Rotating Drum CO2 Absorber Centrifugal Liquid Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CO2 capture systems face inefficiencies due to pressure drops, complex equipment setups, high energy consumption, and the need for large amounts of diluted absorbent circulation, which are exacerbated by the use of less concentrated absorption liquids.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a centrifugal effect in both absorber and desorber units to handle highly viscous and concentrated absorption liquids, reducing circulation rates and energy needs, and operates at higher pressures to minimize equipment size and energy consumption, allowing for more efficient CO2 absorption and desorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional absorption columns and desorption columns are used, then CO2 removal function is achieved, but pressure drop in gas stream is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption and desorption processes are separated into distinct rotating drum units with independent functional zones. The absorber drum segments the gas-liquid contact into multiple spray zones, while the desorber drum segments the heating and CO2 release processes, reducing overall pressure drop compared to traditional packed columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional gravity-driven counter-current flow in packed columns with a mechanically rotated drum system. The rotation creates centrifugal forces that drive liquid distribution and gas-liquid contact, eliminating the need for tall packed beds that cause significant pressure drops.
2Device complexity
If diluted absorbent is used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but energy consumption for heating and cooling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the absorption liquid from typical diluted solutions (30-50% amine) to highly concentrated solutions (70-95% amine). This parameter change reduces the volume of liquid requiring circulation and thermal processing, thereby reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling despite increased viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating drum system dynamically adjusts liquid distribution and residence time through controlled rotation speed, optimizing the balance between mass transfer efficiency and energy consumption. The dynamic operation allows concentrated absorbent to be handled effectively despite its higher viscosity.
3Productivity
If highly concentrated absorption liquid is used, then circulation rate is reduced, but viscosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gravity-driven flow systems with a mechanically rotated drum system that uses centrifugal force to circulate the highly viscous concentrated absorbent. This mechanical substitution enables effective handling of 70-95% amine solutions that would be difficult to circulate through conventional pumping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating drum system transitions the liquid circulation from a vertical gravity-driven flow to a rotational centrifugal flow field. This dimensional change in the flow pattern allows concentrated absorbent to be distributed and circulated effectively despite high viscosity, achieving lower circulation rates with improved productivity.
4Productivity
If solvent retention time is extended, then absorption efficiency is improved, but oxidative and thermal degeneration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating drum system accelerates the absorption and desorption processes by creating intense gas-liquid contact through rotation and spray mechanisms. This rushing through of the absorption process achieves high efficiency in shorter retention times, reducing the exposure time of the absorbent to oxidative and thermal degradation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation of the drums creates varying contact conditions and prevents stagnant zones where degradation could occur. The continuous motion and changing flow patterns reduce localized thermal and oxidative stress on the absorbent while maintaining high absorption efficiency through enhanced mass transfer.
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 results in a 30% higher efficiency compared to standard systems, reduced energy consumption, shorter solvent retention times, and lower investment costs, with a 20-30% reduction in energy use depending on operational pressures.
Implementation Method 1
By using centrifugal effect due to rotation both in the absorber and the desorber it is achieved that the system can handle very viscous solutions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system 1 for accelerated absorption and desorption of C02 comprising an absorber 100 for absorbing C02 from a gas stream 10 by use of absorption liquid 2 and a desorber 200 for desorbing C02 from C02 rich absorption liquid 3. The absorber 100 comprises a rotatable main cylinder having an absorption section 105 provided with rotatable means for disintegration of droplets 111 of absorption liquid and means for rotating the absorber, such that absorption liquid droplets are moved by aid of centrifugal force in a cross flow-direction in relation to the gas stream and being atomized by the means for disintegration of droplets whereby C02 is absorbed from the gas stream by the absorption liquid droplets. The desorber 200 is connected to the absorber 100 to receive C02 rich absorption liquid 3, and the desorber 200 is rotatable and comprises a desorption chamber 202 provided with a rotatable heat exchanger and means for rotating the desorber, such that the absorption liquid droplets are moved by aid of centrifugal force through the heat exchanger whereby the absorption liquid droplets are heated and C02 is desorbed and separated from the absorption liquid droplets, and lean absorption liquid 2 is circulated to the absorber. The present invention also relates to a process for accelerated absorption and desorption of C02.