Gas Hydrate Column for CO2 and Hydrogen Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture technologies, such as adsorption and absorption methods, are energy-intensive and costly, contributing significantly to the operating costs of carbon capture and storage systems, and are inefficient in separating CO2 and hydrogen from multicomponent gas streams.
Innovation Solution
A gas hydrate column technology that forms CO2 hydrates by compressing and chilling a gas mixture, allowing for the separation of CO2 and hydrogen through controlled pressure and temperature conditions, using bubble trays to maintain water levels and promote hydrate formation, and employing promoter chemicals to enhance the separation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional adsorption or absorption methods are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 can be removed from gas streams, but the process requires significant energy input and incurs high operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of CO2 from gas to solid hydrate form by controlling temperature and pressure conditions. CO2 forms solid hydrates at temperatures below its sublimation point under elevated pressure, enabling separation without the energy-intensive heating and cooling cycles required by conventional adsorption or absorption methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters (temperature and pressure) to induce hydrate formation. By maintaining temperature below CO2's sublimation temperature and applying sufficient pressure, the system transforms CO2 into a solid hydrate phase that can be easily separated from the gas stream, avoiding the continuous energy input needed by traditional methods
2Productivity
If multi-stage carbon capture systems are implemented to reduce CO2 emissions, then CO2 capture capability is improved, but the operating cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts CO2 from the gas stream by forming solid hydrates that can be separated and removed in a single stage. This direct extraction approach eliminates the need for multiple sequential capture stages, thereby reducing the cumulative operating costs and energy consumption associated with multi-stage systems
3Quantity of substance
If amine-based adsorption processes are used to remove CO2 from fuel gas, then CO2 separation is achieved, but the process becomes costly and carbon intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-pressure CO2 (which would otherwise require energy-intensive treatment) into a beneficial solid hydrate form. By utilizing the high-pressure conditions already present in fuel gas streams, the system naturally promotes hydrate formation, turning a potentially problematic parameter into the driving force for efficient separation without additional carbon-intensive processing
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 method efficiently separates CO2 and hydrogen, offering a regenerable and cost-effective solution that reduces energy consumption and operational costs compared to traditional methods, with the ability to handle various gas mixtures and recover CO2 for further processing or sequestration.
Implementation Method 1
the gas mixture is compressed and chilled to form CO2 hydrates in the water on the bubble trays
Implementation Method 2
compressed and chilled to form CO2 hydrates
Implementation Method 3
depressurized in a second stage of operation... releasing the CO2 and other hydrate-forming gases
Implementation Method 4
lowering pressure in the gas hydrate column
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method separating CO2 from a gas mixture using hydrates are provided. An exemplary method includes injecting a feed gas into a gas hydrate column through a feed gas line and producing hydrogen from a hydrogen outlet line. The method includes determining that water on trays in the gas hydrate column is saturated with CO2 gas hydrates, closing valves on the feed gas line and the hydrogen outlet line, opening a valve leading to a carbon dioxide outlet line, lowering pressure in the gas hydrate column, and producing carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide outlet line.