Metal Alkaline Sorbent CO2 Capture via Microwave Pyrolysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture technologies are energy-intensive and costly, with challenges in regenerating sorbents and scaling up to commercial levels.
Innovation Solution
The use of metal alkaline as a sorbent material to absorb CO2 from exhaust gases, forming solid metal carbonate, followed by microwave pyrolysis to release and regenerate the CO2, allowing for continuous cycling of the sorbent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional CO2 capture technologies are used, then CO2 can be captured from exhaust gases, but the process is energy-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using metal alkaline sorbents (such as calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium hydroxide, or sodium hydroxide) that undergo reversible chemical reactions with CO2. The sorbent reacts with CO2 to form metal carbonate, which can then be thermally decomposed to release pure CO2 and regenerate the sorbent, creating an efficient capture-cycle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition in the thermal decomposition of metal carbonate to CO2. By heating the metal carbonate to a specific temperature range (500-900°C), the solid metal carbonate undergoes phase transition to release CO2 gas and regenerate the metal alkaline sorbent, enabling efficient CO2 separation and sorbent regeneration
2Reliability
If conventional CO2 capture technologies are used, then CO2 can be captured from exhaust gases, but the sorbent regeneration is difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the thermal decomposition temperature within a specific range (500-900°C). This temperature control enables selective decomposition of metal carbonate to CO2 while regenerating the metal alkaline sorbent, simplifying the regeneration process and improving sorbent efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a continuous cycle where the metal alkaline sorbent continuously captures CO2 from exhaust gases, forms metal carbonate, is thermally decomposed to release CO2, and regenerates the sorbent for reuse. This continuous cycling eliminates the need for frequent sorbent replacement and reduces operational complexity
3Productivity
If conventional CO2 capture technologies are used, then CO2 can be captured from exhaust gases, but scaling up to commercial levels is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the CO2 capture system into separate functional modules: a sorbent injection system, a reaction chamber for CO2 absorption, a thermal decomposition unit for CO2 release, and a CO2 separation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates scalable implementation at commercial levels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal metal alkaline sorbents that can capture CO2 from various exhaust gas sources (power plants, industrial facilities, vehicles). The same sorbent material and basic system architecture can be applied across different applications, simplifying scaling and reducing the need for application-specific custom designs
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 method efficiently captures and regenerates CO2, reducing energy consumption and costs, while providing a scalable solution for commercial implementation.
Implementation Method 1
capturing CO2 from an exhaust gas comprising CO2 by contact of the exhaust gas comprising CO2 with metal alkaline to produce solid metal carbonate
Implementation Method 2
separating recovered CO2 from the solid metal carbonate by microwave pyrolysis
Implementation Method 3
separating recovered CO2 from the solid metal carbonate by microwave pyrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method including reacting carbon dioxide from exhaust gas produced at a wellsite to produce a solid metal carbonate, and microwaving the solid metal carbonate to produce recovered carbon dioxide and solid metal alkaline. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.