanger completes the desublimation process, merging multiple separation functions into one unified apparatus that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining separation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is divided into distinct stages: initial cooling and condensation in the direct-contact exchanger, followed by desublimation in the indirect-contact exchanger. This segmentation allows each exchanger type to optimize its specific function, improving overall separation completeness without requiring an excessive number of units.
2Manufacturing precision
If compression and expansion processes are used for gas separation, then separation effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (condensation and desublimation) as the primary separation mechanism instead of relying heavily on compression and expansion. By cooling the flue gas to dew point and then to frost point, components transition from gas to liquid or solid phases, enabling separation without requiring high-energy compression-expansion cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical compression-expansion systems with thermal processing systems. Instead of using mechanical work to separate components, the system uses heat exchange processes (cooling, condensation, desublimation) to achieve separation, significantly reducing energy consumption associated with mechanical compression and expansion.
3Device complexity
If a single desublimating exchanger is used, then device complexity is reduced, but separation completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple exchangers into a single integrated heat exchanger system that performs both direct-contact and indirect-contact operations. This unified exchanger accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate units, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to achieve complete separation through sequential cooling and desublimation stages.
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 enables efficient and complete separation of components like carbon dioxide from flue gas with reduced energy costs and minimal unit operations, producing a solid product while recycling the contact fluid for continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
The solid product or products form from the product component or components in the plurality of exchangers by desublimation
Implementation Method 2
An indirect-contact heat exchanger comprising a first chamber through which the process fluid passes and a second chamber through which a coolant passes
Implementation Method 3
providing the indirect-contact heat exchanger with a means for causing the second chamber to flex, causing the portion of the solid product or products to fall from the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A process for forming a solid product or products is disclosed. The process is provided with n desublimating exchangers. An exchanger E1 being associated with a first exchanger and an exchanger En being associated with an nth exchanger, n representing the number of exchangers. The n exchangers comprise at least one direct-contact exchanger comprising a contact fluid. A process fluid is passed through the n exchangers in order from E1 through En. The process fluid comprises a product component or components. The solid product or products form from the product component or components in the plurality of exchangers by desublimation. The solid product or products are separated from the process fluid. In this manner, a solid product or products is formed.