Polyol Complex Solution for SOx Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current desulfurization methods for flue gas and waste gases containing sulfur, such as wet and dry desulfurization processes, face challenges including high water consumption, secondary pollution, equipment corrosion, low efficiency, high operating costs, and poor desulfurization effects, particularly for removing SO2 and SO3, due to issues like equipment clogging and instability of desulfurization solutions.

Innovation Solution

A polyol complex solution comprising a polyol with more than two hydroxyl groups and an organic acid or organic acid salt is used to absorb SOx, with regeneration methods like heating, vacuum, gas stripping, ultrasonication, or microwave treatment, which enhances stability and reduces solvent loss, allowing for effective recycling and improved desulfurization efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If water washing method is used for desulfurization, then the process is simple to operate, but water consumption is high and secondary pollution is caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidwater consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the absorption medium from water-based to polyol-based (ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, or their mixtures), fundamentally altering the physical and chemical properties to reduce water consumption while maintaining absorption effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a regenerable polyol absorption system that can be repeatedly used and regenerated, replacing the single-use water washing approach, thereby reducing overall water consumption and waste generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If limestone and limewater method is used for desulfurization, then desulfurization effect is improved, but solid waste generation increases and equipment clogging occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesulfurization effectVSAvoidsolid waste generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the absorption medium from calcium-based (limestone/limewater) to polyol-based solutions, altering the chemical reaction pathway to prevent solid precipitate formation while maintaining high desulfurization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful solid waste generation problem into a beneficial liquid-phase absorption process where sulfur oxides are absorbed into the polyol solution without forming solid precipitates, eliminating equipment clogging and solid waste disposal issues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If alkali metal solution method is used for desulfurization, then desulfurization efficiency is improved, but equipment corrosion is dramatically serious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesulfurization efficiencyVSAvoidequipment corrosion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH and chemical composition parameters of the absorption medium from highly alkaline (alkali metal solutions) to moderately alkaline polyol-based solutions, reducing the corrosiveness to equipment while maintaining sufficient desulfurization efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs polyol-based absorption solutions that are less corrosive than traditional alkali metal solutions, reducing equipment corrosion and maintenance costs while maintaining effective sulfur oxide removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol is used for desulfurization, then desulfurization effect is good, but solvent loss occurs during regeneration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesulfurization effectVSAvoidsolvent loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular weight and chemical structure parameters by using higher molecular weight polyethylene glycols (PEG-400, PEG-600, PEG-800, PEG-1000) instead of lower molecular weight ethylene glycol, increasing the boiling point and thermal stability to reduce solvent loss during regeneration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits the phase transition properties of polyethylene glycol solutions, utilizing their higher boiling points and lower vapor pressures compared to ethylene glycol, thereby reducing solvent evaporation and loss during the heating regeneration process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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

The polyol complex solution effectively absorbs and regenerates SOx, reducing solvent loss and maintaining desulfurization efficiency, with stable operation and low energy consumption, suitable for both low and high sulfur content gases, and producing high-purity sulfur byproducts.

Implementation Method 1

uses a polyol complex solution to absorb SOx from a gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

sulfur dioxide or sulfur trioxide mainly interacts with hydroxyl groups in the molecules of ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical interaction with hydroxyl groups: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

regenerated by heating, and the regenerated polyol complex solution is recycled for use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

the polyol complex solution with absorbed SOx is regenerated by one or more of a heating method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDesorption: Desorption

Implementation Method 5

the polyols will form stable associated substance with organic acids and/or organic acid salts via hydrogen bond

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrogen bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 6

will also form stable polyol esters, thus the polyol complex solution is significantly enhanced in stability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEsterification: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3090797B1Method for removing sox from gas using a polyol complex solution
Publication Date: 2021.01.20 BEIJING BOYUAN HENGSHENG HIGH TECH
  • EP3090797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3090797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3090797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for removing SOx from gas using a polyol complex solution: mixing a polyol with an organic acid and/ or organic acid salt to form a polyol complex solution; enabling the polyol complex solution to contact gas containing SOx, and absorbing SOx in the gas, x=2/ or 3, and the polyol being an organic compound simultaneously comprising two or more hydroxyls in the same organic molecule in addition to ethanediol and polyethylene glycol.