Device and Method for CO2 Separation from a Process Gas

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention provides a device and process for separating CO2 from process gases, especially in industrial settings like coal power plants. It uses two or more sequential separation units, each with a CO2-permeable membrane, where permeate pressures are individually controlled. The permeate streams from different separation steps are combined to produce a CO2-enriched stream. This configuration allows targeted process optimization, achieving high CO2 separation efficiency and purity with minimal energy loss.

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

• Carbon capture in coal-fired power plants to reduce emissions.
• CO2 removal from industrial flue gases (e.g., cement plants, steel plants).
• Pre-combustion or post-combustion carbon capture setups in integrated gasification combined cycles (IGCC).
• Hydrogen production processes requiring CO2 separation.
• Industrial gas purification systems.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Achieves high separation efficiency and high CO2 product purity.
• Allows energy-efficient operation with minimal impact on overall process efficiency.
• Flexible configuration by using different types of membranes (polymer or ceramic) and adjusting permeate pressure in each stage.
• Reduces the required membrane area, lowering costs and equipment size.
• Enables optimization for specific industrial conditions, increasing applicability across various processes.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to a method for separating CO2 from a process gas, comprising two successively arranged separation units (separation steps) having CO2 permeable membranes for separating CO2-, means for adjusting a separate permeate pressure on the permeate side of each membrane and guiding the permeate flows together from the individual separation steps into a collection line. With the aid of said type of device, it is possible to separate CO2 from a process gas. The process gas is initially guided over a first membrane in a first separation step (I), the retentate is guided from the first separation step (I) as feed into a second separating step (II) over a second membrane and the permeate flows are guided together from the first and second separation steps. According to the invention, it is possible to separate the CO2 having a high degree of separation and high purity from the process gas and then to obtain a high netto degree of efficiency.