Solid CO2 Sorbent Regeneration Using Amine Liquid Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for regenerating solid sorbents used in CO2 capture are inefficient, lead to sorbent degradation, and result in impure CO2 streams due to contamination with other gases, and require expensive equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of amine-based liquids to transfer CO2 between solid and liquid sorbents at ambient conditions, allowing for multiple cycles without heating or pressure changes, and a cleaning step to remove residual amines using demineralized water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional regeneration methods (heating, vacuum, gas purge) are used to desorb CO2 from solid sorbent, then CO2 can be released from the sorbent, but the process is time inefficient and leads to sorbent degradation requiring expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the regeneration approach from thermal/vacuum methods to a chemical method using amine-based liquid sorbent. Instead of applying heat or vacuum to desorb CO2, the patent uses amine liquids that chemically react with and capture CO2 from the saturated solid sorbent, enabling rapid regeneration without time-consuming heating or pressure changes
Solution Approach 2:
The amine-based liquid sorbent acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates CO2 transfer from the solid sorbent. The liquid amine captures CO2 from the gas phase and then contacts the CO2-saturated solid sorbent, creating a chemical gradient that drives CO2 desorption from the solid phase without requiring energy-intensive external conditions
2Productivity
If heating and cooling cycles are applied to regenerate solid sorbent, then CO2 can be desorbed, but this leads to degradation of the solid sorbent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical/thermal system (heating, cooling, vacuum equipment) with a chemical system based on amine-CO2 reactions. Instead of using thermal energy to drive CO2 desorption, the patent employs chemical affinity of amine groups for CO2, eliminating the need for temperature cycling that degrades sorbent materials over time
3Productivity
If vacuum or gas purge methods are used for regeneration, then CO2 can be removed from solid sorbent, but the desorbed CO2 stream has lower purity due to contamination with other gases
Solution Approach 1:
The amine-based liquid sorbent serves as a selective intermediary that preferentially binds CO2 over other gases. When the liquid amine contacts the CO2-saturated solid sorbent, it selectively captures CO2 through chemical reaction, leaving other gases (N2, O2) in the gas phase, thus producing a high-purity CO2 stream
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces local chemical quality through amine functional groups that have specific affinity for CO2. The amine groups are distributed on the liquid sorbent and create localized chemical environments that selectively interact with CO2 molecules, enabling high-purity separation based on chemical properties rather than physical conditions
4Productivity
If amine-based liquid sorbent is used for DAC, then CO2 can be captured, but oxidative degradation of amines occurs and amine evaporates contaminating the CO2-lean air stream
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses amine-based liquid sorbent as an intermediary for CO2 transfer rather than direct exposure to air. The liquid amine captures CO2 from the gas phase in a controlled manner, and the subsequent contact with solid sorbent occurs in a closed system, minimizing amine exposure to oxidative conditions and evaporation to the atmosphere
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected environment for the amine-based liquid sorbent by conducting the CO2 transfer process in a controlled system rather than open air exposure. This inert environment approach prevents oxidative degradation of the amine and minimizes evaporation losses to the atmosphere
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
Achieves high-purity CO2 recovery with minimal sorbent degradation and contamination, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the CO2-rich solid sorbent with a CO2-lean liquid sorbent comprising an amine to transfer the CO2 from the CO2-rich solid sorbent to the CO2-lean liquid sorbent
Implementation Method 2
contacting a CO2-lean solid sorbent with a CO2-rich gas stream to transfer CO2 from the CO2-rich gas stream to the CO2-lean solid sorbent
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method and system for adsorption of CO2 by a solid sorbent and regeneration of said solid sorbent, wherein said method comprises the steps of: a) contacting a CO2-lean solid sorbent with a CO2-rich gas stream to transfer CO2 from the CO2-rich gas stream to the CO2-lean solid sorbent, resulting in a CO2-rich solid sorbent and a CO2-lean gas stream; and b) contacting the CO2-rich solid sorbent with a CO2-lean liquid sorbent comprising an amine to transfer the CO2 from the CO2-rich solid sorbent to the CO2-lean liquid sorbent, resulting in a CO2-rich liquid sorbent and regeneration of the CO2-lean solid sorbent.