Phosphogypsum-Based CO2 Sequestration via Electrodialysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for capturing industrial carbon dioxide emissions are economically and energetically unattractive due to the complexity of treating large volumes of concentrated gaseous effluents, and existing solutions do not effectively address the challenge of absorbing atmospheric CO2 from diffuse sources in an environmentally friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
A process involving ionic dissociation of sodium sulfate solutions by electrodialysis to produce sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, which are then used to absorb atmospheric CO2, producing sodium carbonate, and subsequently reacting with phosphogypsum to form monocalcium phosphate monohydrate and calcium carbonate, allowing for the sequestration of CO2 through calcium carbonate formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct capture of concentrated gaseous effluents at the source is implemented, then carbon dioxide capture efficiency is improved, but economic cost and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phosphogypsum as an intermediary substance to indirectly capture CO2. Instead of directly treating concentrated gaseous effluents, the process converts phosphogypsum to calcium carbonate which then reacts with CO2 in atmospheric air, serving as a mediator that transfers the capture function from direct gas treatment to solid-liquid-gas reaction sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gas treatment systems with a chemical process using phosphogypsum transformation. The mechanical/physical separation and treatment equipment for concentrated gases is substituted by a chemical reaction system where phosphogypsum is converted to calcium carbonate that naturally reacts with atmospheric CO2
2Productivity
If direct capture of concentrated gaseous effluents is implemented, then carbon dioxide capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Phosphogypsum serves as a intermediary that simplifies the overall process. Rather than implementing complex direct capture equipment, the patent uses phosphogypsum as a reactive intermediary that can be transformed into calcium carbonate, which then passively or actively captures CO2 through chemical reaction, reducing the need for complex gas treatment machinery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of phosphogypsum by transforming it into calcium carbonate. This parameter change enables the material to function as a CO2 capture agent, converting an industrial waste product into a functional capture medium with different chemical properties that are more suitable for atmospheric CO2 absorption
3Ease of manufacture
If phosphogypsum is utilized in the process, then waste recovery and environmental friendliness are improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts phosphogypsum, an industrial waste product that poses environmental challenges, into a valuable CO2 capture agent. By transforming phosphogypsum into calcium carbonate and using it for carbonation, the process turns a harmful waste disposal problem into a beneficial carbon sequestration solution, simultaneously addressing waste management and climate change concerns
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding phosphogypsum as waste, the patent recovers and repurposes it as a functional material for CO2 capture. The process involves recovering calcium from phosphogypsum through chemical transformation, then utilizing this recovered calcium in the form of calcium carbonate for carbonation reactions, thereby giving the waste material a second life with environmental benefits
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 process enables the capture and sequestration of atmospheric CO2 independently of its source, utilizing waste phosphogypsum and renewable energy, while also recovering valuable mineral substances and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a step of ionic dissociation by electrodialysis of a sodium sulfate solution (Na2SO4) separately producing desalinated water, a sodium hydroxide solution and a sulfuric acid solution
Implementation Method 2
a step of absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide by bringing it into contact with said sodium hydroxide solution and which results in the formation of a sodium carbonate solution
Implementation Method 3
a step of treatment of said sodium carbonate solution with said phosphogypsum producing an aqueous solution of sodium sulfate and calcium carbonate
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for absorbing atmospheric CO2 and producing monocalcium phosphate monohydrate comprising: - a step of ionic dissociation of an Na2SO4 solution producing desalinated water, a sodium hydroxide solution and a sulphuric acid solution; - a step of absorbing CO2 by bringing it into contact with the sodium hydroxide solution, which results in the formation of a sodium carbonate solution; a step of producing phosphogypsum and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate from a phosphate ore comprising an apatite; - a step of processing Na2CO3 using phosphogypsum to produce an aqueous Na2SO4 and CaCO3 solution; wherein the sodium sulphate solution subsequently produced is used for the ionic dissociation step and wherein the sulphuric acid solution produced in the ionic dissociation step is used in the step of producing phopshogypsum and monocalcium phosphate monohydrate.