Multi-Stage Absorber Vessel for CO2 Capture Plugging Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing carbon dioxide capture systems using chilled ammonia face issues with plugging due to the formation of solids like ammonium carbonate and bicarbonate, which deteriorate system performance.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage absorber vessel with separate sump vessels allows for the recycling of ionic solutions under varying conditions, preventing solid precipitation and maintaining optimal CO2 absorption efficiency by controlling temperature and ammonia-to-CO2 mole ratios in each stage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-stage absorber vessel is used for CO2 removal, then the system structure is simple, but solids formation causes plugging and deteriorates system performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsorber vessel structureVSAvoidsystem performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber vessel is divided into multiple absorption stages (first absorption stage, second absorption stage, etc.), each with separate sump vessels. This segmentation allows different ionic solutions to be used in different stages, preventing solid precipitation in stages where it would cause plugging, while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple absorption stages with different ionic solutions are used, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 capture efficiencyVSAvoidabsorber vessel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber vessel is divided into multiple absorption stages (first absorption stage, second absorption stage, etc.), each with separate sump vessels. This segmentation allows different ionic solutions to be used in different stages, preventing solid precipitation in stages where it would cause plugging, while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different ionic solutions are used in different absorption stages based on local requirements. The first absorption stage uses an ionic solution that allows solid formation to increase CO2 carrying capacity, while the second absorption stage uses an ionic solution that prevents solid precipitation to avoid plugging. This local optimization improves overall CO2 capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of substance

If ionic solution is recycled within the absorber vessel, then ammonia slip is minimized, but solid precipitation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveammonia slipVSAvoidsolid precipitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorber vessel is divided into multiple absorption stages (first absorption stage, second absorption stage, etc.), each with separate sump vessels. This segmentation allows different ionic solutions to be used in different stages, preventing solid precipitation in stages where it would cause plugging, while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different ionic solutions are used in different absorption stages based on local requirements. The first absorption stage uses an ionic solution that allows solid formation to increase CO2 carrying capacity, while the second absorption stage uses an ionic solution that prevents solid precipitation to avoid plugging. This local optimization improves overall CO2 capture efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces plugging and enhances CO2 capture efficiency by allowing for the formation of solid ammonium bicarbonate in some stages, increasing CO2 carrying capacity, while minimizing ammonia slip and maintaining system performance.

Implementation Method 1

The ionic solution is contacted with the flue gas stream via a gas-liquid contacting device (hereinafter, mass transfer device, MTD) used for mass transfer... the ionic solution acts to absorb CO2 from the flue gas stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

The rich ionic solution is then regenerated via a regenerator system to release the CO2 absorbed by the ionic solution from the flue gas stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Data Source

PatentEP2477723B1Single absorber vessel to capture co2

Publication Date: 2018.08.22 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH

Figure 1

AI summary

A method and system for removing CO2 from a flue gas stream containing CO2 is provided, the method including the steps of a) contacting a flow of a first ionic solution comprising NH3 with a flue gas stream to remove a first portion of CO2 from the flue gas stream, b) collecting the used ionic solution from step a) in a first sump vessel, c) recycling ionic solution from the first sump vessel to step a), d) contacting a flow of a second ionic solution comprising NH3 with the flue gas stream to remove a second portion of CO2 from the flue gas stream, e) collecting the used ionic solution from step d) in a second sump vessel, and f) recycling ionic solution from the second sump vessel to step d).