Flue Gas CO2 and NOx Capture for Algae Nutrient Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively capture and utilize carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides from flue gases, leading to environmental pollution and global warming, while current carbon capture technologies do not efficiently reintegrate these elements into the natural carbon cycle.
Innovation Solution
A method involving desulfurization, oxidation, water rinsing, and basic solution absorption to convert carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides into usable forms for algae cultivation, utilizing steps such as desulfurization, oxygen oxidation, water rinsing to form nitric acid, and basic solution absorption to neutralize and capture these gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If nitrogen oxides are reduced into harmless stable nitrogen and released into the air, then the harmful effect of nitrogen oxides is eliminated, but the discharged waste cannot be made good use of
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) into beneficial nitrogen sources for algae cultivation through a multi-step process: oxidation of NO to NO2, absorption in alkaline solution to form nitrate, and utilization by algae as nitrogen fertilizer. This transforms a pollutant into a valuable resource, eliminating the harmful effect while achieving waste utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical form of nitrogen through oxidation (NO → NO2) and alkaline absorption (forming nitrate ions), transforming the nitrogen oxides from a harmful gaseous state into a beneficial dissolved nutrient state that algae can utilize for growth.
2Productivity
If carbon dioxide is converted into various chemical substances such as acetic acid or polycarbonate, then industrial recycling economic effects are achieved, but carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cannot be largely removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts harmful atmospheric carbon dioxide into a beneficial carbon source for algae cultivation through alkaline absorption forming carbonate/bicarbonate ions, which algae utilize for photosynthesis and biomass production. This transforms CO2 from a greenhouse gas into a valuable nutrient, achieving both atmospheric CO2 removal and economic value through algae products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a self-sustaining system where algae consume the captured CO2 and nitrogen oxides to produce biomass, which can then be processed into products like biofuels or fertilizers, generating economic value that can fund further CO2 capture operations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flue gas undergoes desulfurization and denitrification treatment, then sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are reduced to certain concentration, but the treatment process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges desulfurization and denitrification into a single integrated alkaline absorption process. The same alkaline solution (NaOH or Ca(OH)2) simultaneously removes both SOx and NOx from flue gas, producing sulfates and nitrates that can be used as fertilizer, thereby simplifying the treatment process while achieving effective pollutant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The alkaline absorption solution serves multiple functions: it neutralizes and removes sulfur oxides, captures nitrogen oxides, produces useful sulfate and nitrate nutrients for algae cultivation, and can be adjusted to optimize performance for different gas compositions, making it a universal treatment approach.
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 reduces greenhouse gas emissions, purifies air quality, and provides a carbon and nitrogen source for algae cultivation, effectively recycling these elements into the natural carbon cycle.
Implementation Method 1
providing oxygen to react with the nitric oxide in the desulfurized flue gas for an oxidation reaction to obtain an oxidized flue gas
Implementation Method 2
rinsing the oxidized flue gas with water to dissolve nitrogen dioxide in the oxidized flue gas in water to obtain a rinsed flue gas and a nitric acid solution
Implementation Method 3
contacting the rinsed flue gas with a basic solution to absorb the carbon dioxide in the rinsed flue gas by the basic solution to obtain a basic-washed flue gas and a weak basic solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method for treating a flue gas, comprising: step (A) desulfurizing a flue gas to obtain a desulfurized flue gas, comprising NOx, SOx, and CO2; step (B) providing oxygen for an oxidization to obtain an oxidized flue gas; step (C) rinsing the oxidized flue gas with water to obtain a rinsed flue gas and a nitric acid solution; and step (D) contacting the rinsed flue gas with a basic solution to absorb the CO2 in the rinsed flue gas. The method for treating a flue gas can largely reduce the content of CO2 and NOx in the flue gas. Besides, the obtained product can be used as a carbon source and nitrogen source for algae cultivation.