Gas Separation System Adsorption Membrane Integration
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas separation techniques using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems are inefficient in collecting target gases, as some gases remain uncollected due to limitations in adsorbent efficiency and separation processes.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation system comprising an adsorption apparatus with an adsorbent and a separation membrane apparatus, where a mixed gas is introduced, followed by a replacement gas with a higher target gas concentration, to enhance target gas collection efficiency by controlling the flow and desorption processes, allowing the separation membrane to enrich the target gas concentration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pressure swing adsorption apparatus is used to separate target gas from mixed gas, then the target gas can be adsorbed and separated, but some gas remains uncollected due to limitations in adsorbent efficiency and separation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pressure swing adsorption apparatus with a separation membrane apparatus into an integrated system. The adsorption apparatus collects target gas while the separation membrane apparatus further enriches the concentration. This merging of two separation technologies allows complete recovery of target gas that would otherwise be lost in conventional single-stage PSA systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation membrane acts as an intermediary component between the adsorption apparatus and the final product. It receives the gas stream from adsorption and provides additional separation, enabling the system to achieve higher purity and complete gas recovery by mediating the separation process.
2Productivity
If conventional PSA systems are used, then the separation process is simple, but the recovery rate of target gas is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges a pressure swing adsorption apparatus with a separation membrane apparatus to achieve both high recovery rate and high concentration. While the device complexity increases, the dual-stage separation process enables complete target gas recovery that cannot be achieved with simple PSA systems alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables continuous operation where the adsorption apparatus and separation membrane apparatus work simultaneously or in alternating cycles to continuously recover and concentrate the target gas, maintaining useful action throughout the process without interruption.
3Quantity of substance
If the separation membrane apparatus is added to enhance target gas concentration, then the target gas can be enriched, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the separation membrane apparatus with the adsorption apparatus in a coordinated system. The membrane apparatus is positioned to receive gas from the adsorption stage and provides additional concentration, achieving high target gas concentration through the synergistic combination of both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes in the separation membrane apparatus, such as pressure differential or concentration gradient, to enhance the target gas concentration. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves efficient gas enrichment while managing the complexity of the integrated apparatus.
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 efficiently obtains a gas enriched with the target gas, improving recovery rates and achieving high concentrations of the target gas, such as CO2, by optimizing the adsorption and desorption processes.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption apparatus (11) that includes an adsorbent in an internal space, the adsorbent adsorbing or absorbing a target gas
Implementation Method 2
a separation membrane apparatus (12) that includes a separation membrane that permeates the target gas, the separation membrane apparatus flowing the target gas out of a gas introduced into a space on a non-permeate side of the separation membrane to a space on a permeate side of the separation membrane
Implementation Method 3
obtaining a gas enriched more with the target gas than the mixed gas by exhausting a gas from the adsorption apparatus while causing the adsorbent to desorb or dissipate the target gas
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separation system includes an adsorption apparatus and a separation membrane apparatus. A mixed gas including a target gas is introduced into the adsorption apparatus. A replacement gas is further introduced into the adsorption apparatus, and at least part of the gas exhausted from the adsorption apparatus at this time is introduced into a space on the non-permeate side of the separation membrane apparatus to obtain a first enriched gas enriched with the target gas by the separation membrane. Meanwhile, after the introduction of the replacement gas, the gas is exhausted from the adsorption apparatus while causing an adsorbent to desorb or dissipate the target gas so as to obtain a second enriched gas enriched with the target gas.