Direct Air Capture Reactor With Regenerable Base Solution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon processing systems are inefficient and require significant processing volume, limiting their scalability and effectiveness in capturing carbon dioxide from ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A carbon processing system utilizing a multi-stage reactor with a base solution that undergoes reversible absorption and desorption reactions, facilitated by an air mover, to capture and regenerate carbon dioxide efficiently, using quaternary ammonium cations and anions in water-based solutions with additives and phase transfer catalysts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional liquid amine absorption towers or solid adsorbents are used to remove carbon dioxide from flue gases, then carbon dioxide removal is achieved, but the processing volume required is large and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the absorption system by using quaternary ammonium salts instead of conventional liquid amines or solid adsorbents. This parameter change results in a base solution that has higher carbon dioxide capture capacity per unit volume, thereby reducing the overall processing volume required while maintaining or improving capture effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite base solution containing quaternary ammonium salts combined with specific additives and promoters. This composite formulation enhances the carbon dioxide absorption capacity and kinetics, allowing for more efficient capture in a smaller volume compared to conventional single-component systems.
2Extent of automation
If conventional carbon processing systems are used, then carbon dioxide removal is achieved, but automation capability is reduced and manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The base solution in the patent is designed to be regenerable through thermal processing. The system automatically regenerates the base solution by heating it to release captured carbon dioxide, and the regenerated solution is reused without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability significantly enhances automation potential while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a continuous cyclic process where the base solution continuously captures carbon dioxide, is regenerated, and reused. This continuous operation eliminates the need for manual replenishment or intervention, enabling full automation of the carbon capture process while maintaining ease of operation through standardized cyclic cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If base solution is not regenerated, then processing can be simplified, but scalability and sustainability are limited due to continuous consumption of materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements recovery of the base solution through thermal regeneration. Instead of discarding the spent base solution, the system heats it to release carbon dioxide and regenerate the base solution for reuse. This recovery process eliminates continuous material consumption and enables scalable deployment by maintaining a closed-loop system that can be expanded without proportionally increasing material requirements.
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 achieves high scalability and reduced processing volume by regenerating the base solution, enabling efficient capture and reuse of carbon dioxide for various applications, with conversion rates up to 99% and selectivity up to 99%.
Implementation Method 1
Air is contacted with a base solution to react with the base solution to thereby generate a base solution having carbon dioxide dissolved therein and generate exhaust
Implementation Method 2
Amines react with acidic gases to form a complex, which can be reversibly broken into starting amine and acidic gas at elevated temperatures
Implementation Method 3
Heat is applied to the base solution having carbon dioxide dissolved therein to thereby generate carbon dioxide and generate a base solution without carbon dioxide dissolved therein
Implementation Method 4
Heat is applied to the base solution having carbon dioxide dissolved therein to thereby generate carbon dioxide and generate a base solution without carbon dioxide dissolved therein
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon processing system comprises an air mover and a multi-stage reactor. The multi-stage reactor processes ambient air and generates carbon dioxide and generates exhausted gas released to ambient air. In operation, air contacts the base solution via the air mover. The air reacts with the base solution thereby generating a base solution having carbon dioxide and generating exhaust (absorption reaction). Next, the exhaust is released from the reactor. Next, heat is applied to the base solution having carbon dioxide thereby generating carbon dioxide and generating a base solution without carbon dioxide (desorption reaction). The base solution without carbon dioxide generated after applying heat is reusable in processing new air. The absorption reaction and desorption reaction are reversible reactions resulting in regeneration of the base solution into its form prior to contact with the air yielding high scalability and less processing volume as required by many conventional carbon processing techniques.