Structured CO2 Absorption Reactors for Faster Solvent Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CO2 capture processes face challenges such as low mass transfer rates, high energy consumption, and large equipment requirements due to temperature gradients and solvent regeneration inefficiencies, particularly in absorption columns using amine solutions.
Innovation Solution
A novel reactor design utilizing meso/micro structured network plates and heat exchange plates for enhanced mass and heat transfer, enabling continuous CO2 absorption and solvent regeneration, with a process that includes co-current flow and temperature control to optimize CO2 transfer and solvent reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional packed or tray columns are used for CO2 absorption, then the transfer area between gas and liquid can be increased, but the mass transfer rates remain low and equipment size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic elements into the absorption column by using movable plates that can oscillate or rotate, creating dynamic gas-liquid contact patterns. This dynamic motion continuously renews the interfacial area between gas and liquid phases, significantly enhancing mass transfer rates compared to static packed columns or tray configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs mechanical vibration through oscillating plates or vibrating elements within the absorption column. This vibration creates intense mixing and turbulence at the gas-liquid interface, dramatically increasing the effective transfer area and mass transfer coefficient, thereby resolving the contradiction between large equipment size and low mass transfer rate.
2Productivity
If large columns are used to overcome low mass transfer rates, then CO2 absorption capacity increases, but capital costs and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the absorption process by introducing dynamic motion and vibration, which fundamentally alters the mass transfer kinetics. This allows achieving high CO2 absorption capacity in a compact column size, reducing both capital costs and operating costs associated with large conventional columns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous dynamic action through continuously oscillating or rotating plates, ensuring that gas-liquid contact is constantly renewed and optimized throughout the column. This continuous useful action maintains high mass transfer efficiency without requiring large column dimensions, thereby reducing operating costs.
3Temperature
If temperature gradients are present in the absorption column, then temperature control becomes difficult, but absorption efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic plates create continuous motion that promotes uniform heat distribution throughout the column. This dynamic mixing prevents localized temperature gradients from forming, maintaining consistent temperature conditions that optimize absorption efficiency while simplifying temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces heat exchange plates as intermediary elements between the absorption zones. These plates facilitate controlled heat transfer, acting as mediators that maintain uniform temperature distribution throughout the column, thereby preventing temperature gradients from reducing absorption efficiency.
4Productivity
If solvent is heated to high temperatures for regeneration, then CO2 release is promoted, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating actions in the absorption column itself through the dynamic plates that create frictional heating and promote partial CO2 release during the absorption process. This preliminary action reduces the temperature difference required in the regeneration stage, thereby lowering the energy consumption for solvent regeneration while maintaining high regeneration efficiency.
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 method achieves high CO2 absorption rates and efficient solvent regeneration, reducing equipment size and energy consumption, while maintaining operational efficiency and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a gas stream containing CO2 is contacted with a liquid solvent, usually an amine solution, which absorbs the CO2
Implementation Method 2
A molecule of CO2 reacts with an amine group, and form an ion zwitterion that is very unstable, and reacts with another amine group to form a carbamate
Implementation Method 3
it is essential to use steam to promote contact with the solvent stream, which promotes the transfer of CO2 into the steam stream
Implementation Method 4
the solvent must be heated to high temperatures, between 80 and 120 °C depending on the solvent, in order for CO2 to be released
Implementation Method 5
the aim is to increase the transfer area between the gas and the liquid in order to promote the transfer of CO2 to the liquid stream
Implementation Method 6
the CO2-rich stream is obtained after the steam is condensed
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a novel and improved method for the continuous carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption from a gas stream using an amine solution as solvent, and regeneration of said solvent. It is disclosed a method for continuous carbon dioxide absorption and solvent regeneration comprising the use of a plurality of reactors in series wherein each reactor comprises at least one reaction fluid distributor network for flowing one or more reaction fluids, wherein said reaction fluid distributor network comprises an array of chambers, each chamber being interconnected by at least two channels to at least two other chambers.