Desulfurization Agent with Controlled Macro Porosity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing porous articles for removing unwanted or required species from process streams or diluents lack controlled macro porosity, which limits their effectiveness in desulfurization and other purification processes.
Innovation Solution
A method of forming a desulfurization agent using a mixture of manganese, iron, and copper compounds with thermoplastic pore-forming particles to create controlled macro porosity, allowing for enhanced adsorption and catalytic activity, with the option of additional pore formers and binders to optimize porosity and surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional porous articles are used for desulfurization, then basic porosity is provided, but controlled macro porosity is lacking which limits effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pore-forming particles (such as expanded polystyrene beads, glass beads, or foam particles) as additives in the extrusion mixture to create controlled macro porosity within the catalyst support structure. These particles are incorporated during manufacturing and subsequently removed or decomposed to form void spaces, achieving the desired porosity control for enhanced desulfurization effectiveness.
2Reliability
If pore-forming particles are added to control macro porosity, then effectiveness is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pore-forming particles with the catalyst support materials (manganese, iron, copper, or zinc compounds) and binders into a single extrusion mixture. This merging of components into one homogeneous mixture simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing all ingredients to be processed simultaneously through extrusion, rather than requiring separate steps for creating porosity and applying catalysts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pore-forming particles are incorporated into the extrusion mixture before the extrusion process begins. This preliminary incorporation ensures that the porosity structure is built into the catalyst support during formation, rather than requiring subsequent complex post-processing steps to create or modify the pore structure.
3Productivity
If macro porosity is controlled, then adsorption and catalytic activity are enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls macro porosity by varying parameters such as the type, size, shape, and concentration of pore-forming particles in the extrusion mixture. By adjusting these parameters, the manufacturer can precisely control the resulting pore size distribution, porosity level, and overall structure to optimize adsorption and catalytic activity for specific desulfurization applications.
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 method significantly enhances the effectiveness of porous articles by providing high levels of controlled macroporosity, enabling efficient removal of sulfur compounds and other impurities from gas and liquid streams, with the potential for regeneration and cost-effective catalyst deposition.
Implementation Method 1
porous articles with controlled macro porosity
Implementation Method 2
desulfurisation agent which comprises at least one compound of manganese and at least one compound of iron
Implementation Method 3
Sorption materials such as copper compounds and/or zinc compounds may be provided on the surface or within the pores of the agent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a desulphurization agent for removing sulphurous species from a diluent or process stream, and a use of such agent. In some examples, the agent may include a compound of manganese, pore forming particles and a compound of copper. The agent may be introduced into or mixed with the diluent or process stream to effectuate removal of sulphurous species from the diluent or process stream.