Supersonic CO2 Extraction via Inertial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for CO2 separation, such as amine scrubbing, are energy-intensive and costly, and lack efficiency in capturing CO2 from gas streams where it is either a minor or majority component, particularly in flue gas from power plants.
Innovation Solution
A supersonic gas separation system utilizing a converging-diverging nozzle to accelerate flue gas to supersonic velocities, inducing condensation or desublimation of CO2, which is then separated via inertial forces and recirculated, with a cyclone particle separator and ejector apparatus to minimize energy consumption and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional amine scrubbing methods are used for CO2 separation, then CO2 capture is achieved, but energy consumption and operational costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas mixture by accelerating it to supersonic speeds through a converging-diverging nozzle, causing rapid cooling and phase change of CO2 from gas to solid particles, enabling separation without energy-intensive chemical absorption processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical absorption mechanism (amine scrubbing) with a physical inertial separation mechanism using supersonic flow and centrifugal forces in a swirl separator, eliminating the need for chemical reactions and associated energy consumption
2Use of energy by stationary object
If supersonic acceleration is used to separate CO2, then energy consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by utilizing supersonic gas flow and pressure differentials to achieve separation, replacing complex mechanical moving parts with fluid dynamic control through carefully designed nozzle and separator geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic supersonic flow conditions and transient phase changes during the separation process, using the kinetic energy of the flowing gas itself to drive the separation rather than static mechanical components
3Productivity
If CO2 is separated via condensation at supersonic speeds, then separation efficiency is improved, but temperature reduction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the phase transition of CO2 from gas to solid (desublimation) that occurs when the gas mixture is rapidly cooled during supersonic expansion, causing CO2 to condense into separable solid particles while other gases remain in the vapor phase
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 achieves efficient and cost-effective CO2 capture with reduced energy and operational costs, capable of handling CO2 as a minor or majority component in gas streams, and is scalable and mechanically simple with low capital costs.
Implementation Method 1
A non-condensable gas stream is mixed with a compressed CO2 stream and expanded through a converging-diverging nozzle to supersonic speeds
Implementation Method 2
This process results in a rapid reduction of temperature and pressure and the condensation of undesirable constituents of flue gas
Implementation Method 3
The higher density of the resulting particles permits inertial separation by centrifugal forces created by swirl induced in the nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are supersonic separation systems that can be used for the removal of CO2 from a mixed gas stream. Also disclosed are methods for the separation and subsequent collection of solidified CO2 from a gas stream.