Device and Method for Reducing CO2 Emissions from the Exhaust Gases of Combustion Plants

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This patent describes a method and apparatus for reducing CO2 emissions from combustion plant exhaust gases using a membrane module. The key innovation is to maintain flue gas at temperatures above the dew point of water vapor before it enters the membrane, preventing condensation and subsequent membrane clogging. The required high temperatures can be achieved by various means, such as heating or compression, and the separation process can be positioned either before or after sulfur removal, offering flexibility in integration with existing plants.

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

• Retrofitting existing fossil fuel power plants for CO2 capture
• Integration into new power plants to reduce CO2 emissions
• Industrial flue gas treatment (e.g., cement, steel industries)
• Waste-to-energy facilities emissions control
• Combined heat and power (CHP) plants emission reduction
• Adaptation for mobile or modular emission treatment units

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevents clogging and extends lifespan of CO2 separation membranes by operating above the condensation point of water vapor
• Enables more reliable and efficient CO2 separation from various types of flue gases
• Flexible integration options (before or after desulfurization) suit different plant designs and retrofit scenarios
• Reduces operational costs and complexity compared to solvent-based CO2 capture methods
• Potentially maintains higher plant efficiency by minimizing additional heating or process steps
• Supports climate goals by enabling carbon capture and storage or utilization (CCS/CCU) strategies

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

A method for separating carbon dioxide from a flue gas using a membrane (membrane module) is characterized in that the flue gas has temperatures above the dew line of the water vapor before entering the membrane separation stage. In this way, condensation of potentially entrained water vapor out of the flue gas is avoided, thereby regularly preventing clogging of the membrane pores. The high temperatures can be achieved in different ways. By connecting a heat exchanger or a burner upstream, the temperature of the flue gas can be easily increased to the necessary temperatures. A condenser, which is connected upstream of the membrane module and also advantageously increases the CO2 partial pressure, at the same time brings about the necessary temperature increase. As another alternative of the invention, the CO2 separation is performed even before desulfurizing the flue gas. This in particular has the advantage that the flue gas in this process stage still has temperatures above the dew line of the water vapor, and therefore does not have to be heated separately, and in addition generally carries only little water vapor at this stage of the scrubbing operation.