Honeycomb Reactor Flow Balancing for CO2 Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing honeycomb structures for CO2 recovery exhibit uneven gas flow and adsorbent degradation, leading to reduced recovery rates and shortened lifespan, particularly in larger reactors or those with multiple structures.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design featuring a honeycomb structure housed in a cylindrical member with communication pores at the outer peripheral wall and partition walls, allowing even gas flow and reducing differential wear across the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple honeycomb structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas flow becomes uneven and CO2 recovery rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the honeycomb structure by introducing communication pores that divide the cell groups into central and peripheral regions. This segmentation allows independent flow path control, enabling the central region to receive higher gas flow while the peripheral region receives adjusted flow through the communication pores, thereby resolving the uneven flow distribution problem in simple honeycomb structures while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication pores act as intermediary channels between the central and peripheral cell groups. These intermediary structures mediate the gas flow distribution, allowing the system to achieve uniform CO2 recovery across different regions without increasing the overall device complexity significantly. The communication pores serve as a bridge that balances the flow between regions with different flow characteristics.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple honeycomb structure is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the adsorbent deteriorates unevenly and reactor lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the honeycomb structure into central and peripheral regions with communication pores, the invention creates separate deterioration zones. This segmentation prevents the propagation of wear and degradation across the entire structure, allowing the reactor to maintain reliable performance for longer periods while still being manufacturable using standard honeycomb fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication pores provide beforehand cushioning by creating alternative flow paths that prevent excessive stress and wear concentration in any single region. This prior cushioning effect distributes the mechanical and thermal stress more evenly, preventing premature failure and extending reactor lifespan without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Area of stationary object
If the honeycomb structure diameter is increased, then the processing capacity is increased, but the gas flow becomes more uneven and peripheral cells receive insufficient flow
Solution Approach 1:
The communication pores serve as intermediary structures that bridge the central and peripheral regions in large-diameter honeycomb structures. They mediate the gas flow distribution by providing additional pathways that deliver gas to peripheral cells, ensuring that even in large-diameter structures, the peripheral regions receive adequate flow for effective CO2 recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional element by adding communication pores that create a three-dimensional flow network within the honeycomb structure. This dimensional addition allows gas to reach peripheral cells through multiple pathways (both direct and via communication pores), effectively solving the flow distribution problem in large-diameter structures without reducing the overall diameter.
4Productivity
If more adsorbent is placed in central region, then CO2 recovery from central region is improved, but the adsorbent deteriorates faster and requires more frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The communication pores segment the adsorbent bed into functionally distinct central and peripheral zones with different flow rates and utilization patterns. This segmentation allows the central region to maintain high CO2 recovery performance while the peripheral region experiences reduced stress, thereby extending the overall adsorbent lifespan and reducing replacement frequency.
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
Enhances CO2 recovery rates and extends the lifespan of the reactor by ensuring uniform gas flow and minimizing differential degradation of the adsorbent, while reducing heating requirements for desorption.
Implementation Method 1
adsorb CO2 onto an adsorbent capable of adsorbing CO2
Implementation Method 2
desorb the CO2 by changing a temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A reactor includes: at least one honeycomb structure having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls provided on an inner side of the outer peripheral wall, the partition walls defining a plurality of cells through which a process gas containing a capturing target gas can flow, each of the cells extending from an inflow end face to an outflow end face of the honeycomb structure; and a cylindrical member for housing the honeycomb structure. At least a portion of the outer peripheral wall of the honeycomb structure is not in contact with the cylindrical member. The honeycomb structure has at least one communication pore group P comprised of a plurality of communication pores Px provided at the outer peripheral wall and the partition walls so as to be positioned on one straight line L1 orthogonal to an extending direction of the cells.