Pressure Hydration Reactivation of Sintered Calcium Sorbent
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature calcium-based CO2 capture processes face significant challenges due to sorbent sintering, which reduces CO2 capture capacity over multiple cycles, and existing reactivation methods are energy-intensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The process of pressure hydration at high temperatures (up to 600°C) and pressures (above 6 bars) is used to completely reactivate the sorbent, reversing sintering effects and minimizing parasitic energy consumption by utilizing exothermic hydration energy for dehydration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high temperature calcination is used to regenerate the sorbent, then the sorbent is reactivated for CO2 capture, but sintering occurs which reduces CO2 capture capacity over multiple cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure hydration step that changes the physical-chemical parameters of the sorbent by converting CaO to Ca(OH)2 under high pressure and temperature conditions. This parameter change reverses the sintering effects and restores the sorbent's CO2 capture capacity without requiring additional high-temperature calcination cycles, thereby extending sorbent cycle life while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure hydration is performed as a preliminary reactivation step before the sorbent enters the carbonation reactor. By pre-hydrating the calcined sorbent, the system prepares the sorbent in optimal condition for CO2 capture, preventing capacity loss before the actual capture cycle begins and ensuring consistent performance across multiple cycles
2Reliability
If conventional reactivation methods (hydration at atmospheric pressure) are used, then some sintering is reduced, but complete reactivation is not achieved and energy consumption remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pressure hydration at temperatures between 300-600°C and pressures above 6 bars, which fundamentally changes the hydration reaction parameters compared to conventional atmospheric pressure methods. This parameter change enables complete reactivation of the sorbent by forcing the hydration reaction to completion, achieving full restoration of CO2 capture capacity while the exothermic nature of the reaction at these parameters reduces external energy requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the exothermic heat generated during the pressure hydration reaction to provide the necessary energy for the dehydration step and to maintain reaction temperature. By converting the heat that would otherwise be wasted into a useful energy source, the system reduces parasitic energy consumption and achieves complete reactivation without requiring additional external energy input
3Productivity
If sorbent sintering is allowed to occur during calcination, then regeneration is achieved, but solid circulation and make up rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
By performing pressure hydration as a preliminary reactivation step, the system prevents sintering-related capacity loss before the sorbent enters circulation. This preliminary action ensures that the sorbent maintains maximum reactivity throughout the carbonation process, reducing the need for additional solids circulation and make-up rates to compensate for capacity degradation
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 maintains high CO2 capture capacity across multiple cycles, reduces solids circulation, and lowers the overall energy requirements, making the process economically attractive and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
The process of pressure hydration at high temperatures (up to 600°C) and pressures (above 6 bars) is used to completely reactivate the sorbent
Implementation Method 2
minimizing parasitic energy consumption by utilizing exothermic hydration energy for dehydration
Implementation Method 3
utilizing exothermic hydration energy for dehydration
Implementation Method 4
carbonation calcination reaction process for CO2 capture
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the efficient capture of CO2 and sulfur from combustion flue gas streams and gasification based fuel gas mixtures using regenerable and recyclable calcium based sorbents. The regeneration of the calcium sorbent is accomplished by hydrating the sorbent at high temperatures of about 600° C. and a pressure higher than 6 bars to lower the parasitic energy consumption.