Modular Marine Emission Scrubber for CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a viable and economically attractive method for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from marine diesel engines, which are a significant source of greenhouse gases, with existing solutions focusing on nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide but not effectively addressing CO2 emissions.
Innovation Solution
A modular desulfurization-decarbonization apparatus comprising a desulfurizing and decarbonizing reactor module, an equipment module, and a chemical storage module, housed in ISO standard shipping containers, which can remove up to 99% of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and >90% of CO2 from marine exhaust gas, allowing for rapid installation and replacement without prolonging ship time in port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ship operators use ultra-low sulfur fuels to reduce SO2 emissions, then SO2 emissions are reduced, but fuel cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful SO2 emissions into a beneficial outcome by using them as the target for chemical reaction. The scrubber system uses alkaline reagents to react with SO2, transforming the harmful pollutant into harmless or useful byproducts (sulfates), thereby reducing emissions without requiring expensive ultra-low sulfur fuel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (alkaline reagent such as calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) that mediates between the SO2 emissions and the environment. This reagent acts as a bridge to capture and neutralize SO2 in the exhaust gas, allowing the use of cheaper high-sulfur fuel while still meeting emission standards
2Reliability
If ship operators switch to ultra-low sulfur fuels to comply with emission regulations, then emission compliance is achieved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scrubber system transforms the problem of emission compliance into a manageable chemical process. By converting SO2 emissions into a treatable stream and reacting them with inexpensive alkaline reagents, the system achieves emission compliance through a cost-effective chemical treatment rather than expensive fuel substitution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the exhaust gas by introducing alkaline reagents that alter the pH and chemical composition of the gas stream. This parameter change enables the conversion of acidic SO2 into neutral or basic sulfates, achieving compliance through chemical transformation rather than fuel change
3Reliability
If a fixed emission control system is installed on a ship, then CO2 capture capability is provided, but installation time and port time are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the emission control system into modular, containerized units that can be independently installed and replaced. Each module contains specific equipment (reactors, pumps, storage tanks) that can be pre-assembled and quickly swapped, dramatically reducing installation and port time while maintaining full CO2 capture functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic, flexible system where modules can be rapidly deployed and removed based on operational needs. The containerized design allows the system to adapt quickly to different shipping schedules and port requirements, providing CO2 capture capability when needed without permanently extending port stays
4Productivity
If a modular containerized system is used for emission control, then installation speed is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex emission control system into standardized, pre-integrated container modules. Each container is a self-contained unit with all necessary equipment pre-installed and tested, reducing on-site assembly complexity while maintaining high installation speed through simple container placement and connection
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 modular system effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions by efficiently capturing CO2 and SO2, enabling ship operators to comply with emission regulations while minimizing operational disruptions and costs, allowing the use of cheaper high sulfur diesel fuel.
Implementation Method 1
The desulfurizer is upstream of the decarbonizer... bringing the exhaust gas stream into contact with a first liquid reagent in the desulfurizer and absorbing into the reagent at least a part of the SO2 of the exhaust gas stream
Implementation Method 2
bringing the SO2-depleted gas into contact with a second liquid reagent in the decarbonizer and absorbing into the reagent at least a part of the CO2 of the SO2-depleted gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method and modular desulfurization-decarbonization apparatus for removing contaminants from exhaust gas is described. The apparatus comprises discrete modular units with distinct functions. The modular units may be housed in standard shipping containers and installed on cargo ships. The modules can be removed and replaced while docking with minimal disruption to ship and port operations.