Radial-Flow Capture Vessel for Low-Pressure-Drop CO2 Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture technologies, such as thermal swing adsorption (TSA) processes, are inefficient in terms of energy consumption, leading to high costs due to the high electrical power required for molecular sieves and activated carbon, and face challenges in reducing parasitic electrical loads and pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of advanced capture vessel geometries with internal coils for temperature regulation and optimized flow channels, reducing parasitic electrical loads and pressure drops, and utilizing high-performance molecular sieves to enhance CO2 capture efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal swing adsorption processes are used for CO2 capture, then CO2 capture capability is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The capture vessel is divided into multiple beds arranged in series, with each bed performing a specific function (dehydration, CO2 capture, condensation). This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable CO2 capture while reducing energy consumption by optimizing each stage independently and avoiding the need for high-energy swing processes throughout the entire flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the capture vessel are designed with different qualities and functions. The first bed uses molecular sieves for dehydration, the second bed captures CO2, and the third bed condenses water. Each section is optimized for its specific function, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining reliable CO2 capture capability.
2Reliability
If molecular sieves are used for CO2 capture, then capture performance is improved, but electrical power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the capture process into multiple functional beds, allowing molecular sieves to be used only where necessary for dehydration rather than throughout the entire process. This reduces the total electrical power required for driving the swing processes while maintaining high capture performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by using a multi-bed configuration where different beds operate at different stages of the swing cycle. This allows molecular sieves to be regenerated more efficiently and reduces the total electrical power required compared to single-bed systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional capture vessel geometries are used, then construction is simplified, but pressure drops and parasitic electrical loads increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional axial flow geometries to a radial flow configuration where gas moves perpendicular to the vessel axis through multiple beds arranged in circles. This dimensional change reduces pressure drops and parasitic electrical loads while maintaining construction simplicity through the use of circular arrangements and standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial flow geometry segments the gas flow path into multiple radial channels that pass through different beds. This segmentation reduces the length of flow paths, minimizes pressure drops, and lowers parasitic electrical loads while keeping the overall vessel construction relatively simple.
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 solution significantly reduces energy costs and improves capture performance by minimizing pressure drops and parasitic loads, enabling efficient CO2 capture in distributed applications with high purity and reduced construction and maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
capture media arranged within the interior volume and to convert the first gas into the second gas by adsorption of one or more adsorbates
Implementation Method 2
a heating fluid configured to increase the temperature of the capture media during a regeneration stage of the capture media
Implementation Method 3
a cooling fluid configured to decrease the temperature of the capture media during at least one of an adsorption stage of the capture media or a cooling stage of the capture media
Data Source
AI summary
A capture vessel includes an ingress flow channel coupled to an inlet flange to receive a first gas; an egress flow channel coupled to an outlet flange to provide at least a portion of a second gas to the outlet flange; one or more radial flow channels that extend radially between the ingress flow channel and the egress flow channel; and capture media arranged in the one or more radial flow channels and configured to convert at least a portion of the first gas into the portion of the second gas. The one or more radial flow channels are configured to receive the portion of the first gas from the ingress flow channel, such that the portion of the first gas interacts with the capture media to produce the portion of the second gas, and provide the portion of the second gas to the egress flow channel.