Method and system for processing exhaust gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently separate and utilize exhaust gases from landfills and engines, leading to pollution and waste of valuable components like carbon dioxide and methane, as these gases are typically emitted into the atmosphere in combined form.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving a heat exchanger to cool exhaust gases, followed by compression to liquefy carbon dioxide, with the remaining gases being circulated to pre-cool subsequent intake, and the liquid CO2 being pelletized for solidification, allowing for the separation and reuse of gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If exhaust gases are cooled and compressed to separate CO2, then separation efficiency and resource utilization improve, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cooling of exhaust gases using a heat exchanger before compression. This pre-cooling reduces the temperature and pressure requirements for subsequent CO2 separation, making the compression process more energy-efficient while maintaining high separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes phase transitions of CO2 (from gas to liquid during compression, and potentially to solid during pelletization) to achieve separation. By controlling pressure and temperature to induce these phase changes, the system efficiently separates CO2 from other exhaust gases without requiring excessive energy input.
2Loss of energy
If remaining exhaust gas is circulated through heat exchanger for pre-cooling, then energy efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where remaining exhaust gas after CO2 removal is circulated back through the heat exchanger to pre-cool incoming exhaust gases. This feedback mechanism recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be wasted, significantly improving overall energy efficiency of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The remaining exhaust gas serves a dual purpose: it is both a byproduct of the separation process and a cooling medium for incoming gases. This self-service approach allows the system to use its own output to reduce the energy input required for cooling, thereby improving energy efficiency without requiring external cooling resources.
3Ease of operation
If CO2 is pelletized for solidification, then ease of storage and transport improves, but additional processing equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs phase transition from liquid CO2 to solid pellets through controlled freezing and shaping processes. This transformation enables CO2 to be stored and transported in a compact, stable solid form that is much easier to handle than gaseous or liquid CO2, despite requiring additional pelletization equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The pelletization process involves changing physical parameters of CO2 (temperature, pressure, and physical state) to transform it into a solid pellet form. By controlling these parameters during the final processing stage, the system achieves a product form that is optimized for storage and transport efficiency.
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 separates carbon dioxide and other gases, reducing energy consumption and pollution by recycling cold gases for pre-cooling and converting CO2 into solid form for industrial applications, minimizing waste and pollution.
Implementation Method 1
Incoming exhaust gas is passed through a heat exchanger where it is cooled
Implementation Method 2
The cooled exhaust gas is passed from the heat exchanger into a compressor. The compressor compresses the cooled exhaust gas sufficiently to liquefy the CO2 therein
Implementation Method 3
The compressed mixture of liquid CO2 and remaining exhaust gas collects in a tank, where the liquid CO2 sinks to the bottom of the tank
Implementation Method 4
The remaining exhaust gas is removed from the tank and circulated in circulation track to pass through the heat exchanger in order to cool subsequent incoming exhaust gas
Implementation Method 5
The liquid CO2 from the tank is sent to a pelletizer, which pelletizes at least a portion of the liquid CO2 into solid CO2
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing exhaust gas includes receiving incoming exhaust gas and cooling it in at least one heat exchanger to create cooled exhaust gas. The cooled exhaust gas is compressed in a compressor to liquefy CO2 leaving a remaining exhaust gas. The remaining exhaust gas is circulated through the heat exchanger to cool subsequent incoming exhaust gas and warm the remaining exhaust gas. At least a portion of the liquid CO2 may be pelletized in a pelletizer.