Modular Gas Dryer With Flow Distribution for CO2 Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon dioxide separation plants face challenges with inefficient drying processes, particularly when using amine-based chemisorbents that degrade at high temperatures and physisorbents like zeolites that have high affinity for water vapor, necessitating laborious and expensive protective measures, and limited energy sources like hydropower, solar, and wind power.
Innovation Solution
A dryer system with multiple interconnected drying modules, featuring a gas distribution structure and heat displacement mechanism to optimize moisture removal, reduce energy consumption, and enhance energy efficiency, using physisorbents like zeolites with improved airflow and heat recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If physisorbents like zeolites are used to separate carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide separation can be achieved, but the affinity of the sorbent material for water vapor is higher than for carbon dioxide, requiring additional drying of ambient air before feeding to the adsorption chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drying function and carbon dioxide separation function into a single integrated adsorption chamber. The zeolite material serves dual purposes: it dries the ambient air by absorbing water vapor and simultaneously separates carbon dioxide from the dried air. This eliminates the need for a separate drying chamber and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The zeolite adsorbent in the adsorption chamber performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a drying agent to remove water vapor from ambient air and a carbon dioxide separation medium. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Quantity of substance
If amine-based chemisorbents are used to separate carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide separation efficiency is improved, but the material degrades when exposed to oxygen at temperatures above 60° C. during the desorption phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating temperature parameter to remain below 60° C. throughout the desorption phase, thereby preventing degradation of the amine-based chemisorbent material. This is achieved by using low-temperature desorption methods and avoiding high-temperature heating that would cause material aging and degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert atmosphere in the system by using water vapor or other gases to protect the amine-based chemisorbent from oxygen exposure during the desorption phase. This protective measure prevents oxidation and degradation of the sorbent material at elevated temperatures.
3Quantity of substance
If ambient air is dried before feeding to the adsorption chamber using physisorbents, then carbon dioxide separation efficiency is improved, but additional energy is required for the drying process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the drying process and carbon dioxide separation process into a single simultaneous operation within the same adsorption chamber. The zeolite material dries the air and separates carbon dioxide at the same time, eliminating the need for separate drying and separation steps, thereby reducing total energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorption chamber and zeolite material serve multiple functions simultaneously: drying the ambient air by removing water vapor and separating carbon dioxide from the dried air. This multi-functionality reduces the total energy required compared to separate drying and separation processes.
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 system achieves efficient drying of gas flows with low energy consumption and high energy efficiency by uniformly loading desiccants, reducing pressure drop, and recovering heat, thereby enhancing carbon dioxide separation yield and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
multiple drying cartridges (44) received in the carrier (46), each comprising a desiccant
Implementation Method 2
heat displacement within the dryer
Implementation Method 3
A gas distribution structure which divides a gas flow through the dryer
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a dryer for a plant for separating carbon dioxide from a gas flow. The dryer comprises a housing, multiple drying modules, a carrier arranged in the housing of one of the drying modules for receiving multiple drying cartridges, and multiple drying cartridges received in the carrier. The housing has at least one inlet flap for closing an inlet opening and at least one outlet flap for closing an outlet opening. The dryer further comprises a gas distribution structure which divides a gas flow through the dryer. The disclosure also relates to a plant for separating carbon dioxide from a gas flow having such a dryer for drying the gas flow prior to the separation of the carbon dioxide, and to a method for separating carbon dioxide from a gas flow, in which the gas flow is dried prior to the separation of the carbon dioxide.