Two-Salt Thermolytic Process for CO2 Sequestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for carbon dioxide sequestration from power plant waste streams are energy-intensive and not economically feasible, consuming more energy than they generate, and lack efficiency in removing CO2 from flue gases.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the conversion of Group 2 silicate minerals into Group 2 chloride salts, followed by the formation of Group 2 hydroxide and/or hydroxychloride salts, which react with CO2 to form carbonate salts, utilizing heat and chemical recycling to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional CO2 sequestration methods are used, then CO2 removal is achieved, but energy consumption is excessively high and economic feasibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple process steps into an integrated cycle where CO2 capture, conversion to carbonates, and regeneration of reagents occur in a closed loop. The exothermic carbonation reaction is merged with the endothermic decomposition step, allowing heat integration that reduces external energy requirements while maintaining high CO2 removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes temperature and pressure parameter changes to drive the cyclic process. CO2 capture occurs at lower temperatures, while regeneration and reagent recovery occur at elevated temperatures. This parameter cycling enables the system to achieve both high CO2 removal efficiency and reduced net energy consumption by leveraging the thermodynamic properties of the chemical reactions involved.
2Reliability
If energy-intensive sequestration methods are employed, then CO2 is captured from flue gas, but the process consumes more energy than it generates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO2 emissions into a beneficial product (carbonate minerals) while simultaneously generating useful byproducts. The exothermic heat from carbonation reactions is converted into a resource that can be used for steam generation or process heating, thereby converting what would be waste heat into a useful energy source that improves the net energy balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by using the heat generated from the carbonation reaction to drive the decomposition and regeneration steps. The process uses its own byproducts (heat, regenerated reagents) to sustain its operation, reducing or eliminating the need for external energy inputs and achieving a positive or neutral net energy balance.
3Productivity
If existing CO2 removal techniques are implemented, then carbon sequestration is achieved, but the processes are not economically feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers and reuses materials that would otherwise be discarded or require continuous replenishment. The alkaline reagents are regenerated in-situ through thermal decomposition and reaction with fresh CO2, eliminating the need for continuous purchase and disposal of chemicals. This material recovery loop significantly reduces operational costs and improves economic feasibility while maintaining high carbon sequestration rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system that simultaneously achieves CO2 sequestration, heat generation, and reagent regeneration. The carbonate products serve both as sequestered carbon and as potential commercial products. The system processes flue gas while generating useful thermal energy and producing marketable carbonate materials, thereby improving economic feasibility through multiple revenue streams and reduced operational expenses.
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 effectively sequesters carbon dioxide into mineral carbonate form while reusing byproducts, achieving significant energy efficiency and potential profitability by utilizing inexpensive raw materials and waste heat, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
heating a first halide or hydrate thereof with water, at least a part of which is obtained from the water of step (b), under conditions suitable to form a first product mixture comprising a first hydroxide, oxide, and/or hydroxychloride and HCl
Implementation Method 2
admixing some or all of the first hydroxide, oxide, and/or hydroxychloride with a second halide or hydrate thereof and carbon dioxide under conditions suitable to form a second product mixture comprising a first halide or hydrate thereof, a carbonate salt, and water
Implementation Method 3
admixing a Group 2 silicate mineral with HCl obtained from step (a), under conditions suitable to form a third product mixture comprising a Group 2 chloride, water, and silicon dioxide
Implementation Method 4
These in turn may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form Group 2 carbonate salts, optionally in the presence of catalysts. These steps may be combined to form a cycle in which carbon dioxide is sequestered in the form of carbonate salts and byproducts from one or more steps, such as heat and chemicals, are re-used or recycled in one or more other steps
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an energy efficient carbon dioxide sequestration processes whereby Group 2 silicate minerals and CO2 are converted into limestone and sand using a two-salt thermolytic process that allows for the cycling of heat and chemicals from one step to another.