Shared Solvent Regeneration for Multi-Plant CO2 Capture Heat Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial processes such as hydrogen production and power generation require efficient carbon dioxide capture methods, but existing systems are inefficient in utilizing available heat resources and often require separate regeneration systems, leading to suboptimal utilization of utilities.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for capturing CO2 from a process gas stream using a shared regeneration section that utilizes heat from a second plant, integrating CO2 capture systems to optimize the use of available heat and cooling utilities across multiple plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If separate regeneration systems are used for each plant, then each plant can independently capture CO2, but the utilization of available heat resources is inefficient and utility usage is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate regeneration systems into a single shared regeneration section that serves multiple CO2 capture units. This consolidation allows efficient utilization of available heat resources from any connected plant, eliminating the need for each plant to have its own dedicated regeneration system while maintaining independent CO2 capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared regeneration section is designed to serve multiple CO2 capture units from different plants simultaneously. It can accept heat input from various sources and process solvent streams from multiple absorbers, creating a universal system that optimizes utility usage across the entire complex rather than being limited to single-plant operations.
2Productivity
If each plant has its own dedicated CO2 capture system, then CO2 capture can be implemented independently, but the availability of steam for export is reduced and overall process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent CO2 capture units that can operate autonomously, each with its own absorber and solvent circulation system. The shared regeneration section serves as a common resource that these independent units can access, maintaining operational independence while sharing infrastructure to improve overall efficiency and steam availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used for CO2 capture, then each system can be optimized for its specific plant, but the overall utility usage is suboptimal and resources are not shared efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The shared regeneration section acts as an intermediary that mediates between multiple CO2 capture units and the heat resources available in the complex. It receives solvent streams from various absorbers and provides regenerated solvent back to the appropriate units, while efficiently utilizing heat from any connected plant, thus optimizing resource distribution across the entire system.
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
Enhances the efficiency of CO2 capture by sharing regeneration resources, reducing the need for separate systems and increasing the availability of steam for export, thereby optimizing utility usage and improving overall process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber in fluid flow communication with the first plant, configured to contact a solvent with the process gas stream and capture the CO2
Implementation Method 2
a regeneration section in fluid flow communication with the first plant and in thermal contact with the second plant to regenerate the solvent
Implementation Method 3
a CO2 stripping column where the solvent is stripped of CO2 by heating in a reboiler
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising generating a first process gas stream in a first plant; generating a process heat utility in a second plant; contacting the first process gas stream with a first solvent to produce a first CO2-depleted process gas stream and a first CO2-enriched solvent; regenerating the first CO2-enriched solvent in a regeneration system to produce a CO2-depleted solvent; wherein the process heat utility provides at least a portion of the heating duty for the regeneration system; wherein the first solvent comprises at least a portion of the CO2-depleted solvent.