Honeycomb Reactor Flow Equalization for CO2 Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing honeycomb structures for CO2 recovery exhibit uneven gas flow rates and adsorbent degradation, with central regions recovering more CO2 and deteriorating faster than peripheral regions, particularly in larger structures or those with multiple units.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating communication pore groups at specific positions in the honeycomb structure, with varying pore diameters and locations to enhance gas flow uniformity and reduce adsorbent degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple honeycomb structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas flow becomes uneven with central cells having higher flow rates and peripheral cells having lower flow rates, resulting in lower CO2 recovery in peripheral regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehoneycomb structure complexityVSAvoidCO2 recovery amount
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces communication pores (through-holes) in the partition walls of the honeycomb structure to create additional flow paths. These porous features in the partition walls allow gas to move between adjacent cells, equalizing the flow distribution and enabling peripheral cells to contribute effectively to CO2 recovery without increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a new dimension to gas flow by creating communication pores that extend through the partition walls in the radial direction. This dimensional addition allows gas to bypass the long axial path through peripheral cells by creating shortcuts, thereby balancing flow rates between central and peripheral regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If the honeycomb structure diameter is increased or multiple honeycomb structures are arranged, then the CO2 recovery capacity is improved, but the flow distribution becomes more uneven and peripheral region deterioration accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 recovery capacityVSAvoidreactor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By incorporating communication pores in partition walls, the invention creates a more uniform flow distribution even in large-diameter or multi-unit honeycomb structures. This prevents the peripheral cells from being underutilized and reduces the burden on central cells, thereby extending the overall reactor lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The communication pores effectively segment the flow paths into multiple parallel channels, allowing gas to be distributed more evenly across different regions of the honeycomb structure. This segmentation prevents any single region from being overloaded, maintaining reliability as the structure scales up

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If adsorbent is supported on partition walls, then CO2 adsorption is achieved, but the adsorbent deteriorates due to repeated adsorption and desorption cycles, with central region adsorbent deteriorating faster than peripheral region adsorbent

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 adsorption amountVSAvoidadsorbent lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The communication pores create alternative flow paths that reduce the flow rate through peripheral cells, thereby reducing the usage intensity of peripheral adsorbent. This balances the wear across all adsorbent regions, extending the overall adsorbent lifespan while maintaining total CO2 adsorption capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

By changing the flow distribution parameters through the introduction of communication pores, the invention equalizes the operational stress on adsorbent in different regions. This parameter adjustment ensures more uniform degradation rates across the entire adsorbent bed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 gas flow uniformity across the honeycomb structure, increases CO2 recovery, and extends the lifespan of the reactor by minimizing peripheral region degradation.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of communication pores Px are provided in the outer peripheral wall 11 and the partition walls 15 so as to form at least one communication pore group P

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow:

Implementation Method 2

The proposed main method for recovering CO2 is to adsorb CO2 onto an adsorbent capable of adsorbing CO2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP4691597A1Reactor and gas recovery device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 NGK INSULATORS LTD
  • EP4691597A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4691597A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4691597A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A reactor including at least one honeycomb structure 10 having an outer peripheral wall 11 and partition walls 15 provided on an inner side of the outer peripheral wall 11, the partition walls defining a plurality of cells 14 through which a process gas containing a capturing target gas can flow, each of the cells 14 extending from an inflow end face to an outflow end face of the honeycomb structure 10. The honeycomb structure 10 has at least one communication pore group P composed of a plurality of communication pores Px provided at the outer peripheral wall 11 and the partition walls 15 so as to be positioned on one straight line L1 orthogonal to an extending direction of the cells 14. The communication pore group P is located closer to the outflow end face 13 side than a center C1 in the extending direction of the cells.