Phase-Transition Solvent Gas Separation for Low-Energy CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CO2 capture systems are costly and energy-intensive, primarily due to the high energy consumption required for elevated temperature heat, limiting their widespread adoption for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and rely heavily on unsustainable drilling for pure CO2 production.
Innovation Solution
The development of a gas separation process that utilizes physical solvents with phase transition properties, allowing for changes in the number and composition of liquid phases to enhance gas absorption and desorption efficiency, reducing energy requirements and costs by controlling temperature and pressure conditions to achieve phase changes at lower critical solution temperatures or upper critical solution temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If elevated temperature heat is used for CO2 capture, then CO2 separation efficiency is improved, but energy consumption and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from elevated temperature to ambient or low temperature conditions. The process uses ambient temperature physical solvents to absorb CO2, eliminating the need for high-temperature heating while maintaining effective CO2 capture through physical absorption mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the physical solvent from liquid to vapor state for CO2 desorption. By heating the solvent-rich stream to cause partial vaporization, CO2 is released without requiring sustained elevated temperature conditions throughout the entire process, reducing overall energy consumption.
2Quantity of substance
If physical solvents with high CO2 solubility are used, then CO2 absorption capacity is improved, but energy required for desorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal energy input with pressure differential for CO2 desorption. By reducing pressure on the solvent-rich stream, CO2 is stripped from the solvent without requiring high-temperature heating, thus maintaining high absorption capacity while minimizing desorption energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from temperature-driven desorption to pressure-driven desorption. This allows the use of solvents with high CO2 solubility at ambient conditions while enabling low-energy CO2 release through pressure reduction rather than thermal input.
3Manufacturing precision
If compression and pressurization are applied to acid gas laden streams, then absorption efficiency is improved, but electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic alternation between absorption and desorption modes using pressure swing. The system cycles between high-pressure absorption and low-pressure desorption, achieving high absorption efficiency without continuous compression energy input, as the pressure differential is maintained through periodic operational changes rather than continuous compression.
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 significantly reduces energy consumption and operating costs, enabling more efficient CO2 capture and utilization, potentially displacing unsustainable CO2 sources and making CO2 capture a more viable method for emission reduction.
Implementation Method 1
The system may exhibit a phase transition at a lower critical solution temperature, upper critical solution temperature, or both
Implementation Method 2
changes in the equilibrium solubility or kinetics of absorption or desorption, or combination thereof of one or more gases in one or more liquid phases
Implementation Method 3
Physical absorption CO2 separation technologies involve pressurized absorption of CO2 into an inert solvent, such as water or an organic solvent
Implementation Method 4
then the desorption of CO2 under reduced pressure conditions
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to processes for separating water from air. The processes may employ using an LCST solution with or without subsequent reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, or ultrafiltration.