Gas-Permeable Hydrocyclone Contactor for Low-Loss CO2 Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 scrubbing technologies in submarines are inefficient and bulky, leading to high CO2 levels in the atmosphere and the need for bulky secondary cleanup systems due to direct liquid-gas contact, which increases system volume and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A hydrocyclone contactor module with a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane is used, where the liquid absorber flows in a continuous spiral inside the membrane, and gas passes outside, allowing CO2 diffusion without direct contact, reducing liquid carryover and enabling efficient CO2 removal with lower power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct liquid-gas contactors are used for CO2 removal, then CO2 absorption efficiency is improved, but liquid carryover into the gas stream increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid absorber and gas stream. The membrane allows CO2 to pass through while blocking liquid absorber carryover, thus maintaining high CO2 absorption efficiency while preventing liquid loss into the purified gas stream
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid absorber is contained within a flexible hydrophobic membrane structure that forms thin liquid films during operation. This membrane configuration enables efficient gas-liquid contact for CO2 absorption while the hydrophobic nature prevents bulk liquid carryover into the gas phase
2Productivity
If large areas of liquid-gas interface are created to improve CO2 removal, then CO2 absorption efficiency is improved, but system volume increases due to required cleanup systems
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic membrane acts as a selective barrier that eliminates the need for bulky secondary cleanup systems. By preventing liquid absorber carryover at the source, the membrane intermediary allows direct gas purification without requiring additional large-volume filtration or separation equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic membrane utilizes porous material properties to achieve selective permeability. The pore structure allows CO2 gas molecules to pass through while repelling liquid absorber, enabling efficient CO2 removal with compact equipment that does not require large-volume secondary treatment systems
3Productivity
If aggressive liquid churning is used to increase gas-liquid contact, then CO2 absorption efficiency is improved, but liquid entrainment in the gas stream increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic membrane serves as a controlled intermediary that enables intensive gas-liquid contact on one side while completely blocking liquid entrainment on the other side. This eliminates the harmful liquid carryover that normally results from aggressive churning, as the membrane prevents liquid droplets from entering the gas stream regardless of churning intensity
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 system reduces liquid absorber loss, minimizes the need for secondary purification, lowers power consumption, and requires less space, extending submarine deployment by maintaining a thin, refreshed liquid film for efficient CO2 removal.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrocyclone having a cyclonic cone section constructed from a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane
Implementation Method 2
allowing CO2 diffusion without direct contact
Implementation Method 3
A hydrocyclone works by creating a high-speed, rotating flow within a cylindrical or conical chamber. This swirling motion generates centrifugal force, causing heavier particles to move outward toward the chamber walls
Implementation Method 4
This swirling motion generates centrifugal force, causing heavier particles to move outward toward the chamber walls
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a hydrocyclone contactor module for use in gas purification. In particular, the present invention relates to a CO2 removing hydrocyclone contactor module, a system comprising one more CO2 removing hydrocyclone contactor modules as defined herein, a method of removing CO2 from gas using the hydrocyclone contactor module, a method of retrofitting the hydrocyclone contactor module or system comprising the hydrocyclone contactor module into a submarine atmospheric control system, and a submarine comprising the hydrocyclone contactor module or system comprising the hydrocyclone contactor module. In a one aspect, the present invention relates to a module for removing CO2 from gas, the module comprising: a hydrocyclone having a cyclonic cone section constructed from a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane; an inlet to the cyclonic cone section; and an outlet at the apex of the cyclonic cone section.