Circulating fluidized bed connected to a desublimating heat exchanger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing CO2 from flue gases, such as scrubbing with amine solutions and oxy-combustion, are inefficient and decrease the overall efficiency of power plants, and there is a need for a more effective method to separate condensable gases like CO2 from light gases.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a fluidized or fixed bed of particles with an out-bed heat exchanger to desublimate CO2 vapors, allowing them to condense on the particles and separate from other gases, with the condensed CO2 being removed and potentially reused, while maintaining continuous operation by managing the buildup of solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If CO2 is captured by scrubbing with amine solutions, then CO2 separation is achieved, but the total efficiency of the power plant decreases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transition of CO2 from gas to solid (desublimation) directly, bypassing the liquid absorption stage. CO2 in the gas phase transitions directly to solid CO2 particles that can be separated and collected, achieving high separation efficiency without the energy-intensive amine regeneration process required in conventional scrubbing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the chemical absorption mechanism (amine solutions) with a physical phase transition mechanism. Instead of relying on chemical reactions and subsequent thermal regeneration, the system uses controlled desublimation followed by mechanical separation of solid CO2 particles, significantly reducing energy consumption
2Manufacturing precision
If desublimation occurs on heat exchanger surfaces, then CO2 condensation is achieved, but continuous operation is hindered by solid buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the desublimation process from the heat exchanger surface and relocates it to a fluidized bed reactor. CO2 condensation occurs within the fluidized bed where solid particles are continuously circulated and separated, preventing buildup on heat exchange surfaces and enabling continuous operation without shutdowns for cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a dynamic fluidized bed where solid particles are in constant motion and circulation. This dynamic environment prevents solid CO2 from adhering to heat exchanger surfaces, as particles are continuously fluidized and separated by density differences, maintaining continuous operational capability
3Manufacturing precision
If CO2 concentration in flue gas is increased through oxy-combustion, then separation efficiency improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluidized bed as an intermediary device between the gas stream and separation process. The fluidized bed acts as a mediator that facilitates CO2 desublimation and separation without requiring complex oxy-combustion systems, achieving effective CO2 concentration and separation through the physical properties of the fluidized bed environment
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 enhances the efficiency of CO2 separation by minimizing desublimation on heat exchanger surfaces, allowing for continuous operation and efficient recovery of CO2, which can be sequestered or reused, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the process.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the process stream by passing it through an out-bed heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
causing the process stream to flow through the bed of particles at a temperature and pressure sufficient to cause at least a portion of the desublimating vapors in the process stream to condense on the bed particles and on an exterior of the conduit of the out-bed heat exchanger
Data Source
AI summary
Condensable vapors such as carbon dioxide are separated from light gases in a process stream. The systems and methods employ a circulating fluidized particle bed cooled by an out-bed heat exchanger to desublimate the solid form of condensable vapors from the process stream. Gas and solids may be sorted in a separator, and the solids may then be subcooled in a heat exchanger. The condensable vapors may be condensed on the bed particles or in the heat exchanger while the light gases from the process stream, which are not condensed, form a separated light-gas stream.