CO2 Capture from Liquid Using Depressurization and Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon dioxide capture apparatuses, such as those described in PTL 1, are complex and costly due to the need for nozzles and control units to maintain a depressurized tank environment, complicating the apparatus configuration and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide capture apparatus that includes a storage unit with a partition wall, a vibration transmission unit, and an accumulation unit to capture and accumulate carbon dioxide released from dissolved carbon dioxide in liquid through depressurization and vibration, utilizing a simple apparatus configuration and low energy methods like the siphon principle and vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a nozzle and control unit are used to maintain a depressurized tank environment for carbon dioxide removal, then carbon dioxide can be effectively removed from seawater, but the apparatus configuration becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide removal efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the vibration function from the vacuum pump itself, separating this auxiliary function from the need for additional dedicated vibration generation equipment. The vacuum pump's vibration is directly transmitted to the seawater through the tank bottom, eliminating the need for separate nozzles and control units while maintaining carbon dioxide removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The vacuum pump serves dual functions: it creates the depressurized environment necessary for carbon dioxide removal and simultaneously generates vibrations that facilitate bubble formation and gas release. This multi-functionality reduces the number of required components and simplifies the overall apparatus configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a nozzle and control unit are used to maintain a depressurized tank environment for carbon dioxide removal, then carbon dioxide can be effectively removed from seawater, but costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide removal efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the vibration function from the vacuum pump itself, separating this auxiliary function from the need for additional dedicated vibration generation equipment. The vacuum pump's vibration is directly transmitted to the seawater through the tank bottom, eliminating the need for separate nozzles and control units while maintaining carbon dioxide removal effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the vibration generation function with the vacuum pumping function by directly coupling the vacuum pump to the tank structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate vibration generation devices, nozzles, and control units, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and apparatus complexity while maintaining effective carbon dioxide removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If vibration is transmitted to liquid to release carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide release efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide release efficiencyVSAvoidvibration energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the vacuum pump's own operational vibrations to achieve the carbon dioxide release function. The vibration energy is a byproduct of the vacuum pump's normal operation, so no additional energy input is required specifically for vibration generation. The system essentially uses its own operational byproducts to enhance its primary function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the vibration, which could be considered an unwanted byproduct or disturbance of the vacuum pump operation, into a beneficial effect that enhances carbon dioxide release from seawater. The same mechanical vibrations that might be seen as operational noise are harnessed to improve gas bubble formation and release efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

The apparatus achieves carbon dioxide capture at low cost by using a simple configuration and low energy methods, including depressurization and vibration to release and accumulate carbon dioxide from seawater or freshwater, reducing operational costs while effectively capturing carbon dioxide.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration transmission unit configured to transmit a vibration of the storage unit or a vibration source disposed near the storage unit to the liquid stored in the storage unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the vibration...facilitating carbon dioxide release through cavitation and bubble formation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 3

an accumulation unit configured to capture and accumulate the carbon dioxide released from the liquid with an aid of the vibration transmitted via the vibration transmission unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDepressurization: Depressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP4725913A1Carbon dioxide recovery device and carbon dioxide recovery method
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 CANON KK
  • EP4725913A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4725913A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4725913A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided a carbon dioxide capture apparatus and a carbon dioxide capture method that capture carbon dioxide in liquid at low cost. A carbon dioxide capture apparatus includes a storage unit including a partition wall separating an atmosphere and an inner space, the storage unit being configured to store liquid in which carbon dioxide is dissolved in the inner space, a vibration transmission unit configured to transmit a vibration of the storage unit or a vibration source disposed near the storage unit to the liquid stored in the storage unit, and an accumulation unit configured to capture and accumulate the carbon dioxide released from the liquid with an aid of the vibration transmitted via the vibration transmission unit.