Modular Gas Processing Cells Sharing Liquid Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas processing systems for CO2 capture, particularly in low-pressure post-combustion applications, require multiple large-scale columns that consume significant space, materials, and increase equipment count, making them costly and complex, and struggle to operate efficiently at varying capacities.
Innovation Solution
A modular gas processing system with multiple cells within a single outer housing, where cells are fluidly coupled to share a common liquid space and fluid outlet, reducing equipment needs and allowing for flexible expansion and operation, enabling efficient processing and scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple large-scale gas processing columns are used to process large volumes of gas, then the gas processing capacity is improved, but the plot space consumption, capital cost, and equipment count increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas processing cells (first cell, second cell, third cell) into a single integrated column structure. These cells share common components including a single reboiler, condenser, and liquid distributor system, allowing multiple processing functions to be performed within one physical column rather than requiring separate columns for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared reboiler and condenser systems serve multiple cells simultaneously, providing universal functionality across different processing zones. The liquid distributor is positioned to serve multiple cells from a single location, reducing the number of duplicate components needed and minimizing the overall equipment footprint.
2Productivity
If multiple large-scale gas processing columns are used to process large volumes of gas, then the gas processing capacity is improved, but the capital cost and equipment count increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas processing cells (first cell, second cell, third cell) into a single integrated column structure. These cells share common components including a single reboiler, condenser, and liquid distributor system, allowing multiple processing functions to be performed within one physical column rather than requiring separate columns for each cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared reboiler and condenser systems serve multiple cells simultaneously, providing universal functionality across different processing zones. The liquid distributor is positioned to serve multiple cells from a single location, reducing the number of duplicate components needed and minimizing the overall equipment footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gas processing systems are used, then gas processing can be performed, but the ability to operate at deep turndown capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gas processing system is divided into multiple independent cells (first cell, second cell, third cell) that can be individually activated or deactivated. This segmentation allows the system to operate at various capacity levels by bringing online only the number of cells required for the current gas flow rate, enabling deep turndown operation while maintaining processing 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 modular design minimizes construction materials, equipment, and space requirements while allowing for flexible operation and easy expansion, optimizing plot space and reducing costs, and enabling efficient CO2 capture and other gas treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The column combines, in a modular style, two or more cells disposed within the outer housing with each cell having a gas-liquid contacting area
Implementation Method 2
each cell having a gas-liquid contacting area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Systems and methods for gas processing are described that utilize two or more cells that are fluidly coupled to one another by a common liquid space. Via the common liquid space, each of the cells can be coupled to a fluid outlet. The cells can each include an absorber and/or other gas processing equipment. A feed gas can be separately fed to each of the cells for processing. The cells can be independently operable, such that not all of the cells must be operated simultaneously.