Hydrate-Based CO2 Separation From Flue Gas
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 separation technologies from power plant flue gases are costly and reduce power plant efficiency, and they require subsurface geologic structures for sequestration, limiting their applicability to locations without suitable formations.
Innovation Solution
A hydrate-based gas separation process that captures CO2 into a hydrate structure from gas mixtures including N2 and O2, allowing for CO2 to be stored in geologic formations or marine hydrate reservoirs, and the N2-rich product can be released or used industrially, with a system comprising a hydrate formation reactor and a solid-liquid separator for efficient CO2 and N2 separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If absorptive technologies based on amines are used to remove CO2 from flue gas, then CO2 separation is achieved, but power plant efficiency is significantly reduced and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transitions of CO2 into solid hydrate form through controlled temperature and pressure conditions in a hydrate formation reactor. This phase change approach enables CO2 capture without the chemical absorption processes that reduce power plant efficiency, allowing the N2-rich gas to be reused or discharged while the solid CO2 hydrate is separated and stored
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes physical parameters (temperature and pressure) to control CO2 hydrate formation and decomposition. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves CO2 separation and conversion to solid hydrate form without the energy penalties associated with amine-based absorption technologies, maintaining power plant efficiency while achieving effective CO2 capture
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional CO2 separation processes are used, then CO2 can be separated from flue gas, but subsurface geologic structures must be present for sequestration, limiting applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts CO2 into solid hydrate form through phase transition, which can be transported and stored in diverse locations including marine hydrate reservoirs and geologic formations. This solid form enables CO2 sequestration without requiring specific subsurface geologic structures at the capture site, significantly expanding geographic applicability to locations without suitable formations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses solid CO2 hydrate as an intermediary form that bridges CO2 capture and storage. The hydrate acts as a transportable intermediate that can be moved from capture sites to various storage locations including marine reservoirs and geologic formations, decoupling the CO2 separation process from the need for specific subsurface structures at the capture location
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
This process improves energy and material utilization, enabling effective CO2 capture and storage or utilization, and provides a N2-rich product for industrial use, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by allowing CO2 sequestration without subsurface geologic structures.
Implementation Method 1
CO2 is preferentially captured into a hydrate structure to selectively remove CO2 from a gas stream also including N2 and/or O2
Data Source
AI summary
Processes for separating carbon dioxide from a gas mixture that comprises CO2 and N2 that are based upon formation of gas hydrates, and systems useful for implementing such processes, are disclosed.