Zeolite Membrane Gas Separator with Cooled Permeation Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas separation methods face challenges in increasing CO2 concentration and maintaining stable separation over time, particularly with zeolite membranes due to low CO2 partial pressure in combustion exhaust gases and degradation of facilitated transport membranes with moisture loss.
Innovation Solution
A gas separation method involving a separation membrane complex with a zeolite membrane having pores ≤1 nm on a porous support, where the permeation surface is cooled by 10°C or more than the supplied gas, improving CO2 selectivity and concentration, and using a pressure ≥1 MPa and low moisture content in the mixed gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the temperature of the separation membrane is lowered to increase CO2 selectivity, then CO2 concentration in permeated gas increases, but permeability to CO2 decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple separation membranes arranged in series along the gas flow path, each operating at different temperature zones. This segmentation allows the gas to undergo progressive separation stages, with each membrane contributing to overall CO2 concentration while maintaining adequate permeability through distributed temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature conditions are applied to different locations in the system. Upstream membranes operate at higher temperatures to maintain permeability, while downstream membranes operate at lower temperatures to achieve high CO2 selectivity and concentration in the final permeated gas.
2Manufacturing precision
If facilitated transport membrane is used to separate CO2, then separation capability is improved, but separation stability deteriorates with decreasing moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from relying on moisture content for facilitated transport to using temperature as the primary control parameter. By precisely controlling temperature gradients across multiple membranes, the system achieves stable separation performance without dependence on moisture levels, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a composite configuration of multiple separation membranes with different characteristics arranged in series. This composite approach combines the advantages of different membrane types and operating conditions to achieve both high separation capability and long-term stability.
3Manufacturing precision
If zeolite membrane is used for CO2 separation from combustion exhaust gas, then separation is achieved, but CO2 concentration in permeated gas remains low due to low CO2 partial pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple separation membranes arranged in series to continue the separation process through multiple stages. Each membrane contributes to further concentrating CO2 from the permeated gas of the previous stage, progressively building up CO2 concentration despite the low initial partial pressure in combustion exhaust gas.
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
Enhances CO2 selectivity and concentration in the permeated gas, reducing energy requirements and maintaining separation efficiency over time by efficiently adsorbing CO2 into the membrane pores.
Implementation Method 1
a separation membrane with pores having a mean pore diameter less than or equal to 1 nm is formed on a porous support... causing the carbon dioxide in the mixed gas to permeate through the separation membrane
Implementation Method 2
the temperature of at least part of a permeation surface of the support... has a temperature lower by 10° C. or more than a temperature of the mixed gas
Data Source
AI summary
A gas separator includes a separation membrane complex in which a separation membrane with pores having a mean pore diameter less than or equal to 1 nm is formed on a porous support, and a gas supply part that supplies a mixed gas including CO2 and another gas from the side of the separation membrane to the separation membrane complex. Then, CO2 in the mixed gas is caused to permeate through the separation membrane and the support and is separated from the mixed gas in a state in which at least part of a permeation surface of the support, from which a gas having permeated through the separation membrane is exhausted, has a temperature lower by 10° C. or more than the temperature of the mixed gas before being supplied to the separation membrane complex.