Membrane Separator for Steam Purification in DCSG

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Solution Overview

Problem

Direct contact steam generation (DCSG) systems produce steam contaminated with gaseous impurities like CO2, which requires additional separation steps, potentially reducing steam temperature and pressure, making it unsuitable for high-temperature applications like enhanced oil recovery (EOR) or steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD).

Innovation Solution

A method and system that includes a DCSG apparatus receiving fuel, water, and oxidant streams, generating a gas mixture with steam and CO2, using a membrane separator to separate steam, recirculating the permeate stream, monitoring CO2 content, and discharging the steam when CO2 levels are below a certain threshold, ensuring high-purity steam at desired pressure for end-use applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional separation methods are used to remove CO2 from steam, then steam purity is improved, but steam temperature and pressure are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam purityVSAvoidsteam temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical separation methods (which reduce temperature and pressure) with a membrane-based separation system. The membrane selectively permeates CO2 while allowing steam to pass through, achieving purification without mechanical compression or cooling steps that would degrade steam quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a thin-film membrane as the separation medium. This membrane is selectively permeable to CO2 while maintaining steam integrity, allowing high-purity steam to be obtained without the temperature and pressure losses associated with conventional separation equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional separation methods are used to remove CO2 from steam, then steam purity is improved, but additional high temperature compressors are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteam purityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for high-temperature compressors by using a membrane separation system that maintains steam pressure throughout the purification process. The membrane operates isobarically, allowing steam to pass through without requiring subsequent compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts only the necessary separation function from the conventional system. By using a membrane that selectively removes CO2 while preserving steam properties, the system eliminates unnecessary compression and cooling equipment, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If DCSG is used for steam generation, then capital expense is reduced, but steam is contaminated with gaseous impurities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapital expenseVSAvoidsteam purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a membrane separation unit to the DCSG system. This thin-film membrane provides selective permeability that removes gaseous impurities from the steam while maintaining the simplicity and cost-effectiveness of the original DCSG configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a membrane as an intermediary component between the DCSG and the steam output. This membrane acts as a selective barrier that allows steam to pass while blocking gaseous impurities, thereby purifying the steam without requiring complex additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively purifies steam by removing CO2 impurities, maintaining steam pressure, and producing high-purity steam suitable for high-temperature applications without the need for additional compression, thus enhancing energy efficiency and reducing capital expenses.

Implementation Method 1

receiving at least a portion of the gas mixture stream in a membrane separator, and separating at least a portion of the steam from the gas mixture stream to generate a permeate stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS9200800B2Method and system for steam generation and purification

Publication Date: 2015.12.01 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A method and system for steam generation and purification is presented. The method includes receiving a fuel stream, a water stream, and an oxidant stream in a direct contact steam generation (DCSG) apparatus; and generating a gas mixture stream comprising steam and carbon dioxide (CO2) in the DCSG apparatus. The method further includes receiving at least a portion of the gas mixture stream in a membrane separator, and separating at least a portion of the steam from the gas mixture stream to generate a permeate stream. The method further includes recirculating at least a portion of the permeate stream to the DCSG apparatus; monitoring a CO2 content in the gas mixture stream; and discharging at least a portion of the gas mixture stream at an outlet of the DCSG apparatus as a product stream if the CO2 content is lower than a determined value.