High Purity CO Production via Solid Oxide Electrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing high purity carbon monoxide (CO) are costly due to the need for cryogenic processes, which are expensive and require large central facilities, leading to high costs for smaller quantities and safety concerns due to the poisonous nature of CO.
Innovation Solution
The use of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC) for the electrolysis of carbon dioxide (CO2) with individual current control across each cell and a dedicated electrolyser design to achieve high conversion rates and purity, combined with gas cleaning techniques like solvent absorption, adsorption, membrane filtering, and condensation, to produce high purity CO without adding impurities to the product stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic processes are used to purify CO to high purity, then purity of CO is improved, but production cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cryogenic conditions to above -100°C, enabling the use of alternative purification mechanisms that are less complex and more cost-effective while maintaining high CO purity through controlled chemical reactions and selective absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cryogenic separation system with a chemical-based purification system using selective absorption and controlled reactions, eliminating the need for complex cryogenic equipment and reducing overall system complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic processes are used to purify CO to high purity, then purity of CO is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter to above -100°C, the patent enables the use of less expensive purification methods that avoid the high capital and operational costs associated with cryogenic processes, thereby reducing production cost while maintaining high purity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs consumable absorption materials and catalysts that can be replaced periodically at lower cost compared to the expensive and durable cryogenic equipment, reducing overall production costs for high purity CO
3Manufacturing precision
If CO is produced at central facilities with long distribution paths, then high purity CO can be produced, but safety risks and handling costs increase due to CO being poisonous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables decentralized CO production at local points of use rather than central facilities, segmenting the production system to eliminate long distribution paths and associated safety risks of transporting poisonous CO gas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses CO2 as an intermediary substance that can be safely transported and stored, then converted to CO locally through electrochemical reduction, eliminating the need to transport poisonous CO while maintaining product purity
4Ease of manufacture
If simple low cost purification techniques are used without cryogenic processes, then production cost is reduced, but achieving high purity CO becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite purification approach combining multiple simple techniques (selective absorption, controlled chemical reactions, temperature control) that work synergistically to achieve high purity CO without the complexity and cost of cryogenic processes
Solution Approach 2:
By optimizing parameters such as temperature (above -100°C), pressure, and reaction conditions, the patent enables simple purification techniques to achieve high CO purity levels that were previously only attainable through expensive cryogenic methods
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 reduces production costs by achieving high purity CO with efficient gas cleaning at temperatures above -100°C, minimizing impurities and operational expenses, and allows for safer handling and distribution of CO.
Implementation Method 1
The principle of the CO2 electrolyser is that CO2 (possibly including some CO) is fed to the electrolyser cathode. As current is applied, the CO2 is converted to CO
Implementation Method 2
The carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide through ionization of oxygen
Implementation Method 3
gas cleaning techniques like solvent absorption
Implementation Method 4
gas cleaning techniques like solvent absorption, adsorption
Implementation Method 5
gas cleaning techniques like solvent absorption, adsorption, membrane filtering, and condensation
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a process for producing high purity CO by electrolysis of C02 in a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell stack and a gas separation unit, also the gas separation unit may be a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell stack.