Rotatable Physisorption Unit for Continuous CO2 Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing carbon capture technologies face inefficiencies due to the aging and degradation of amine-based chemisorbents at elevated temperatures, require complex and expensive protective measures, and often operate in batch processes, limiting continuous carbon dioxide extraction.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing rotatable sorption units with physisorbents, such as zeolite and silica gel, for continuous carbon dioxide capture from dried gaseous media, employing radial airflow and controlled temperature regeneration to prevent degradation and enhance efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If amine-based chemisorbents are used for carbon dioxide capture, then carbon dioxide absorption efficiency is improved, but the sorbent material degrades and ages when exposed to oxygen at temperatures above 60°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, degradation-prone amine-based chemisorbents with cheaper, more stable physisorbent materials such as zeolites and silica gels. While physisorbents have lower absorption capacity per unit mass, their indefinite stability and lack of degradation compensate for this, providing long-term reliable operation without the need for frequent replacement or protective measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental interaction mechanism from chemical adsorption (chemisorption) to physical adsorption (physisorption). This parameter change in the sorption mechanism eliminates the degradation issue associated with amine-based chemisorbents while maintaining acceptable carbon dioxide capture performance through optimized physical sorbent materials and process conditions.
2Reliability
If steam is introduced during desorption to prevent sorbent degradation, then sorbent material stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using inherently stable physisorbent materials that do not degrade under normal operating conditions, the patent eliminates the need for steam injection or other complex protective measures. The system achieves sorbent stability through material selection rather than process complexity.
3Device complexity
If batch processes are used for carbon dioxide extraction, then equipment complexity is reduced, but continuous carbon dioxide production is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sorption system into multiple separate sorption beds or modules that can operate in sequence or parallel. This segmentation allows one bed to be in the adsorption phase while another is in the desorption phase, enabling continuous carbon dioxide production without requiring complex multi-functional equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic switching between multiple sorption beds, where each bed alternates between adsorption and desorption cycles. This periodic operation of segmented units creates a continuous overall process, maintaining simple equipment design while achieving continuous carbon dioxide output.
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
Enables continuous production of high-purity carbon dioxide with reduced energy consumption and operational complexity, avoiding the need for complex protective measures and batch processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotatable sorption unit comprising at least one sorbent for the physisorption of carbon dioxide
Implementation Method 2
at least one rotatable sorption unit comprising at least one sorbent for the physisorption of carbon dioxide, wherein the at least one rotatable sorption unit is controlled by the first airflow channel
Implementation Method 3
a second airflow channel for exhaust air, wherein the at least one rotatable sorption unit is controlled by the first airflow channel and the second airflow channel removes the exhaust air from the rotatable sorption unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present description describes a device for obtaining carbon dioxide from a gaseous medium, comprising a first airflow channel for a dried gaseous medium, a second airflow channel for exhaust air, and at least one rotatable sorption unit comprising at least one sorbent for the physisorption of carbon dioxide. The at least one rotatable sorption unit is driven by the first airflow channel, and the second airflow channel discharges the exhaust air from the rotatable sorption unit. Furthermore, a method for obtaining carbon dioxide, as well as the use of the device and the method, are disclosed.