Wash Column with Segmented Packing for Gas Purification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing columns require additional filtration steps to separate solid particles from carbon dioxide-containing gas streams, which increases equipment expenditure and operational complexity, especially when dealing with particle-laden gas streams from coal gasification systems.
Innovation Solution
A washing column design with a structured packing in the upper region for absorbent separation and a packed packing in the lower region for solid particle separation, allowing for easier cleaning and reduced contamination, along with a chimney floor to separate washing liquids and prevent particle deposits, and a method using demineralized water as the second absorbent for efficient separation and regeneration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a washing column is used to separate methanol residues and solid particles from carbon dioxide-containing exhaust gas streams, then the gas stream is purified from absorbent residues and particles, but additional filtration steps and equipment are required, increasing device complexity and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the washing function and filtration function into a single integrated washing column. The structured packing serves dual purposes: it provides surface area for mass transfer (washing) while its geometry inherently filters solid particles. This merging eliminates the need for separate filtration equipment and steps, reducing device complexity while maintaining purification effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured packing material is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mass transfer medium for separating methanol residues from the gas stream, while its geometric structure also serves as a filter for solid particles. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall system configuration.
2Productivity
If structured packing is used for mass transfer in the washing column, then absorption efficiency is improved, but particle deposits accumulate on the packing, making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The washing column is divided into two distinct zones: an upper mass transfer zone with structured packing for high-efficiency absorption, and a lower particle separation zone with loose packing for particle filtration. This segmentation protects the structured packing from particle deposits by intercepting particles in the lower zone, thereby maintaining absorption efficiency while enabling easier cleaning of each zone independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The loose packing material in the lower zone acts as an intermediary that captures solid particles before they can reach and deposit on the structured packing in the upper zone. This intermediary layer protects the structured packing from contamination, maintaining its absorption efficiency while allowing the loose packing to be cleaned more easily.
3Reliability
If filtration is added to separate solid particles before washing, then particle separation is improved, but equipment expenditure and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges particle separation and washing operations into a single integrated column. The structured packing provides both mass transfer surfaces for washing and geometric structures that filter particles, eliminating the need for separate filtration equipment and reducing both equipment expenditure and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured packing material is designed to perform dual functions: it facilitates mass transfer for removing methanol residues while simultaneously filtering solid particles through its geometric structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate filtration steps and equipment, reducing overall process complexity.
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
The solution enables partial separation of solid particles and absorbent residues from exhaust gas streams with reduced effort, improving operational efficiency and reducing equipment needs by simplifying the cleaning process and allowing for the reuse of absorbents and water, thus lowering costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a structured packing (4) for separating residues of the first absorbent from the second exhaust gas stream by absorption with a second absorbent
Implementation Method 2
a packing material arranged in the lower part of the interior and below the inlet for the second exhaust gas stream
Implementation Method 3
allowing for easier cleaning and reduced contamination, along with a chimney floor to separate washing liquids and prevent particle deposits
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention provides a scrubbing column for cleaning gas streams loaded with absorbent residues, for example methanol, and also with solid particles, for example fuel dust. According to the invention, the gas stream loaded with absorbent residues and solid particles is scrubbed by means of a packed bed arranged in the lower region of the scrubbing column, and the gas stream loaded only with absorbent residues but not with solid particles is scrubbed by means of a structured packing arranged in the upper region of the scrubbing column.The use of the washing column according to the invention in the plant network between a gasification plant and a gas scrubbing plant, which is operated, for example, according to the Rectisol process, offers particular advantages with regard to its commercial applicability due to the described interconnection possibilities, which provide synergies for efficient operation of the plant network.