Gas Filter with Embedded CO2 Sorbent Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a significant need for effective methods to reduce excess carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and from industrial and environmental sources, such as exhaust gases, due to its harmful environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A gas filter comprising a housing structure with an active element made of a matrix material embedded with a CO2 sorbent, such as alkali metal carbonate, and water, which absorbs CO2 through a reversible chemical reaction, allowing for regeneration by heating, and can be manufactured using ceramic or polymer matrices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CO2 sorbent is embedded within matrix material to improve CO2 removal efficiency, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 sorbent particles are embedded within the porous matrix material to create a composite active element that combines the CO2 absorption capability of the sorbent with the structural support and fluid distribution properties of the matrix. This merging allows the filter to remove CO2 effectively while maintaining a manageable manufacturing process through conventional mixing and forming techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The active element is constructed as a composite material system consisting of CO2 sorbent particles dispersed within a porous matrix material framework. This composite structure enables the filter to achieve high CO2 removal efficiency by leveraging the complementary properties of both materials: the sorbent provides chemical reactivity while the matrix provides mechanical integrity and fluid flow pathways
2Duration of action of stationary object
If heating is applied to regenerate the filter to enable reuse, then reusability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter undergoes a regeneration cycle where spent sorbent material is heated to release captured CO2, restoring the sorbent to its active state. This process allows the filter to be reused multiple times, reducing waste and operational costs while the energy input is concentrated only during periodic regeneration rather than continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration process utilizes thermal energy to induce phase transitions in the chemically bound CO2, converting it from a bound state to a released gaseous state. This phase change enables the separation of CO2 from the sorbent material through heating, allowing the sorbent to be regenerated and reused without replacing the entire filter system
3Productivity
If CO2 sorbent is embedded within matrix material to improve CO2 removal efficiency, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but the filter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 sorbent is distributed throughout the porous matrix material at the appropriate local concentrations to ensure effective CO2 removal. This local distribution of functional material within the matrix structure allows the filter to achieve high removal efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall filter design that uses conventional housing and flow distribution components
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 gas filter efficiently removes CO2 from gas streams, providing a cost-effective and reusable solution for various applications, including automotive and industrial use, with improved efficiency and regeneration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a CO2 sorbent... which absorbs CO2 through a reversible chemical reaction
Implementation Method 2
By applying heat, the alkali metal bicarbonate is converted back to the corresponding alkali metal carbonate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a gas filter comprising an active element and a housing structure for said active element, said housing structure comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet, said active element comprising or consisting of: a matrix material; a CO2 sorbent; and water, wherein at least some of the CO2 sorbent is embedded within the matrix material.