Moving Bed CO2 Separation with Internal Steam Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon dioxide separation apparatuses face complexities in automation due to the need for alternating adsorption and desorption operations in fixed bed schemes, require excessive pump power for high vacuum regeneration, and consume additional energy and water resources in steam supply schemes.
Innovation Solution
A moving bed-type carbon dioxide separation apparatus that employs a moving bed adsorption tower, regeneration tower, and drying tower, where desorption-purpose steam is generated from condensed water and reused, reducing the need for external water and energy inputs, and allowing for continuous operation without switching treatment-target gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a fixed bed scheme is used to carry out adsorption and desorption alternately, then carbon dioxide separation can be achieved, but the switching operation becomes complicated to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed bed scheme to a moving bed scheme where the adsorbent is continuously moved through the tower. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for complex switching operations between adsorption and desorption modes, as the process occurs continuously without interruption. The adsorbent moves from the adsorption zone to the regeneration zone automatically, simplifying automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving bed scheme maintains continuous operation without interruption. The adsorption and regeneration processes occur simultaneously in different zones of the same tower, eliminating the need to stop and switch between modes. This continuous useful action simplifies automation compared to the alternating fixed bed scheme.
2Productivity
If high vacuum is used for regenerating the adsorbent to recover high concentration carbon dioxide, then carbon dioxide recovery efficiency improves, but pump power requirements become excessively great
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter during regeneration by using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) instead of maintaining high vacuum throughout. The system alternates between high pressure (for adsorption) and low pressure (for desorption), eliminating the need for excessive pump power while still achieving high carbon dioxide recovery concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum pumping system with a pressure swing mechanism. Instead of using high-power pumps to maintain high vacuum, the system uses pressure differential changes between adsorption and regeneration modes to achieve carbon dioxide separation and recovery.
3Productivity
If steam is directly introduced into the packed bed of the adsorbent for regeneration, then carbon dioxide desorption is achieved, but the adsorbent must be dried after regeneration and pure water is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses the steam generated during the drying process. Instead of discarding the steam after drying the adsorbent, the system captures it and uses it again for the regeneration process, eliminating water consumption and reducing energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the steam generated from the adsorbent itself (through condensation of water vapor in the adsorbent) to perform the regeneration process. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external water input and reduces energy consumption by using internally generated steam.
4Ease of operation
If indirect heating is used to regenerate the adsorbent, then heating control is simplified, but high vacuum is required which necessitates excessively great pump power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high vacuum (required for indirect heating) to atmospheric or slightly reduced pressure. This parameter change allows the system to maintain simple heating control while eliminating the need for high-power pumps, as the pressure differential is much smaller.
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 enables steady and energy-efficient carbon dioxide recovery with reduced operational complexity and water consumption, as the apparatus can automate adsorption and desorption processes using circulating steam, minimizing the need for external energy and water replenishment.
Implementation Method 1
carbon dioxide is selectively adsorbed by a solid adsorbent loaded with amine or the like
Implementation Method 2
steam is directly introduced into the packed bed of the adsorbent... steam is condensed on the surface of an adsorbent to desorb carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 3
the adsorbent is heated or decompressed. Thus, the adsorbent recovers its adsorption capacity and is regenerated
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a moving bed type CO2 separation apparatus that is capable of achieving steady recovery of CO2, and that is energy-efficient. An adsorbent hopper that supplies a CO2 adsorbent of a moving bed to an adsorption tower that adsorbs CO2 from a treatment-target gas is provided. Below the adsorption tower, a moving bed-type regeneration tower for regenerating the CO2 adsorbent having adsorbed CO and a moving bed-type drying tower that dries the regenerated CO2 adsorbent are provided. Desorption-purpose steam generated from the drying tower is supplied to the regeneration tower. By allowing the desorption-purpose steam to be condensed on the CO2 adsorbent, CO2 is desorbed from the CO2 adsorbent. Thus, CO2 adsorbent forming a moving bed is used in a circulating manner through the CO2 separation apparatus, and the energy used for drying the condensed water contained in the CO2 adsorbent is used for desorbing CO2.