Modified Polyethylene Glycol for SOx Absorption and Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current desulfurization methods for flue gases are inefficient, costly, and prone to equipment corrosion, with existing polyethylene glycol and ethylene glycol solutions deteriorating during regeneration, leading to reduced sulfur absorption capacity and operational instability.
Innovation Solution
Modification of polyethylene glycol by etherifying hydroxyl groups to create a stable modified polyethylene glycol solution that absorbs SOx, which can be regenerated using methods like heating, vacuum, gas stripping, ultrasonic, or microwave treatment, preventing the formation of sulfinates and sulfonates that degrade the solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If polyethylene glycol or ethylene glycol solution is used to absorb SOx, then desulfurization efficiency is improved, but the solution deteriorates during regeneration leading to reduced absorption capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical structure of polyethylene glycol by etherifying hydroxyl groups to change its chemical properties. This parameter change prevents the formation of sulfinates and sulfonates during regeneration, thereby maintaining solution stability and absorption capacity while preserving high desulfurization efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a modified polyethylene glycol compound by combining polyethylene glycol with etherifying agents (such as alkyl halides, aryl halides, or epoxides). This composite material structure provides both the SOx absorption capability of polyethylene glycol and the regeneration stability of the etherified groups, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability
2Productivity
If conventional wet desulfurization methods are used, then desulfurization effect is improved, but equipment corrosion is dramatically serious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition of the absorbent from conventional aqueous alkali solutions to modified polyethylene glycol solution. This parameter change maintains effective SOx removal while eliminating the severe corrosion problems associated with traditional wet desulfurization methods
Solution Approach 2:
The modified polyethylene glycol solution serves as a non-corrosive alternative to conventional absorbents. Although the solution can be regenerated, its non-corrosive nature allows for extended use without the equipment degradation that would require frequent replacement in traditional systems
3Quantity of substance
If limestone and limewater method is used, then water consumption is reduced compared to water washing, but more solid wastes are generated and equipment is huge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the absorbent from solid limestone/limewater systems to a liquid modified polyethylene glycol solution. This parameter change enables compact equipment design while maintaining low water consumption and eliminating solid waste generation through the solution's ability to absorb and regenerate SOx
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of SOx absorption from solid limestone/limewater systems and transfers it to a liquid modified polyethylene glycol solution. This extraction allows for more efficient mass transfer, smaller equipment size, and easier regeneration without producing solid precipitates
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 modified polyethylene glycol solution effectively absorbs and regenerates SOx without deteriorating, maintaining high desulfurization efficiency, reducing operational costs, and minimizing equipment corrosion, with improved sulfur removal capabilities and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a modified polyethylene glycol solution to absorb the SOx in the gas
Implementation Method 2
the modified polyethylene glycol solution with absorbed SOx is regenerated by one or more of heating method
Implementation Method 3
vacuum method, gas stripping method, ultrasonic method, microwave method, and radiation method
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for removing SOx from a gas by using a modified polyethylene glycol solution to absorb the SOx in the gas. The modified polyethylene glycol solution is contacted with the gas containing SOx to absorb the SOx in the gas, wherein x = 2 and/or 3, the modified polyethylene glycol is a product derived from etherifying hydroxyl groups in the molecules of ethylene glycol and/or polyethylene glycol and has a general formula: R1-(O-C2H4)n-O-R2, where n is a positive integer, R1 and R2 are the same or different and are each independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acyl or aryl.