Temperature Swing Adsorption Gas Separation Steam Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature swing adsorption processes for combustion gas separation face challenges due to high steam consumption and performance degradation from particulate contamination in combustion gas streams, which limits the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon dioxide separation in coal-fired boilers.
Innovation Solution
A combustion system incorporating a temperature swing adsorptive gas separation process that utilizes a combination of low-pressure steam and treated combustion gas streams as regeneration streams, with optional auxiliary boilers and heaters to optimize adsorbent regeneration and reduce steam consumption, while minimizing particulate impact on adsorbent performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If steam is used as a regeneration stream to regenerate the adsorbent material, then the adsorbent material can be effectively regenerated, but the steam consumption increases and operating cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two regeneration streams: a first regeneration stream (steam or other fluid) and a second regeneration stream (combustion gas stream) to regenerate the adsorbent material. This merging approach allows the system to utilize the thermal energy from the combustion gas stream to supplement the steam regeneration process, thereby reducing overall steam consumption while maintaining effective adsorbent regeneration.
2Quantity of substance
If combustion gas stream is used as a regeneration stream to reduce steam consumption, then steam consumption decreases, but the adsorbent material performance degrades due to particulate contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the regeneration process into multiple zones within the adsorption contactor. The combustion gas stream is introduced in a specific zone (second zone) rather than the entire contactor, allowing regeneration to occur in a controlled manner that minimizes particulate contact with the adsorbent material while still providing thermal energy for water vapor desorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by first using steam or another fluid as a primary regeneration stream that contacts the adsorbent material, and then introducing the combustion gas stream as a secondary stream that provides additional thermal energy. This intermediary sequence protects the adsorbent material from direct exposure to particulate-laden combustion gases while still benefiting from the thermal energy reduction in steam consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If combustion gas stream is used as a regeneration stream, then alternative to steam is provided, but the availability of suitable temperature combustion gas stream is limited when post-combustion emission abatement processes are employed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system to accept multiple types of regeneration streams: a first regeneration stream (which can be steam, hot water, or other fluids) and a second regeneration stream (combustion gas stream). This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different operational conditions and available heat sources, providing flexibility in regeneration stream selection based on system requirements and available resources.
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 reduces steam consumption, enhances the efficiency of carbon dioxide separation, and mitigates performance degradation caused by particulates, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the combustion system.
Implementation Method 1
Temperature swing adsorption methods are known in the art for use in adsorptive separation of multi-component gas mixtures
Implementation Method 2
subsequently regenerating the adsorbent material by desorbing the adsorbed component
Data Source
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AI summary
A combustion system and process of operating the combustion system incorporating an electrostatic precipitator, an optional flue gas desulfurizer, and a temperature swing adsorptive gas separator, for post-combustion emission abatement is provided. A very low pressure steam stream may be employed as a first regeneration stream for the temperature swing adsorptive gas separator where the very low pressure steam stream may optionally be recovered from, a very low pressure steam turbine or an auxiliary boiler. A fluid stream at a suitable temperature for regeneration of at least one adsorbent material in the temperature swing adsorptive gas separator may be employed as a second regeneration stream where the fluid stream may optionally be recovered from an electrostatic precipitator, an oxidant preheater, or an auxiliary heater.