Magnetic Swing Absorption for Gas Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas separation processes are energy-intensive and costly due to high energy requirements for heat-assisted absorbent regeneration, pumping of liquid absorbents, and achieving high pressurizations, which contribute significantly to operational costs.

Innovation Solution

The method of magnetic swing absorption involves contacting a fluid mixture with a liquid absorbent in a separation chamber, applying a constant inhomogeneous magnetic field to enhance or initiate gas absorption and desorption, eliminating the need for energy-intensive processes like heat generation and high-pressure pumping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional gas separation processes use heat-assisted absorbent regeneration, then gas separation is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidgas separation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional thermal field (heat-assisted regeneration) with a magnetic field system. A magnet is positioned adjacent to the absorption chamber to apply magnetic fields to the liquid absorbent, enabling absorption and desorption of gases without thermal processing. This substitution of physical fields directly reduces energy consumption while maintaining gas separation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from thermal conditions (high temperature for regeneration) to magnetic conditions (applying magnetic field strength variations). By controlling the magnetic field intensity and application timing, the system achieves absorbent regeneration through magnetic interaction rather than thermal input, fundamentally altering the energy input parameter from thermal to magnetic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional gas separation processes use high-pressure pumping of liquid absorbents, then gas separation is achieved, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for mechanical pumping systems by using magnetic field interaction to drive liquid absorbent circulation. The magnet positioned adjacent to the absorption chamber creates magnetic forces that move the liquid absorbent through the system, replacing conventional mechanical pumps and reducing both operational complexity and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If conventional gas separation processes use high-pressure operations, then gas separation is achieved, but equipment complexity and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas separation efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces high-pressure mechanical operations with magnetic field-based operations. Instead of using compressors and high-pressure vessels, the system uses a magnet to apply magnetic fields that enable absorption and desorption at near-ambient pressures, significantly simplifying the equipment requirements and reducing maintenance needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach reduces energy consumption and operational costs by selectively absorbing and desorbing gases using magnetic fields, allowing for efficient gas separation without the need for high-energy processes, making the process more economical and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

absorbing at least one of said gases using the liquid absorbent, optionally in the presence of a constant inhomogeneous magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (physical): Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

desorbing the at least one absorbed gas from the liquid absorbent, optionally in the presence of the constant inhomogeneous magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Implementation Method 3

a magnet surrounding the separation chamber, wherein the magnet is configured to produce a constant inhomogeneous magnetic field in the presence of the liquid absorbent to initiate or enhance one or more of absorption of the one or more gases and desorption of the one or more gases

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230302399A1Magnetic swing absorption

Publication Date: 2023.09.28 KHALIFA UNIV OF SCI & TECH

AI summary

Embodiments include a method of magnetic swing absorption, which may include contacting a fluid mixture including one or more gases and a liquid absorbent in a separation chamber; absorbing at least one of said gases using the liquid absorbent, optionally in the presence of a constant inhomogeneous magnetic field; and desorbing the at least one absorbed gas from the liquid absorbent, optionally in the presence of the constant inhomogeneous magnetic field. Embodiments further include other related methods, related systems and apparatuses, and the like.