Pd-Cu Membrane Reactor for CO2 Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting synthetic gases containing high concentrations of carbon monoxide into hydrogen and separating carbon dioxide are complex and costly, particularly in gasification processes for producing clean energy from solid hydrocarbons, where carbon monoxide is present in high volumes and carbon dioxide is produced in low concentrations.

Innovation Solution

A fluidized bed water gas shift membrane reactor is used, where carbon monoxide in synthetic gas reacts with steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce a mix gas of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and a Pd—Cu-based shift membrane selectively separates hydrogen to concentrate carbon dioxide to 65% or higher.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed-bed water gas process is used to convert carbon monoxide into hydrogen, then carbon monoxide conversion is achieved, but the process is unsuitable for synthetic gases containing 40-70 vol% carbon monoxide and requires additional equipment increasing costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to high carbon monoxide concentration synthetic gasVSAvoidadditional equipment such as carbon dioxide absorbing towers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the water-gas shift reaction and carbon dioxide separation functions into a single membrane reactor system. The Pd-Cu membrane reactor simultaneously performs CO conversion through water-gas shift reaction and CO2 separation through membrane permeation, eliminating the need for separate carbon dioxide absorbing towers and other additional equipment mentioned in conventional processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane reactor performs multiple functions within a single device: it converts carbon monoxide to hydrogen through catalytic water-gas shift reaction, separates carbon dioxide from the synthetic gas through selective membrane permeation, and produces high-purity hydrogen and concentrated carbon dioxide streams simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional processes are used to convert synthetic gases into hydrogen and separate carbon dioxide, then hydrogen production is achieved, but the processes are complicated and entail high costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen production efficiencyVSAvoidcomplicated processes and additional equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates hydrogen production and carbon dioxide separation into a single membrane reactor process. The Pd-Cu membrane reactor simultaneously performs the water-gas shift reaction for hydrogen production and membrane-based carbon dioxide separation, eliminating the need for multiple separate process units and simplifying the overall process flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the selective permeability parameter of the Pd-Cu membrane to achieve carbon dioxide separation. By controlling the membrane's selective transport properties and operating conditions (temperature, pressure), the system efficiently separates CO2 while maintaining high hydrogen production rates from the water-gas shift reaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficiently separates and concentrates carbon dioxide, reducing the need for additional equipment and lowering costs, while enabling the production of hydrogen and high-concentration carbon dioxide from synthetic gases generated by gasification.

Implementation Method 1

the hydrogen is selectively isolated from the mix gas through a Pb—Cu shift membrane to increase the concentration of carbon dioxide present in the mix gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

carbon monoxide present in an amount of 40 to 70 vol % in the synthesis gas reacts with steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce a mix gas of hydrogen and carbon dioxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS8663566B2Fluidized bed water gas shift membrane for simultaneous CO2 separation and CO2 separation method using the same

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 KOREA INST OF ENERGY RES

AI summary

Disclosed are a fluidized bed water gas shift membrane reactor and a method for separating carbon dioxide using the same. More specifically, disclosed are a fluidized bed water gas shift membrane reactor provided on the back of a gasification reactor to produce a synthetic gas consisting of hydrogen and carbon monoxide by reaction of a solid hydrocarbon with water or oxygen, wherein the carbon monoxide present in an amount of 40 to 70 vol % in the synthesis gas reacts with steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce a mix gas of hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and the hydrogen is selectively isolated from the mix gas through a Pb—Cu shift membrane to increase the concentration of carbon dioxide present in the mix gas and separate the carbon dioxide, and a method for separating carbon dioxide using the same.