Submarine CO2 Separation via Pressure Swing Adsorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating carbon dioxide from breathing air in submarines are inefficient and noisy, especially during the regeneration of adsorbers or absorbers, and do not effectively manage pressure and temperature for high efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pressure swing process is employed, where the gas mixture is fed to an adsorption or absorption unit at a first pressure and removed at a higher second pressure, using a pressure vessel and heating with superheated steam or electrical heating to increase pressure and promote desorption, while maintaining low carbon dioxide recirculation and using a volume compensator to ensure material stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a compressor is used to compress carbon dioxide during regeneration, then the carbon dioxide can be effectively compressed and removed, but the noise signature of the submarine increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compression system (compressor) with a pressure swing adsorption system. The adsorber vessel is cyclically pressurized and depressurized to achieve carbon dioxide separation and compression without mechanical moving parts, thereby eliminating compressor noise while maintaining effective carbon dioxide removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in pressure parameters to control the adsorption and desorption processes. By cycling the pressure in the adsorber vessel between high and low states, the system achieves both carbon dioxide separation and compression effects without requiring a traditional compressor, thus reducing noise signature
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal energy is generated by burning hydrocarbon-containing energy source, then the adsorber can be regenerated, but the submarine requires additional oxygen and produces harmful combustion byproducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal combustion system with a pressure swing adsorption system that uses pressure cycling instead of heat generation. This eliminates the need for hydrocarbon combustion to regenerate the adsorber, thereby eliminating combustion byproducts and oxygen consumption while maintaining effective adsorber regeneration through pressure-dependent adsorption and desorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the regeneration mechanism from thermal (heat-based) to mechanical (pressure-based). By utilizing pressure-dependent adsorption equilibrium, the system achieves adsorber regeneration without thermal energy input, eliminating the harmful effects of combustion while maintaining continuous operational capability
3Device complexity
If the gas mixture is processed at ambient pressure, then the adsorption process is simple, but the carbon dioxide separation efficiency and energy efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes pressure as a controlling parameter to enhance carbon dioxide separation efficiency. By operating the adsorption process at elevated pressures and then depressurizing for desorption, the system achieves higher carbon dioxide loading during adsorption and more effective desorption during pressure reduction, thereby improving separation efficiency while maintaining relatively simple process equipment
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 method achieves a highly efficient and energetically favorable process with low noise, using cost-effective units and saving construction costs by pre-compressing carbon dioxide, which can be dried effectively before compression, and eliminates the need for a compressor, improving the submarine's noise signature.
Implementation Method 1
the gas mixture is fed to an adsorption and/or absorption unit at at least a first pressure
Implementation Method 2
the gas mixture is fed to an adsorption and/or absorption unit at at least a first pressure
Implementation Method 3
heating with superheated steam or electrical heating to increase pressure and promote desorption
Implementation Method 4
heating with superheated steam or electrical heating to increase pressure and promote desorption
Implementation Method 5
A pressure swing process is employed, where the gas mixture is fed to an adsorption or absorption unit at a first pressure and removed at a higher second pressure
Implementation Method 6
using a volume compensator to ensure material stability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for separating carbon dioxide from a gas mixture (10a-10e), in particular from breathing air with a life support device, is proposed, wherein in a first process step (12a) the gas mixture (10a - 10e) is supplied to an adsorption and/or absorption unit (14a - 14e) at at least a first pressure and in a second process step (16a) a gas mixture (18a - 18e) is discharged from the adsorption and/or absorption unit (14a - 14e) at at least a second pressure higher than the first pressure.