Device and Method for CO2 Separation from a Process Gas

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The invention describes a device and method for efficiently separating CO2 from process gases, such as flue gases from coal power plants. It utilizes multiple (at least three) membrane-based separation units, some arranged in series (cascade), where CO2-permeable membranes remove CO2 through successive stages. The design allows adjustment of permeate pressures independently for each stage and enables the collection of purified CO2 streams for high separation efficiency and purity with reduced energy loss compared to conventional methods.

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

• Carbon capture at coal-fired power plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• CO2 removal from industrial process gases (e.g., cement plants).
• Upgrading biogas or natural gas by removing CO2.
• Facilitating CO2 capture for sequestration or reuse in the chemical industry.
• Integration in power-to-gas or hydrogen production processes for purer product streams.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly higher CO2 separation efficiency and purity compared to single-membrane systems.
• Reduces overall energy consumption and efficiency loss in power plants.
• Enables flexible optimization based on membrane type and process requirements for different industrial settings.
• Smaller membrane area needed, resulting in lower capital and operational costs.
• Independent pressure control for each membrane stage allows optimal performance and adaptability.
• Can be customized with different membrane materials (polymer, ceramic) tailored to each process step.

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for separating CO2 from a process gas, comprising at least three separation units (separation steps or separation stages) having CO2 permeable membranes for CO2 separation. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least two separation units are embodied as successively switched separation steps in which the retentate of the first separation unit is used as feed for the second separation unit. A third separation unit is arranged downstream of the third separation unit in such a manner that only the permeate of said separation unit is used as feed for the third separation unit. Said device also comprises means for adjusting separate permeate pressure for each separation unit. The permeate flows resulting from the separation steps can be guided together from the separation units (1 and 3). With the aid of said device, it is possible to separate the CO2 from a process gas. The process gas is guided over several membranes and also at least one permeate flow is guided over an additional membrane in an additional separation step. The resulting permeate is subsequently guided together. Due to said invention, it is possible to separate CO2 having a high degree of separation and a high purity from a process gas and then a high netto degree of efficiency is obtained.