Fume Purification Plant Using pH Traps for SOx, NOx, and CO2 Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for purifying industrial fumes, particularly from ceramic firing ovens, are inefficient in removing sulfur and nitrogen oxides and do not effectively recover carbon dioxide, leading to environmental pollution and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method using aqueous solutions and electro-oxidation with titanium and graphite electrodes to purify fumes, followed by passage through traps with different pH levels to convert pollutants into high-purity calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium nitrate, while consuming CO2 and reducing VOCs and heavy metals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If powdered lime is used to treat fumes, then the treatment process is simple, but sulfur and nitrogen oxides are not retained effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment process is divided into multiple sequential stages: a first treatment stage with a basic solution to remove particulate matter, and a second treatment stage with an alkaline solution to specifically remove sulfur and nitrogen oxides. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both simplicity and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the treatment solutions, using a basic solution (pH 8-11) in the first stage and an alkaline solution (pH 10-13) in the second stage. This parameter change enables progressive and complete removal of different pollutant types, resolving the contradiction between process simplicity and pollutant retention effectiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional fume treatment methods are used, then the process is energy-intensive, but CO2 is not consumed and emissions continue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions into a beneficial resource by using them in the second treatment stage. The CO2 reacts with the alkaline solution to form carbonates, effectively consuming the CO2 and transforming it from a harmful emission into a useful chemical product, while also reducing the overall energy consumption of the process.
3Device complexity
If fumes are treated without CO2 consumption, then the process is straightforward, but environmental impact remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment system is designed with multi-functionality: the first stage removes particulate matter, the second stage removes sulfur and nitrogen oxides, and the process simultaneously consumes CO2 emissions. This universal approach addresses multiple environmental problems with a single integrated system, reducing overall complexity while enhancing environmental benefits.
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 achieves high-purity recovery of valuable compounds like calcium carbonate and sulfate, reduces pollutants, and operates without CO2 emissions, offering an economically sustainable and energy-efficient solution for fume purification.
Implementation Method 1
SO3 is soluble in water with formation of H2SO4. SO2 is soluble in water with formation of HSO3-
Implementation Method 2
electro-oxidation with titanium and graphite electrodes
Implementation Method 3
CO2 contained in the fumes reacts with a solution containing calcium salts and precipitates instantly, giving rise to calcium carbonate
Implementation Method 4
SO3 contained in the fumes reacts, forming soluble sulfates H2SO4
Implementation Method 5
passage through traps with different pH levels to convert pollutants into high-purity calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium sulfate, and calcium nitrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plant and method for the purification of fumes from industrial discharges and/or for the recovery and reconversion of sulfur oxides and/or nitrogen oxides and/or carbon dioxide contained in said fumes. Said method comprises the passage into one or more aqueous solutions, where said aqueous solutions are selected from the group comprising: —solution with an acid pH, between 0.5-1; —solution at a pH between 3 and 5, at about pH 4; —Ca(OH)2 or CaCl2 or calcium acetate solution; —solution at a pH between 8 and 9.