Systems and methods for production and separation of hydrogen and carbon dioxide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing carbon dioxide from industrial gas streams are costly and energy-intensive, posing challenges for achieving 100% CO2 recovery and integration with hydrogen production processes, which is crucial for reducing atmospheric CO2 emissions and supporting a hydrogen-based economy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an auto-refrigeration system for efficient carbon dioxide separation from industrial process streams, combined with hydrogen production methods that utilize partial oxidation and catalytic reactors, enables the production of pure hydrogen with minimal CO2 emissions and the recovery of CO2 for subsequent sequestration or reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional CO2 removal methods (chemical/physical solvent scrubbing) are used, then CO2 can be removed from process streams, but the cost and energy consumption become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of CO2 by cooling the process stream to cryogenic temperatures where CO2 transitions from gas to liquid or solid phase, enabling separation from hydrogen and other gases that remain in vapor phase. This phase change approach eliminates the need for energy-intensive chemical scrubbing processes while achieving effective CO2 removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter to extremely low (cryogenic) ranges, fundamentally altering the physical state and separation characteristics of CO2. By operating at temperatures below CO2 sublimation point, the system achieves selective CO2 condensation and separation without requiring the high energy input of conventional thermal or chemical methods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If chemical or physical solvent scrubbing processes are used to remove CO2, then CO2 can be captured, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple cryogenic cooling and phase transition of CO2 to achieve separation, eliminating the need for complex solvent circulation systems, chemical reactors, and multiple processing stages required by conventional scrubbing methods. The system reduces to basic cooling and separation equipment, dramatically simplifying the overall process configuration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If near 100% CO2 capture is achieved through conventional methods, then atmospheric CO2 emissions are minimized, but the production cost of hydrogen increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cryogenic phase transition of CO2 to achieve near 100% capture efficiency without the high operational costs of solvent regeneration, chemical reagent consumption, and complex equipment maintenance associated with conventional methods. The low operating cost of cryogenic separation makes high-level CO2 capture economically viable alongside hydrogen production.
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 significantly reduces the cost of CO2 removal, achieves near 100% CO2 capture, and enhances hydrogen production efficiency, making it suitable for various applications including fuel cells, power generation, and fertilizer production while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the process stream to a temperature within about 15° C. of a freezing point of the process stream
Implementation Method 2
expanding the process stream so as to reduce the temperature of the process stream
Implementation Method 3
catalytic reactors, which convert CO by reaction with steam to produce H2 and CO2
Implementation Method 4
hydrogen production methods that utilize partial oxidation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods useful for providing one or more chemical compounds in a substantially pure form. In particular, the systems and methods can be configured for separation of carbon dioxide from a process stream, such as a process stream in a hydrogen production system. As such, the present disclosure can provide systems and method for production of hydrogen and/or carbon dioxide.