Radial Flow Adsorbent Module for CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Direct air capture of CO2 from dilute sources poses challenges due to the difficulty in identifying suitable adsorbents and adsorbent structures, particularly in maintaining effective temperature control and achieving high adsorbent utilization in layered bed structures.
Innovation Solution
A radial flow adsorbent bed module configuration with alternating adsorbent bed sections and heat transfer sections, utilizing adsorbents with amine functional groups, allows for efficient CO2 capture and desorption by controlling temperature and concentration gradients, enabling improved heat management and reduced energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If layered bed structures are used for CO2 capture from dilute sources, then adsorbent capacity per unit volume is improved, but temperature control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorbent bed is segmented into multiple radial flow channels with interspersed heat transfer sections. This segmentation allows heat to be removed from specific zones within the bed, preventing temperature buildup while maintaining high adsorbent capacity throughout the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Heat transfer sections containing heat transfer media serve as intermediaries between the adsorbent bed and the external environment. These sections facilitate heat removal from the adsorbent material, enabling effective temperature control without compromising the adsorbent's CO2 capture capability.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional layered bed structures are used, then adsorbent utilization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional planar layered structures to a radial flow configuration. This dimensional change allows gas to flow through the adsorbent bed in a radial pattern, improving contact efficiency and adsorbent utilization while simplifying the overall structural design through rotational symmetry.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial flow channel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides flow distribution, acts as a thermal management conduit, and maintains structural support for the adsorbent material. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall device.
3Productivity
If adsorbent bed depth is increased to improve capacity, then CO2 capture efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing bed depth in the vertical direction, the patent utilizes radial flow to increase the effective contact path length in a horizontal plane. This dimensional approach allows longer residence time and higher capture efficiency without the pressure drop penalties associated with deep vertical beds.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial flow configuration employs curved flow paths that allow gas to traverse the adsorbent bed in an arcuate pattern. This curved flow path increases the effective contact length and improves mass transfer efficiency while maintaining lower pressure drops compared to straight vertical flow through deep beds.
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 configuration enhances CO2 separation efficiency from dilute feeds by maintaining stable temperature differences during adsorption and desorption, reducing energy consumption, and increasing the working capacity of the adsorbent, making it suitable for large-scale commercial applications.
Implementation Method 1
passing a feed comprising a CO2 content of 5000 vppm or less and a first H2O content into a radial flow adsorbent bed module comprising alternating adsorbent bed sections and heat transfer sections to form adsorbed CO2 and a CO2-depleted stream
Implementation Method 2
passing, during the adsorbing and the desorbing, one or more heat transfer fluids through the heat transfer sections substantially along an axial direction of the radial flow adsorbent bed module
Implementation Method 3
desorbing at least a portion of the adsorbed CO2 in the presence of a purge gas under desorption conditions to form a CO2-enriched purge gas comprising a CO2 content greater than the CO2 content of the feed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for separation of CO2 from dilute source streams. The systems and methods for the separation can include use of contactors that correspond radial flow adsorbent modules that can allow for efficient contact of CO2-containing gas with adsorbent beds while also facilitating use of heat transfer fluids in the vicinity of the adsorbent beds to reduce or minimize temperature variations. In particular, the radial flow adsorbent beds can be alternated with regions of axial flow heat transfer conduits to provide thermal management. The radial flow structure for the adsorbent beds combined with axial flow conduits for heat transfer fluids can allow for sufficient temperature control to either a) reduce or minimize temperature variations within the adsorbent beds or b) facilitate performing the separation using temperature as a swing variable for controlling the working capacity of the adsorbent.