Rotating Packed Bed Exchange Design for Lower Gas Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating Packed Bed devices experience high gas pressure drops, which increase process costs and disrupt existing processes, particularly in CO2 capture, due to the need for additional equipment and changes in process conditions.
Innovation Solution
A combination of co-current and counter-current Rotating Packed Bed configurations is employed, utilizing a battery of two devices connected in series, where one operates co-currently and the other counter-currently, with optional recirculation of outlet flows to enhance gas-liquid or vapor-liquid exchanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Rotating Packed Bed device is used for gas-liquid exchange, then mass transfer efficiency is improved, but gas pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption process is divided into two separate Rotating Packed Bed devices operating in series: the first device performs co-current exchange while the second performs counter-current exchange. This segmentation allows each device to operate under optimized flow conditions, reducing overall pressure drop while maintaining high mass transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional single-device counter-current approach by implementing a hybrid configuration where the first RPB operates in co-current mode and the second in counter-current mode. This inversion of the traditional single-mode operation resolves the pressure drop issue while preserving extraction efficiency.
2Productivity
If additional devices are installed for CO2 capture, then CO2 separation capability is improved, but process complexity and operational disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery of two Rotating Packed Bed devices serves multiple functions: the first device handles preliminary absorption in co-current mode, while the second completes the separation in counter-current mode. This multi-functional configuration achieves high CO2 separation capability without requiring entirely separate absorption and stripping systems, thereby reducing overall process complexity.
3Productivity
If a single counter-current Rotating Packed Bed is used, then CO2 absorption efficiency is improved, but pressure drop increases process costs
Solution Approach 1:
The absorption process is segmented across two RPB devices with different flow configurations. The first device operates co-currently with lower pressure drop, and the second operates counter-currently for high efficiency, thereby distributing the energy cost burden and reducing overall process costs while maintaining high CO2 absorption efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters by implementing two different flow modes (co-current and counter-current) in sequence, rather than using a single counter-current mode throughout. This parameter variation optimizes the balance between absorption efficiency and energy consumption, reducing process costs.
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 achieves zero or negative pressure drop, improving process efficiency and reducing operational costs by minimizing pressure-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
gas-liquid or gas-slurry or vapor-liquid exchanges
Implementation Method 2
Too high gas pressure drop on Rotating Packed Bed absorbers battery must be overcome by gas
Implementation Method 3
the cooled CO 2 -rich gas f2 is contacted with a flow of lean solvent f7, flowing counter-currently inside the packing
Implementation Method 4
a portion of the CO 2 -lean solvent f8 is heated by a reboiler R
Implementation Method 5
The CO 2 is desorbed from the CO 2 -rich solvent f4 by increasing the solvent temperature and lowering the CO 2 partial pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method for improving the gas-liquid or gas-slurry or vapor-liquid exchanges using Rotating Packed Bed devices and applications thereof.