Method for Removal of CO2 from a Flue Gas or Exhaust Gas of a Combustion Process

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This patent describes a method for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the exhaust gases of combustion processes, such as those found in power plants. The technique uses microalgae or other cellular organisms that convert CO2 into biomass when supplied with nutrients. To enable efficient separation, magnetic particles are introduced to bond with the resulting biomass or the algae themselves, allowing the biomass to be collected quickly using magnetic separation devices. The collected biomass can then be further processed to produce biogas or bio-oil.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) in fossil fuel power plants to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
• Integration with industrial exhaust systems to reduce carbon footprint and produce valuable biomass.
• Production of biofuels from the harvested microalgae biomass.
• Use in wastewater treatment plants to both capture CO2 and treat waste with algae.
• Potential application in combined heat and power plants where exhaust gases are abundant.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides an energy-efficient and chemical-free alternative to traditional biomass separation methods (like filtration or centrifugation).
• Simultaneously addresses CO2 emission reduction and renewable biomass production.
• Allows for controlled, continuous removal and regrowth of microalgae, optimizing CO2 uptake.
• Enables recycling of magnetic particles, lowering operational costs and environmental impact.
• Facilitates integration with existing industrial processes without major redesigns.
• Generates useful byproducts such as biogas and bio-oil, promoting circular economy principles.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to the removal of CO2 from the smoke or exhaust gas (20) of a combustion process in a power plant (1). The exhaust gases comprising CO2 are fed into a tank (30) in which cellular organisms (40), such as micro algae, are present, converting the CO2 into biomass (10) when nutrients (N) are added. The micro algae and/or the generated biomass have magnetic particles (60) added, which combines with the algae and/or the biomass. The biomass having the magnetic particles is separated in a magnetic separation stage (120) or magnetic drum separator.