Marine-Integrated CO2 Capture Layout for Offshore Retrofit Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CO2 capture systems for offshore and onshore installations are cumbersome, costly, and difficult to implement due to their size, weight, and the need for significant modifications to existing structures, which are not designed to accommodate additional equipment, and are not feasible in all locations.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 capture system integrated into a marine structure with a hull and compartmentalizing bulkheads, allowing modules to be directly incorporated, optimizing space and reducing material use, and enabling rapid deployment without disrupting installation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 capture equipment is constructed as separate dedicated structures with cooling, absorption, and regeneration columns, then CO2 capture functionality is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to implement on existing installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple CO2 capture functions (cooling, absorption, regeneration) into a single integrated column structure. The column simultaneously houses the cooling section at the top, absorption section in the middle, and regeneration section at the bottom, eliminating the need for separate dedicated structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated column serves multiple functions within a single structure: it cools flue gases, absorbs CO2 using solvent, and regenerates the solvent through steam stripping. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate equipment pieces needed while maintaining reliable CO2 capture performance.
2Reliability
If additional structures and equipment are added to existing installations for CO2 capture, then CO2 capture capability is provided, but construction costs and deployment time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple capture functions into one integrated column that can be installed as a single unit on existing installations. This reduces the number of construction activities, connections, and installations required compared to assembling multiple separate structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated column is designed and pre-assembled with all necessary sections (cooling, absorption, regeneration) and connections before being transported to the installation site. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site construction time and complexity.
3Reliability
If large quantities of materials are used for constructing CO2 capture systems, then system robustness and capture efficiency are improved, but construction costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional sections into a single integrated column structure, reducing the total amount of structural materials needed compared to building separate cooling towers, absorption columns, and regeneration units. The shared walls and support structures eliminate redundant material usage.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If existing installations are modified to accommodate CO2 capture equipment, then CO2 emissions are reduced, but installation operations are disrupted and modification costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated column is fully assembled and tested before being transported to the installation site. Flue gas connections and solvent circulation systems are pre-configured, allowing for rapid installation with minimal disruption to existing installation operations.
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 system reduces construction and deployment costs while effectively capturing CO2, being compatible with various platform installations and activities, and is rapidly deployable.
Implementation Method 1
the internal volume of the cooling module is arranged to allow the cooling of fumes containing CO2 with a cooling fluid so as to cool the fumes
Implementation Method 2
the internal volume of the absorption module is arranged to allow the cooled fumes to come into contact with an absorbing solvent capable of capturing the CO2 from the fumes
Implementation Method 3
the internal volume of the solvent regeneration module is arranged to allow the enriched solvent to be treated so as to release the captured CO2 and form a poor solvent
Implementation Method 4
a steam stripping section arranged to allow steam to be injected into the enriched solvent so as to facilitate the release of the captured CO2
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (10) for capturing CO2 from flue gas, the system having at least one cooling module (11), at least one absorption module (12), and at least one solvent regeneration module (13), at least one flue-gas conveying line (14), which line is arranged for conveying the flue gas, the system (10) being characterised in that: - it comprises a marine structure (15), the marine structure (15) comprising a hull (19) and at least one compartment-forming partition (20); - the internal volume of at least one of the modules is at least partially defined by the hull (19) and/or the at least one compartment-forming partition (20).