Hydrogen Gas Mixture Preparation via Membrane Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of power generation in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) processes is reduced due to additional steps required for carbon dioxide capture and storage, necessitating a more energy-efficient method to prepare a diluted hydrogen gas mixture from hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a catalyzed water gas shift reaction to convert part of the carbon monoxide to hydrogen and carbon dioxide, followed by hydrogen separation using a membrane with a sweep gas, optimizing the energy efficiency and reducing the need for extensive carbon dioxide capture and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If carbon dioxide capture and storage steps are added to IGCC process, then carbon dioxide emissions are reduced, but power generation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes carbon dioxide from the gas mixture using a membrane separation unit, which selectively allows carbon dioxide to pass through while retaining hydrogen and other gases. This extraction method enables carbon dioxide capture without requiring energy-intensive compression and storage systems, thereby maintaining power generation efficiency while reducing emissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary substance that facilitates the separation of carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. The membrane acts as a selective barrier that allows carbon dioxide to pass through while blocking other gases, enabling efficient carbon dioxide capture without the need for complex compression and storage infrastructure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional steps for carbon dioxide capture are implemented, then environmental emissions are limited, but process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the carbon dioxide capture process by using a membrane separation unit that directly extracts carbon dioxide from the gas mixture. This straightforward extraction method avoids the need for complex compression, purification, and storage systems, thereby reducing overall process complexity while still achieving effective carbon dioxide capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas mixture by adjusting pressure, temperature, and flow rates to optimize the membrane separation process. By controlling these parameters, the system achieves efficient carbon dioxide capture with minimal process complexity, as the membrane naturally separates gases based on their different permeation rates.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional carbon dioxide capture methods are used, then carbon dioxide can be separated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression and purification systems with a membrane-based separation system. The membrane separation process uses only pressure differential and selective permeation, eliminating the need for energy-intensive compressors, heat exchangers, and purification units, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving effective carbon dioxide separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the different permeation rates of carbon dioxide and other gases through the membrane, which can be influenced by temperature and pressure changes. By controlling these phase-related parameters, the system achieves efficient carbon dioxide separation without requiring additional energy input, as the membrane naturally exploits the inherent differences in gas permeability.
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 enhances the energy efficiency of preparing a diluted hydrogen gas mixture, improving power generation efficiency and reducing the energy requirements for carbon dioxide capture and storage.
Implementation Method 1
converting part of the carbon monoxide in said gas mixture to hydrogen and carbon dioxide by means of a catalysed water gas shift reaction
Implementation Method 2
separating hydrogen from said shifted gas by means of a membrane to obtain the hydrogen comprising gas at the permeate side of the membrane and a carbon dioxide comprising gas at the retentate side of the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Process to prepare a diluted hydrogen gas mixture starting from a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide by (i) converting part of the carbon monoxide in said gas mixture to hydrogen and carbon dioxide by means of a catalysed water gas shift reaction to obtain a shifted gas and (ii) separating hydrogen from said shifted gas by means of a membrane to obtain the hydrogen comprising gas at the permeate side of the membrane and a carbon dioxide comprising gas at the retentate side of the membrane, wherein at the permeate side of the membrane a sweep gas is provided; (iii) cooling the carbon dioxide comprising gas to obtain liquid carbon dioxide and a gas mixture of non-condensable gasses and (iv) separating the liquid carbon dioxide from the non-condensable gasses; wherein the non-condensable gasses are fed into the hydrogen comprising gas.