Warm Distillation of CO2 Streams for Helium Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating light gas fractions, such as helium, from carbon dioxide streams are economically inefficient due to high capital and operating costs associated with cryogenic processes.
Innovation Solution
A process employing a warm distillation and condensation step as the primary separation method, reducing capital equipment requirements and energy costs by separating light gas components from carbon dioxide streams at elevated pressures without the need for cryogenic temperatures, followed by additional separation steps on smaller gas volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic fractionation is used to separate light gas fractions from carbon dioxide streams, then separation effectiveness is improved, but capital equipment costs and operating energy costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cryogenic conditions to warm conditions (above -6.7°C), fundamentally altering the separation mechanism from cryogenic condensation to warm distillation. This parameter change reduces capital equipment requirements while maintaining separation effectiveness through the specific distillation configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process is segmented into distinct stages: a first warm distillation column for bulk separation and a second stage for fine separation. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, reducing overall capital requirements compared to a single cryogenic system while achieving the same separation effectiveness
2Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic fractionation is used to separate light gas fractions from carbon dioxide streams, then separation effectiveness is improved, but operating energy costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cryogenic conditions to warm conditions (above -6.7°C), fundamentally altering the separation mechanism from cryogenic condensation to warm distillation. This parameter change reduces capital equipment requirements while maintaining separation effectiveness through the specific distillation configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The process maintains continuous operation with the liquid stream from the first column continuously fed to the second column, and the refrigeration system operating continuously to provide cooling. This continuous operation improves energy efficiency compared to batch cryogenic processes by eliminating start-stop energy losses
3Device complexity
If traditional solvent or adsorption methods are used to remove light fractions, then equipment cost is reduced, but separation effectiveness and recovery efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions (vapor-liquid equilibrium) in the warm distillation columns to achieve separation. The light gas fractions preferentially vaporize while carbon dioxide remains in the liquid phase, providing effective separation without the high equipment costs of cryogenic methods
Solution Approach 2:
The warm distillation system serves multiple functions: it separates light gas fractions, purifies carbon dioxide to high grade, and can operate with various feed compositions. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple specialized units required by traditional methods
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 recovers high-grade carbon dioxide and light gas fractions like helium, enhancing the economics of carbon dioxide production and recovery, particularly for enhanced oil recovery and other applications, by minimizing capital and operating expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a first cooling and condensation step using a warm distillation process
Implementation Method 2
The first vapor stream is warmed in a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The combined stream then is compressed and is sent to a heat exchanger to be cooled
Implementation Method 4
a refrigeration system, condenser and phase separator
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates in one respect to a process for separating light gas components, preferably helium, from a stream containing predominantly carbon dioxide, and in another respect is directed to a process for purifying a feed stream containing predominantly carbon dioxide into a high grade carbon dioxide product stream using a waim distillation process as the primary carbon dioxide separation step.