Liquid Chemical Looping Combustion Device for Continuous CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical looping combustion methods face challenges with safety, efficiency, and continuous operation due to the need for periodic regeneration of solid oxidizing and reducing agents, which disrupts the process and complicates CO2 capture.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for chemical looping combustion using liquid phases with separate oxidation and reduction loops, where oxidizing and reducing agents are continuously cycled and separated, allowing for continuous operation and efficient CO2 capture without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solid oxidizing and reducing agents are used in conventional chemical looping combustion, then the redox reactions can proceed, but periodic regeneration is required which disrupts continuous operation and complicates CO2 capture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of liquid redox agents through separate oxidation and reduction loops. The oxidized liquid phase is continuously reduced in the first loop while the reduced liquid phase is continuously oxidized in the second loop, eliminating periodic interruptions and enabling sustained combustion operation without regeneration downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a liquid phase redox couple (Fe2+/Fe3+ or similar) as an intermediary carrier between the fuel combustion zone and the oxidant source. This liquid intermediary circulates continuously, transferring oxygen in the reduced state to fuel and being regenerated by oxygen in the oxidized state, thereby enabling continuous operation without direct contact between fuel and comburent.
2Ease of operation
If solid oxidizing and reducing agents are used, then the redox reactions can proceed, but manual or automatic mechanical intervention is required which disrupts the method
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical handling of solid agents with hydraulic circulation of liquid redox agents. Pumps and fluid circulation systems automatically transport the liquid phase between oxidation and reduction zones, eliminating the need for mechanical intervention devices such as conveyors, hoppers, and manual loading/unloading mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the redox agents from solid to liquid phase. This parameter change enables the agents to be pumped and circulated like fluids, allowing automatic operation through standard hydraulic systems rather than requiring complex mechanical handling equipment for solids.
3Reliability
If solid oxidizing and reducing agents are used, then the redox reactions can proceed, but CO2 capture becomes complicated due to mixing with gaseous effluent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the combustion process into two spatially and functionally separate loops: an oxidation loop where the liquid phase is regenerated by oxygen, and a reduction loop where the liquid phase reduces fuel to produce CO2. This segmentation prevents mixing of CO2 with the oxidant stream, allowing straightforward CO2 capture from the reduction loop effluent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the CO2 production step from the oxidant consumption step by separating them into distinct reduction and oxidation loops. The CO2 is generated only in the reduction loop where fuel contacts the reduced liquid phase, while the oxidation loop handles only oxygen transfer, enabling easy extraction and capture of CO2 without contamination by nitrogen or excess oxygen.
4Reliability
If liquid phase redox agents are used with periodic reactor role reversal, then regeneration is achieved, but the method slows down due to purging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous combustion by having always-ready supplies of both oxidized and reduced liquid phase in separate circulation loops. Unlike periodic reversal methods that require purging and switching, this system continuously feeds fresh oxidizing and reducing agents to their respective reaction zones, eliminating speed-reducing interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary regeneration of the liquid redox agents in continuous circulation. The oxidized liquid phase is continuously reduced in the first loop and the reduced liquid phase is continuously oxidized in the second loop, so that fresh reactive agents are always available before they are needed in the combustion zones, maintaining maximum combustion speed without interruption.
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
Ensures continuous, efficient, and safe operation by maintaining constant oxidizing and reducing agent levels, facilitating easy CO2 capture and reducing the risk of contamination and inefficiencies associated with solid phase methods.
Implementation Method 1
where said first driving fluid is in contact with the reducing agent, at least a fraction of which is then oxidized to an oxidizing agent
Implementation Method 2
where said second driving fluid is in contact with the oxidizing agent, at least a fraction of which is then reduced to a reducing agent
Implementation Method 3
a first separation device connected to the first outlet and arranged to separate the first driving fluid, depleted in dioxygen, from the liquid
Implementation Method 4
a second separation device connected to the second outlet and arranged to separate the second driving fluid, enriched with carbon dioxide, from the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A device for chemical looping combustion of a fuel, operating in the liquid phase and including: a tank receiving a liquid including an oxidizing agent and a reducing agent, an oxidation loop including: a first conduit, a first device for injecting a first motor fluid including dioxygen, configured for introducing the first motor fluid into the first conduit, and a first separating device for separating the first motor fluid from the liquid and for sending the liquid to the tank, a reduction loop including: a second conduit, a second device for injecting a second motor fluid including a fuel that includes carbon, configured for introducing the second motor fluid into the second conduit, and a second separating device, configured for separating the second motor fluid from the liquid.