Porous Matrix for CO2 Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid-based extraction methods require large volumes of materials and high energy for efficient mass transfer, resulting in high capital and operational expenditures due to low interfacial surface area between the working fluid and liquid, leading to substantial unused fluid and inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
A species extraction apparatus with a matrix structure and absorptive liquid, such as water-free tetraethylenepentamine, is used, featuring a high surface area to volume ratio, achieved through additive manufacturing and pre-treatment, to enhance the uptake of species like CO2 from working fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If liquid-based extraction uses conventional mixing contactors to increase interfacial surface area, then mass transfer efficiency improves, but capital and operational expenditures increase due to large equipment volume and high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous support structure with high surface area to volume ratio that provides extensive interfacial area for mass transfer between the working fluid and absorptive liquid. The porous material allows the absorptive liquid to be distributed throughout the structure, creating numerous liquid-fluid interfaces without requiring large equipment volumes or high-energy mixing contactors.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional liquid-based extraction uses large volumes of absorptive liquid, then species removal capacity increases, but capital and operational expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The porous support structure enables high surface area contact between a relatively small volume of absorptive liquid and the working fluid, increasing the effective interfacial area for mass transfer. This allows species removal capacity to be maintained or improved while reducing the total volume of absorptive liquid and equipment required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from bulk liquid contact to a distributed liquid film configuration on a high-surface-area porous structure, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to the liquid-phase contactor. This increases the interfacial surface area available for mass transfer without proportionally increasing the volume of absorptive liquid required.
3Productivity
If conventional extraction methods use high energy mixing, then mass transfer rate improves, but operational expenditures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The porous support structure with absorptive liquid distributed throughout provides passive mass transfer enhancement through its high surface area to volume ratio. The structure itself serves as the mass transfer enhancement mechanism, eliminating the need for external energy input for mixing while maintaining high mass transfer rates through increased interfacial contact area.
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 apparatus significantly increases the breakthrough time and efficiency of species extraction, reducing the required volume and cost of equipment by providing a higher interfacial surface area for mass transfer, thus improving the overall performance and reducing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
Mass transfer of the contaminants from the working fluid to the liquid for separation and removal
Implementation Method 2
removal of carbon dioxide from flue gas (the working fluid) can be carried out by contacting liquid amine (the liquid) with flue gas. Mass transfer of CO2 through the flue gas/amine interface into the amine occurs, causing CO2 to react with the liquid amine
Data Source
AI summary
A species extraction apparatus for liquid-based extractions is disclosed herein. The apparatus comprises a body supporting a matrix structure comprising cellular units. The apparatus is configured to uptake an absorptive liquid, and the absorptive liquid can remove at least one species from a working fluid that contacts the apparatus. In certain embodiments, the at least one species can be CO2, and the absorptive liquid can be liquid water-free tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA). The apparatus is advantageously manufacture using additive manufacturing techniques.