Membrane Reactor for CO2 Hydrogenation Water Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for hydrogenating carbon dioxide into methanol and/or dimethyl ether face challenges such as bulky process designs, expensive regeneration of solid adsorption systems, and energy-intensive separation processes, which hinder efficient conversion and catalyst lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A membrane reactor with a water-permeable membrane and integrated condensation system allows for in-situ removal of water from the reaction mixture through permeation and condensation within the reactor, reducing the need for additional equipment and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If water is removed by condensation in a recycle configuration, then water is removed from the reaction mixture, but the process design becomes bulky with separate equipment and piping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the water removal function with the reactor itself by integrating a permeable membrane into the reactor structure. The membrane allows water vapor to selectively permeate from the reaction zone to the permeate zone, eliminating the need for separate condensation equipment and recycle piping. This merging of separation function into the reactor body directly resolves the contradiction between achieving water removal and maintaining simple process design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the water removal mechanism from the external process equipment and embeds it directly within the reactor through the permeable membrane. By taking out the water separation function and integrating it into the reactor structure, the system achieves water removal without requiring bulky external condensation and recycle equipment.
2Quantity of substance
If solid adsorption systems are used to remove water, then water is removed from the reaction mixture, but regeneration becomes challenging and the overall process becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water removal function from solid adsorption systems and replaces it with a permeable membrane-based selective permeation mechanism. This extraction eliminates the need for challenging regeneration processes and handling of solid adsorbents, while maintaining effective water removal capability through the membrane's selective transport properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical solid adsorption system with a membrane-based selective permeation system. The permeable membrane uses its selective transport properties to remove water vapor from the reaction mixture, replacing the need for solid adsorbents that require regeneration and complex handling procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If water vapor permeation through a membrane is used, then water is removed from the reaction mixture, but hydrogen is also removed concomitantly and overall conversion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the reactor: the reaction zone maintains high temperature and pressure conditions favorable for hydrogenation reactions, while the permeate zone provides a temperature gradient that drives selective water vapor permeation through the membrane. This local differentiation allows water removal without significant hydrogen loss, as the membrane's selective permeation properties and the temperature gradient work together to preferentially transport water vapor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes, specifically the temperature gradient across the membrane, to enhance selective water vapor permeation. By maintaining a temperature difference between the reaction zone and permeate zone, the system exploits the temperature-dependent permeation properties to preferentially remove water vapor while minimizing hydrogen loss, thereby maintaining high overall conversion.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional condensation methods are used, then water and methanol are condensed together, but subsequent separation is required and liquid methanol product is obtained instead of gaseous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts water from the condensation process by using selective permeation through a membrane before condensation occurs. This extraction of water from the reaction mixture allows subsequent condensation to produce gaseous methanol product without requiring additional separation steps, as water has already been removed through the membrane in the permeate zone.
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 enhances reaction rates, improves catalyst lifetime, and achieves higher conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol and/or dimethyl ether by selectively removing water, overcoming thermodynamic equilibrium constraints and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
removing said water from the process by a combination of permeation of said water through a membrane
Implementation Method 2
condensation of said water after permeation
Implementation Method 3
reacting carbon dioxide with hydrogen to form methanol and/or dimethyl ether
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a membrane reactor for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide, said membrane reactor comprising a reaction compartment (2) comprising a catalyst bed, a permeate compartment (4) and a membrane separating the reaction compartment and the permeate compartment, wherein said permeate compartment comprises a condensing surface.