Ship CO2 Capture Membrane Desorption Using Seawater Mineralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and operation of CO2 capture and storage (CCUS) systems on ships face challenges due to limited space, high costs, and safety concerns, including high energy consumption, reduced cargo capacity, and potential hazards from CO2 storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A ship CO2 capture-membrane desorption-mineralization system using hollow fiber membrane contactors immersed in seawater, which employs a CO2-rich solution pumped through membrane elements for diffusion into seawater, minimizing energy consumption and storing CO2 as carbonate in the ocean.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional post-combustion CO2 capture system using alkanolamine absorbent is installed on ship, then CO2 capture function is achieved, but ship space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines CO2 absorption, regeneration, and storage functions into an integrated system. The absorption tower and storage tank are positioned to utilize vertical space efficiently, while the membrane contactor integrates separation and regeneration functions in a compact configuration, reducing overall system volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested arrangement where the absorption tower is positioned above the storage tank, and the membrane contactor is placed within the engine room space. This vertical stacking and spatial nesting allows the CCUS system to fit within the limited ship volume while maintaining all necessary functional components.
2Reliability
If CO2 compressors and condensers are installed for high-pressure storage, then CO2 storage capability is improved, but ship space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the CO2 from the exhaust gas stream in the absorption tower and directly transfers it to the storage tank in a dissolved state. By eliminating the compression and condensation steps, the system removes the need for large compressors and condensers, significantly reducing the volume required for CO2 storage equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of CO2 from gaseous or liquid high-pressure storage to dissolved state in the absorbent solution. This parameter change allows CO2 to be stored at atmospheric pressure in the absorption tower, eliminating the need for high-pressure compression equipment and reducing space requirements.
3Reliability
If CO2 is stored and transported on ship, then CO2 utilization is achieved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of stored CO2 from gaseous or liquid form to dissolved state in the absorbent solution. This parameter change eliminates the safety hazards associated with high-pressure storage, cryogenic temperatures, and gas leakage, as the dissolved CO2 cannot rapidly expand or cause suffocation in the same manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful aspect of CO2 storage (safety risks from gaseous/liquid storage) into a beneficial dissolved state. The CO2 that would otherwise pose safety hazards is transformed into a stable, dissolved form that can be safely transported and utilized, turning a potential harm into a safe operational state.
4Reliability
If CO2 absorbent regeneration is performed using traditional methods, then CO2 capture efficiency is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service regeneration where the CO2-rich solution is regenerated in-situ within the absorption tower using the membrane contactor. The system uses the existing CO2 concentration gradient and membrane permeation to drive regeneration without external energy input, allowing the absorbent to continuously regenerate itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional thermal regeneration process (which requires heating equipment and energy input) with a membrane-based permeation process. The membrane contactor uses selective gas permeation driven by concentration gradients to regenerate the absorbent, substituting a mechanical/thermal system with a mass transfer-based system that consumes minimal energy.
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 system requires minimal space transformation, reduces energy consumption, enhances safety, and lowers costs by using seawater mineralization as a driving force for CO2 regeneration, avoiding gaseous losses and mutual pollution.
Implementation Method 1
introducing the cooled exhaust gas into the absorption tower, and using an efficient CO2 absorbent to capture a ship CO2 in the absorption tower with countercurrent contact
Implementation Method 2
allowing the dissolved CO2 in the CO2-rich solution to diffuse into seawater through the membrane elements
Implementation Method 3
Storing CO2 in the ocean in the form of carbonate makes storage easier and safer
Data Source
AI summary
An efficient and low-energy ship CO2 capture-membrane desorption-mineralization fixation system, comprising a cooler, a fan, an absorption tower, a CO2-rich solution pump, a plurality of hollow fiber membrane contactors, and a CO2-lean solution pump, which are connected one by one to form a queue. The beginning of the queue is connected to a marine diesel engine, and the end of the queue is connected to the absorption power again. The hollow fiber membrane contactors are arranged in parallel. The present invention uses a CO2 mineralization fixation by seawater as the driving force for the regeneration of CO2 from the CO2-rich solution. This system and method can solve the problems existing in the existing ship CCUS technology with zero CO2 regeneration energy consumption, and easier and safer CO2 storage in the ocean.