Gas-Sorption Measurement Device Using Infrared Partial Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring CO2 sorption, such as thermogravimetric analysis, face challenges in efficiently characterizing sorption kinetics and thermodynamics, especially for electrochemically regenerated sorbents and reactive capture schemes, due to limitations in measuring partial pressure and requiring costly equipment.
Innovation Solution
A gas-sorption measurement device that characterizes targeted gas sorption by measuring partial pressure using an inexpensive sensor, interfaced with automated preparation of liquid sorbents, featuring a sorbent chamber, mass flow controllers, a detector, and recirculation loops to operate in constant moles or pressure modes, enabling high-throughput screening of sorbent properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is used to measure CO2 sorption, then the weight of sorbent can be measured, but the measurement requires costly equipment and cannot efficiently characterize sorption kinetics and thermodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing system of TGA with an optical detection system (infrared sensor) that measures partial pressure of CO2. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive thermogravimetric analyzers while providing comparable or superior measurement capabilities for sorption kinetics and thermodynamics characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared sensor as an intermediary measurement tool that indirectly measures CO2 sorption by detecting changes in CO2 partial pressure in the headspace. This intermediary approach provides a cost-effective alternative to direct weight measurement while enabling efficient kinetic and thermodynamic characterization.
2Productivity
If automated preparation and recirculation loops are added to the device, then productivity and measurement efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional device where the recirculation loop serves multiple purposes: maintaining constant partial pressure conditions, enabling kinetic measurements, and facilitating thermodynamic characterization. The automated preparation system handles both liquid sorbent introduction and gas mixture preparation, reducing the need for separate equipment while increasing throughput.
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 device provides accurate and efficient characterization of sorption properties with 10 parts per million sensitivity and 1-second time resolution, facilitating the development of carbon capture technologies by automating sorbent and gas handling, and reducing costs compared to traditional TGA instruments.
Implementation Method 1
the detector comprises an infrared sensor to measure the partial pressure of the targeted gas
Implementation Method 2
characterizes targeted gas sorption by a liquid sorbent via measurement of the partial pressure of the targeted gas
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gas-sorption measurement device to characterize the gas binding and sorption capacity of a liquid sorbent, and methods of use thereof.