Vacuum-Assisted Dry Steam Generation for Low-Temperature Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steam generation processes do not produce dry steam at temperatures below 100 °C, which is necessary for effective purging in adsorption/desorption temperature swing processes, especially for carbon dioxide desorption.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a reservoir with liquid water, a reactor containing an adsorbent, and a vacuum source, where heat from gases is transferred to the reservoir to evaporate water, producing dry steam for purging the adsorbent at temperatures below 100 °C, using a self-drying vacuum pump to manage pressure and prevent condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional steam generation processes are used, then steam can be produced for purging, but dry steam cannot be produced at temperatures below 100 °C
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter to enable dry steam generation below 100°C. By operating under vacuum conditions (reduced pressure), water evaporates at temperatures below its normal boiling point, producing dry steam suitable for purging the adsorbent at low temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a vacuum pump to create a vacuum environment in the reaction chamber. This pneumatic approach allows water to evaporate and produce dry steam at temperatures below 100°C by reducing the partial pressure of water vapor, enabling low-temperature desorption processes.
2Ease of operation
If water is evaporated at temperatures below 100 °C, then dry steam can be produced for purging, but conventional steam generation cannot achieve this
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vacuum pump's own capability to create a vacuum environment, which automatically enables water evaporation at low temperatures. The vacuum pump serves dual purposes: maintaining the vacuum for the reaction and simultaneously enabling dry steam generation without requiring a separate steam generation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump is used for multiple functions: maintaining the vacuum environment for the adsorption/desorption process and simultaneously enabling dry steam generation by reducing pressure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conventional steam generation equipment.
3Productivity
If carbon dioxide desorption is conducted at temperatures below 100 °C, then equilibrium penalty is minimized, but effective purging with dry steam is not possible using conventional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter to enable effective purging at low temperatures. By operating under vacuum, the system achieves both thermodynamic efficiency (minimizing equilibrium penalty) and effective purging capability, as the reduced pressure enables dry steam generation below 100°C.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum pump creates a pneumatic environment that enables effective CO2 desorption at low temperatures. The reduced pressure facilitates both the desorption equilibrium and the generation of dry steam for purging, achieving high productivity without conventional high-temperature steam generation.
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
Enables the use of dry steam as a purging gas during desorption at temperatures below 100 °C, effectively shifting the adsorption/desorption equilibrium and allowing for efficient carbon dioxide desorption without significant equilibrium penalty, while producing high-purity CO2 and demineralized water.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heat exchangers adapted to recover heat from gases leaving the reactor and wherein heat recovered from gases leaving the reactor is transferred to water in the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum source causes water in the reservoir to evaporate
Implementation Method 3
a vacuum source... the vacuum source causes water in the reservoir to evaporate, and water vapor to flow through the reactor for purging the adsorbent
Implementation Method 4
the vacuum source causes water in the reservoir to evaporate
Implementation Method 5
Temperature swing reactors can be used, for example, for adsorption/desorption processes... a first part of the process is conducted at a first temperature, T 1 , and a second part of the process is conducted at a second temperature, T 2
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is disclosed for conducting an adsorption/desorption swing reaction. The desorption step of the reaction is conducted at least in part at a temperature below 100 °C. Dry steam is used for purging the reactor and the adsorbent bed in the reactor. For this purpose the device has a water reservoir, and a vacuum source in fluid connection with the water reservoir and the reactor. During the desorption step the vacuum source causes water to evaporate, and the water vapor to flow through the reactor.